Early Education in Granger
As early as the 1850s, education in the Granger area took place in private homes but soon the community felt that they needed a school.
Granger, Utah the community was home to three iconic centers of early education in the early years of the community
the 59th District School—more commonly known as the West Granger School—
the Dewey School was built one-half mile west of Redwood Road on 3500 South. Students paid tuition and furnished own transportation
Monroe School. .
Let’s discuss the northwest corner of 4000 West and 3500 South which provided 95 years of education. —1882 to 1977.
The 59th District and Monroe Schools: Foundations of Education in Early Granger, Utah
At the northwest corner of 4000 West and 3500 South, in what was once the heart of the early Granger settlement, stood two cherished institutions that shaped generations: the 59th District School (West Granger School) and Monroe School.
The Humble Beginnings of the 59th District School
The story begins in 1882, when local settler Alma Mathews generously donated land for a schoolhouse. On that very corner, a modest 24-by-16-foot, one-room structure was built, becoming the first formal center of education west of the Jordan River in the area. It officially opened on February 24, 1884, at 2250 west 3500 south and quickly became more than just a school.
This pioneer building served multiple roles—a classroom by day, a church on Sundays, and a community gathering place for dances, meetings, and social events. Locals fondly recalled that the one-room building was large enough to host two quadrille dances at once, with both young and old joining in joyful celebration. For a time, it was the only public building in the area, making it the true hub of early West Granger life.
In 1917 the school was closed and the building and land was sold to John Wendell for $359.
The left side is the ORIGINAL Monroe and the Right Side is the West Granger School
The Rise of the West Granger School (1903–1924)
By 1903, as the community grew, so did its educational needs. A two-story brick building with a bell tower was constructed on the same site. Known for the sound of its bell that echoed across the valley, this stately structure became the pride of the West Granger neighborhood. It continued to operate as a school until 1924, when shifts in population and district boundaries led to its closure. Though the bell hasn’t rung in over a century, its legacy still echoes in the memories of former students and their families.
The Monroe School Legacy
Though located just blocks away, the history of Monroe School is deeply intertwined with the 59th District School.
The first Monroe School was built in 1893, using part of the original West Granger School’s foundation. This two-story brick structure, heated by potbelly stoves on each floor, was simple but deeply loved. It offered warmth—both physical and emotional—for the students and families it served. This building stood for over 30 years, until its demolition in 1924.
Interestingly, a second, much larger Monroe School had already been built in 1903 right beside the original—reflecting how quickly the area was growing. This three-story structure became a central institution in the lives of Granger youth. Over the decades, it was remodeled three times, adapting to the community’s needs while still holding on to its character and charm.
This second Monroe School stood tall until 1972, when it was finally demolished after nearly 70 years of service.
A New Beginning
After the second school’s closure, the third Monroe School rose at a new site—3100 South and 4400 West—ensuring that the name and legacy of Monroe would live on. Though the buildings changed, the spirit of Monroe remained constant: a place of learning, friendship, and community.
A Shared Legacy
Together, the 59th District School and Monroe School laid the foundation for education in Granger. They served not only as schools but as community centers, symbols of resilience, and places where children were nurtured—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Though the physical structures are now gone, the memories built within their walls endure. They are remembered for the warmth of the potbelly stoves, the ring of the school bell, the quadrille dances, and the lifelong friendships that formed there. These schools helped define West Granger’s identity and still hold a sacred place in the hearts of those who walked their halls.
