about our homestead

Back to Where It All Started

1839 Homestead Designs offers products that are made from the wood of the “Hayes School House" which was established in 1865. William Hayes homesteaded the property in the year 1839 when he and his family moved to Southern Illinois. Since 1839, Hayes family members have and still live in the house and own the property. What remains of the original 1865 Hayes School House still sits at the corner of Airport & Michael Road in Sparta, Illinois. 

The Hayes family donated the property with the agreement that if the School House should close, the land reverts back to the Hayes family. 'The Hayes School House' was established in 1865 and remained open until 1948 when all rural schoolhouses were consolidated into Sparta Community School District. 

Unfortunately, in 1981 a bad storm with high winds damaged most of the school house. The family is trying to save as much of the school house as they can to keep the historical memory alive. If you are interested in buying a product, you can call or email to see what pieces have been made, or if we can set up a commissioned piece for you.

​

Please like & follow us on our Facebook page, 1839 Homestead Designs for updated product information.