Rudy Schoolhouse

The Rudy Schoolhouse

Rudy's school house was purchased by the Kreutz Creek Valley Preservation Society in 1997. Rudy's school, circa 1865, is a one room brick school house located along the Lincoln Highway, one half mile east of Hallam Borough. The facility houses the collection of historical records, artifacts and items that have been donated for the enjoyment and benefit of all. 

Museum Hours

The museum will be open on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment.

Phone (717) 755-3777 or (717) 252-4454

History of the Rudy School

In 1834 "an act to establish a general system of education by common schools" was signed into law in Pennsylvania supported by Governor George Wolf and Thaddeus Stevens, representative from Adams County. In York, a convention of delegates and commissioners from all of the townships held a vote for approval. Only five townships and the borough of York voted to accept the act. Two years later, in 1836 additional townships, including Hellam represented by James E. Mifflin, agreed to support the system of common schools.

The Rudy School was one of several established in Hellam Township. In 1839 a wooden school was built on land donated by Rudy and Stoner. In 1847 William Dietz Sr. at the age of 18, graduated from Rudy School under a teacher named Mr. Haugh. The school is found on county maps as early as 1860. In 1865, a brick school was built using the foundation stone and wood from the first school. Rudy School was closed in 1951 when the area schools were consolidated into the Kreutz Creek Elementary School. At that time, the Lentz family of Dallastown converted the building into a home. In 1954, the Selak family moved in and were the owners until 1996 when Donald Selak passed away. The Kreutz Creek Valley Preservation Society purchased the property in 1997 to house the collection of records and items donated to the organization. On September 9, 2000 the school, as a museum, was opened to the public.

Teachers of Record at Rudy's School

1923 - 25 Mame Strickler

1932 - 33 Margaret Holtzinger

1925 - 26 Anna Lehman

1926 - 29 Catherine Wallick

1929 - 30 Catherine Kadilak

1930 - 31 Lamar Inners

1931 - 32 No record

1932 - 33 Margaret Holtzinger

1933 - 34 Martha Fisher

1934 - 41 William R. Burg

1941 - 43 Naomi Montgomery

1943 - 44 Esther Hollinger

1944 - 51 Mary Miller