Excavation work is now well underway for the future site of the new Tyler Consolidated Elementary School, marking a significant step forward for education in area communities. Heavy equipment has transformed much of the landscape, signaling progress and anticipation for the modern facility that will soon take shape.

Yet amid the movement of earth and machinery, one notable piece of local history still stands, for now.

The structure, commonly known as the “Old White House,” remains on the property as one of the last reminders of the area’s past. The home is an example of saltbox-style architecture, a design most often associated with early New England homes. Characterized by its long, sloping roofline, the style was originally developed to maximize interior space, extending the rear of the house into a single-story addition.

The name “saltbox” itself comes from its resemblance to the wooden boxes once used in kitchens to store salt, simple containers with a hinged, slanted lid. The Old White House mirrors that distinctive shape, making it a rare and recognizable structure in the region.

For some residents, the home carries personal significance. Fred Midcap, a local electrician and plumber, shared that his mother once lived in the house, adding another layer of history to the well-known building.

While exact records of the home’s construction have not been located, its age and unique design have long made it a local landmark. As development continues, the house is expected to be demolished, clearing the way for the new school.

Its eventual absence will mark the end of an era for many in the area. Though progress is moving forward, the Old White House stands as a reminder of the community’s architectural heritage, an icon that, once gone, will soon not be forgotten by those that hold sweet memories of time well spent inside its walls.