Description

Unique historical schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area is an excellent spot for meetings, luncheons, and weddings. Facilities accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities amongst the pines. The schoolhouse building can accomodate up to 50 folks with folding tables and folding metal chairs onsite. The entire site can be rented for one price. There is a large picnic area, outdoor amphitheatre and a schoolhouse for when the weather drives the function indoors. Oakdale, as it was first named in July 1901 soon changed to Groom Creek in August 1901 with the establishment of a Post Office. Robert Groom was a prospector and miner when he came to the Bradshaw Mountains in 1862. Colonel Groom had trained for his surveyor career in the U.S. Army in 1824 and used his talents to survey the first Prescott town site. The first school of record at Groom Creek was established about 1896. The miners children were taught by Mrs. Alice B. Elliot. From the sketchy records it appears that the school moved about the settlement numerous time and usually closed in winter due to severe snows. The 10-15 students that attended school came only after important chores like fuel wood cutting, water collection, stock feeding, and such were attended to. This County School #39 was built about 1902. It has 2 rooms and was heated by wood, until modernized with gas in 1935. In 1967 the school district Quit Claim Deeded the school building to the Prescott National Forest and since that time has been used for administrative uses and training. All smoking must be done within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed fee recreation sites where the area is cleared of all flammable material. Also available nearby is the Upper Wolf Creek Campground. Visitors to Groom Creek can spend the evening at the group campground. Or the entire event can move to the campground after dark.