The last three of the one-room schools built in Eldred were the Barlieb, the Smith Gap and the Correll.  But in 1928, attendance dropped at the Barlieb School, so it didn't pay to hire a teacher.  Instead, the children were driven to the Smith Gap School to the west.

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In 1860, St. Matthews began holding Sunday schools.  But it was difficult for children in the Smith Gap "hollow" to go up the slope of Chestnut Ridge to attend.  So Sunday schools were opened in both the Barlieb and Smith Gap schools.

In 1940 the combined number of students from the two schools was only 28.

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The Smith Gap School still stands but only as a portion of the larger residential home.  Peering through the trees, from the road (it is a private residence) it is hard to imagine which portion was the actual school.

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Continue on Lower Smith Gap Road, go across the bridge and make a right onto Schaffer Road.  Now continue on Schaffer Road.  You will enjoy what seems like a trip through a primordial forest as you wind your way up the hill.

 

Continue on Schaffer Road as it merges with Chestnut Ridge Road at the stop sign (17.3m).  Right after the stop sign you will be treated to some great views directly ahead.

 

   Continue down a precipitous 12% downward grade to the Kunkletown Road stop sign (17.8m) and make a left onto Kunkletown Road.  Carefully, as soon as you are in your traffic lane, pull off the road, to the right, into Penny’s parking lot.