Torrey Schoolhouse
Built 1914-1916

The Torrey Schoolhouse operated as a school and cultural center from 1917 through 1954. Pioneer settlers began quarrying the huge red sandstone blocks measuring 36” deep by 18” high by 26” wide on average from an area just southeast of Torrey in 1914. They transported each stone by mule-drawn wagons to the site at the center of town. It took over two years to complete the stately schoolhouse building.

From Community Center to Schoolhouse
The structure was first utilized as a community center and dance hall. By the Autumn of 1917 it opened as a school with three large classrooms on the first floor housing grades One through Eight. Its second story remained a dance hall and recreation hall for plays, boxing matches and basketball games.

Butch Cassidy and His Gang
The Saturday night dances and sporting events held there drew crowds from all over the county and beyond. During its early years, these events were attended by Leroy Parker (AKA Butch Cassidy) and his “gang”. In fact the town of Torrey was nicknamed “Robber’s Roost” because local outlaws frequently took refuge in the rugged terrain of the area and in the homes of accommodating local hosts.

escendants of the early settlers are still repeating stories of how Butch always left their ancestors’ family a gold coin under the dinner plate when he left. He was often seen at the Saturday night dances. One alumnus of the school now in her late eighties remembers the night when she was only 7 years old attending a dance at the schoolhouse because her mother was playing in the band that night. When a hush came over the crowd and there was a slight pause in the band music, she ran over to ask her mother what was happening. Her mother replied, “”It’s alright, just go play, it’s Leroy Parker and his friends just come here to dance”.”*

Located at 150 North Center Street in Torrey, Utah