Each day, thousands of commuters on the Rockville Pike drive past a white stucco building with a green metal roof. Surrounded by shopping malls, towering high rises, and bustling roads, diminutive 1909 Montrose School evokes a unique era in local educational history and plays a special role for Peerless Rockville. Thomas C. Groomes designed this two-room schoolhouse with tall windows for maximum indoor illumination and ventilation. Other modern amenities included kerosene hurricane lamps and pot-bellied stoves in each classroom; an outside hand pump provided well water, and outdoor bathrooms were used by first to seventh grades. Electricity and indoor plumbing were added later.
The site was abandoned by the school system in the early 1970s and used for storage by State Highway Administration (SHA). The historic building was destined for demolition and in deplorable condition. In 1979, SHA agreed to sell it to Peerless Rockville for $1.00. Over the next several years, Peerless raised money for rehabilitation to remove inappropriate alterations and meet code requirements. Care was taken to retain all original materials and architectural features. Peerless found an appropriate adaptive use and then housed a variety of tenants during the past four decades. Unfortunately, our school tenant did not survive the Covid pandemic, leaving Montrose vacant for too long. In September 2024 Peerless Rockville purchased the land, and since that time has pulled together grants and loans to prepare for a construction phase that will repair and update the building. At the same time, Peerless is looking for a new, compatible tenant.
Peerless Rockville appreciates past public and private support over these 40 years. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments have generously donated time, expertise, and funds to preserve and maintain this Montgomery County historic treasure. Peerless is grateful for funds received for the land purchase and toward this major building project from the Maryland Historical Trust, Montgomery County, Preservation Maryland, the Estate of Genevieve Wimsatt, and gifts from donors and members….. More funds will be needed to complete construction in 2025.
Who is writing this newsletter? Writing with pride are Carol DuVall (Montrose student September 1947-June 53) and Eileen McGuckian (Peerless Rockville Executive Director Emerita), with assistance from Peerless staff.
In upcoming newsletters, we’ll describe in detail plans for the extensive (and expensive) repair, update, and restoration of Montrose School and its grounds. We think you will enjoy stories about the past and those who attended this rural school just off the Rockville Pike. We’ll also keep you informed as construction gets under way and invite your help during this year. Watch for details on this exciting project in our monthly newsletters.
Please share this newsletter with others, sign onto the mailing list, send us your questions and memories of Montrose School.
