Altes Schulhaus Wackernheim

The building that is now used as an evangelical community center is an example of the traditional regional stone masonry. It was built in 1828 as an evangelical school with a teacher's apartment, stable, and barn, after the old building at School Street 6 was no longer sufficient.

In 1827, the Grand Ducal Hesse government introduced compulsory education for girls and boys from the age of six to fourteen. Until 1842, children in rural areas only attended school from November to Easter. During the warm seasons, they helped with agricultural work. Instruction was still confessional. Only in 1871 did the Wackernheim council decide to convert the confessional schools into a community school.

On the property that became known as "Pfarrscherbel", there once stood the medieval rectory. This is where the pastors lived, who were also responsible for the school instruction. The building was heavily damaged during the Thirty Years' War and was eventually demolished in 1650.

By the way: Fines were imposed for missing school. The collection of fines was initially only carelessly pursued in the communities. The funds were intended for learning materials for the children of parents without wealth.

Altes Schulhaus Wackernheim