Early Education in Granger on a Very Special Corner

Look closely and you can see the West Granger school with the Bell Tower beside the Original Monroe School Both serving the community side by side.

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 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 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.