Harbor History Museum

The Midway Schoolhouse was built in 1893 and is the last remaining pre-1900 schoolhouse on the peninsula that has not been moved or significantly altered. In 2004, Alice Murphy Doyle donated the schoolhouse to the society in hopes that one day the building would again be filled with the sound of student voices. The donation also included the teacher's desk, a student desk, a piano, various school books, and maps.

History: A school for Midway

As the peninsula's population grew during the last years of the 19th century, it became clear to the residents that a schoolhouse was needed in their area for the purpose of formally educating their children. On Sept. 17, 1892, School District #79 was formed from part of School District #14 (Artondale). Soon after, the Dow family donated one square acre of land to the district to be used as the site of the new school. Community member J.J. More began building the structure June 6, 1893 on the property. The building was completed on August 3, 1893, for the total cost of $135. The school opened in the fall of 1893.

The year 1914 brought many changes for the Midway Schoolhouse. The windows were moved from the south side of the building to the north side, most probably for winter sun. In that same year, the school finally received a name: the students chose the name Midway because of its location "mid way" between Gig Harbor and Pt. Fosdick.

In 1941, the Midway School District was consolidated with several others to form Peninsula School District #401. Midway closed its doors for the final time that summer. Both building and land reverted back to the Dow family. Soon after, the property was sold, including the schoolhouse, to the Murphy family, whose children had attended Midway. The adjacent community hall was transformed into the residence. The abandoned school as used for storage, and then by Pat Doyle (who married Alice Murphy) as a wood shop. Thanks to Pat, the building remained intact and kept in good condition.

In May 2009, the Midway School moved to its final resting site at the Harbor History Museum. The roof had to be removed for the trip down Soundview Avenue. Late May, the building was lowered to its new foundation and roofing work began soon after. Since May of 2009, the Midway School has undergone incredible reconstruction and looks as it did when it was occupied by students, thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers. Special thanks go to the Gig Harbor Rotary, who undertook the restoration of the Midway as a club project and devoted hundreds of hours and significant club resources to complete the project. Special thanks also go to the State of Washington, who provided restoration funds through the Capital Projects for Heritage grant program and the Rotary Foundation.