Establishment & Growth
By Carol Ray Duvall and Eileen McGuckian
As we move forward on returning Montrose School to active use, we reflect on the past of this special place. Montrose School was designed by local architect Thomas C. Groomes. The frame and pebble dash building is typical of school houses of its time, with great attention to light and air circulation for the students. The two-room building opened in the fall of 1909, welcoming students in grades 1 to 7 from rural and farming communities along Randolph and Montrose roads, Rockville Pike, and beyond. Coal-burning potbelly stoves in each room provided heating and a well on the east side of the property brought water via a handpump. By the 1930s, electricity replaced kerosene lamps, but outdoor toilets continued to be used into the 1940s. Youngsters from Spring Lake Park, located a mile up the railroad, walked the tracks to school and home each weekday. Generations of the Ray family of Spring Lake Park were among those making the trip. Some of the Ray children are shown in this photograph taken at the school in 1918 shortly before its temporary closure during WWI.
From L to R: Top row: Dorothy Kraft, Dorothy Dove, Jeannette Harmon, Margaret Norris Second row: Mildred Ray, teacher Mrs. Georgia Mae Taylor, Louise Norris, Roy Ray Bottom row: Donald Ray, Leonard Kraft, Mildred Briggs, James Long, Charlie Dove
“As a former student of Montrose School (September 1947 – June 1953), my heart is deeply rooted in the legacy of this beautiful building. Over the years, I find myself reflecting not just on my own personal experiences but on the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations. Montrose School isn’t just a building; it’s a place where memories were made, lifelong friendships were forged, and lives were shaped. As a student of history, I believe it’s crucial that we act to ensure this cherished landmark continues to thrive, providing a space for learning, community, and inspiration for years to come. If you attended Montrose School, we welcome your memories and your support in bringing this building back to its ‘glory days.'” Carol Ray DuVall
2025 Construction Update
When Peerless Rockville’s long-time tenant closed down for COVID in March 2020, the organization decided it was time to purchase the land beneath the school from the state – uniting ownership of the site. While Peerless owned the building since 1979, the state of Maryland held the land beneath. Acquiring this land meant lengthy negotiations with the State Highway Administration, navigating the state property clearance process, surveys, appraisals, and more. Simultaneously, Peerless engaged engineers and architects to address much needed updates to the interior of the building. In the interim, Peerless worked to protect the building from vandalism and illegal dumping at the site. Finally, by the end of 2024, Peerless obtained the land.
The first activities in 2025 involved site security: addressing break-ins and vandalism, and site clean up. A first phase interior demolition took place in January. To protect the property, we have upgraded security, boarded up the windows, and installed a gate on the driveway. More clean-up is needed, volunteer sessions will be scheduled for this spring. You are invited to join us!
In this new year, we are moving to put the building back in service. This new phase of modernization begins in tandem with the search for a suitable new tenant. Montrose’s 3000 square feet of charming historic space will be ideal for a small school operation, a compatible gentle office use, or other business purpose. For detailed information, click here.
Consider donating today to help renovate and reactivate the historic Montrose School House!
