When it comes to finding points of photographic interest around North Dakota, I’ve got plenty of resources. I have maps. I have lists. I have online resources. I keep an eye out for interesting things posted by others, especially locals in certain places. The Randolph School showed up on one of my maps, so I followed my usual ritual: finding its precise GPS location; pixel-peeping it on The Google; determining if it’s still where it should be; determining if there’s still a road to it (especially in the Prairie Pothole areas); and plotting my way to visit it for myself. When I arrived at the location of the Randolph School, however, I was surprised to see that there were two of them.

It’s possible one of these was moved from nearby, and I didn’t take the time to sleuth out which school that might be. It could be that these were both originally here. Only a detailed examination to see if they both had intact foundations would show that, and the land they sit on was posted when I arrived.

They’re identical in design and construction, but that doesn’t mean much; this design of school is ubiquitous in rural North Dakota.

At least one of them has a concrete foundation visible, although the rest of the structure doesn’t appear to be doing too well.

The other school’s chimney has looked better. Now that I think of it, I’m not sure if the chimney would have survived at all if the school had been moved here. That, or this damage is the result of such a move.

There’s a single outhouse in the back, spaced somewhat in between the two. That leads me to believe perhaps they’ve always been here as a pair. It’d be cool if it was so.

The light kept changing on me due to the clouds obscuring the sun off and on. At one point I’d have this blazing summer sun, then I’d have something a little more diffused.

I suppose I’ll wrap this post with an artsy take on the two buildings. You can see the rays streaking through the cloud which had moved in front of the sun. Because of the way it evened out the shadows a bit, I’m actually glad it did.

I didn’t spend a whole lot of time here, but I’m glad I took the time – and the diversion from my main route on this photo trip – to check them out. This is one of those “gotta be goin’ there to get there” places, so I’m not sure I’ll ever swing by again to check on them. It’s taken me almost twenty years to get here in the first place! But, never say never…