In addition to educating children, the building was also used for community events such as school board meetings, annual Christmas programs, and box socials.  But in 1948, the school closed after better roads and transportation options to nearby Meeker caused low enrollment at Coal Creek School.  In 1987, the Board of County Commissioners of Rio Blanco County purchased the building on behalf of the Rio Blanco Historical Society for just $10.  In 2015, the Rio Blanco Historical Society will use funding from the State Historical Fund to improve drainage and grading around the building’s foundation, reinforce the cedar shingle roof, and install barriers to stop wind and moisture in order to once again use the structure as an educational center for the community.

Check out this and other Rio Blanco County National and State Register properties