By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Celebrating Our Past: January 7, 2026
white oak school
Here is a photo of the White Oak Springs School (also called the O’Toole School), built in 1879, that used to be located just off of County W east of New Diggings. The building still exists but was moved in the 1940’s to Leadmine on the north side of Highway 11 and was used as a gas station from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Part of the original blackboard still exists inside. It was owned and operated by Dale Farrey during that time. The structure is still in the family and is used every year on Labor Day weekend for a big family reunion. Photo courtesy of the Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society

Here is a photo of the White Oak Springs School (also called the O’Toole School), built in 1879, that used to be located just off of County W east of New Diggings. The building still exists but was moved in the 1940’s to Leadmine on the north side of Highway 11 and was used as a gas station from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Part of the original blackboard still exists inside. It was owned and operated by Dale Farrey during that time. The structure is still in the family and is used every year on Labor Day weekend for a big family reunion.

Photo courtesy of the Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society