HUBBARD - Members of the Hubbard Historical Society took a trip back in time as they recently toured the old Stevenson Elementary School in Masury which today is the Stevenson Inn and Restaurant.
Some historical society members had family and friends who attended the elementary school, which was part of the Brookfield School District near the Ohio-Pennsylvania line.
Mo Hejazi, who owns the Stevenson Inn, took the more than 20 members through the three-story building, which included hallways filled with school class pictures from the 1930s to 1970s. The school was constructed in 1926 on a four-acre site and used as an elementary school. The school closed in 2004.
"Some people who come to the restaurant are in the photos, which they enjoy seeing," he said.
Hejazi said the oldest picture is from 1935.
Hejazi said he did not want to change the architecture of the school but maintain what was here. He turned a former gymnasium into the restaurant.
He said a reunion of more than 250 people who went to school in the building was held recently.
"Many people come here to see their old school and share memories." Hejazi said.
The majority of the classrooms were on the second and third floors as were the offices for the secretary, principal, nurse and guidance counselor.
The classrooms included the chalkboards and coat racks and in one hallway a school bell that rang when the rope was pulled.
Cecelia Cooper of Hubbard said many buildings have been turned into different complexes. She said she had cousins who went to the school who lived in Masury.
Eileen Rozich of Girard said while she did not go to the school her husband did and lived a short distance from the building.
''He lived in a brick house three houses from the school," she said.
Joan Gibson of Hubbard said she had a nephew from Brookfield who went to the school.
"Considering how old the school is it still looks nice. So many of us enjoy learning about the local history and seeing old buildings,'' she said.
Debbie Shields of Hubbard said she was most impressed by the architectural style of the school.
''I like to see the old-style doors and windows that were used,'' she said.
Shields said she did not attend the school but it did bring back memories of the school she went to that had similar architecture in classrooms.
The historical society recently took a tour of the Hermitage Historical Society and its historic buildings.
Hejazi purchased the school in 2008 and opened the restaurant in 2009.
"It's fun for me to meet people who went to the school and have so much to tell of their memories of attending the school " he said.