This kid-friendly cache is an applesauce jar with log, pencil, and trinkets.
The town of Leslie was plotted in 1882 and was in existence until about 1970 when Interstate 35 was built through the middle of town. In its heyday Leslie was home to two stores (one included a barber shop and bank), a post office, a blacksmith, a church, and this school on the west edge of town. While there were only a few house within the town, over 200 farm families considered themselves part of the community of Leslie. There was a railroad that connected this community to several other towns including Osceola.
This school was officially known as Knox #4. Classes were held here from 1881 until 1959 when the country schools were closed and children were bused to nearby towns for school. Knox #4 was one of nine country schools in Knox township. Rural schools had one teacher who taught grades 1-8 in the same classroom. The Leslie Schoolhouse is the only rural school in Clarke County remaining at its original site.
I grew up a few miles to the north of this school. My family has lived in the area for generations. My dad attended kindergarten round-up at this school, but it was closed and he attended kindergarten in Weldon. The Leslie Auxiliary existed long after the school was closed. The building was used for school reunions, meetings, and as a voting site into the 1980s.