Flora School embodies school architecture of the 1920s and demonstrates the kinds of design elements most desired by the State of Oregon at the time. They were seen as visually expressions of innovation in school construction.
The school stands as a frame built building with many design elements pointing towards an architect- designed school.Although the builders are not known by name, it is known they were not local craftsmen. One man was in charge. It has been suggested they were professional craftsmen, traveling to build plan book schools.
Plan books, issued by state and federal educators in the early 1900s, called for the hipped roof such as Flora School’s. The cornice, the frieze (three boards) above the upper windows and directly below the roof edge, was a finishing piece and had no structural significance. This finishing was unusual in that the break in the roof and the break in the frieze, front only, usually had some intricate design or additive in the open area. Flora School has none of this and never has had it. Cloakrooms were mandatory and placed at the front of the school for simplicity of design.
School building plan books had porches, which up until that time were scarcely seen on a school built further west than the Mississippi. Full basements were thought to be a necessity for the community. Although Flora has a basement, it did not see community use.
Sunlight was to come from the east or west for a pleasing facade. Flora’s windows are situated thus, but with an extra set on the sides. Most had only east or west sunlight to prevent eye strain. Flora also had the requested window shades and the furnace replacing the wood burning potbellied stoves.
The belfry, before the turn of the century, was a status symbol. Flora has a prominent belfry. Shortly after Flora School was built, belfries were removed on schools due to “progress”. They were a reminder of days gone by and thought to detract from the modern direction of the school system. Research shows that Flora’s belfry carries a unique simplicity. Oregon’s belfries in general, along with a great portion of the nation’s, were enclosed with louvers. Flora’s belfry was open to the view on all four sides before 1948.
Playground equipment, such as Flora’s swing set, merry-go-round, and wheel swing, was not standard fare at rural schools at this point. Fenced yards to keep children in and cattle out were also becoming the norm. Even with Flora’s fenced acreage, the cattle were still in and out of the property.
In its construction, Flora School pointed towards the school design to come. Leaving behind the one-room schoolhouse, the people of District #32 built a school for the future.