Washington Consolidated School

Port Colden School originally was called Washington Township Consolidated School because it combined all the five small schools around Washington Township. They were Port Colden School, Fairmont School, Jackson Valley School, Brass Castle School and Pleasant Valley School. All the original schoolhouses are still standing and being used as homes except the old Port Colden Schoolhouse.

The school was built in 1931 on the site of the former Morris Canal Boat Basin. The basin had been drained and filled shortly before the school was built. This caused the school to have water problems and sinking problems for several years after being built.

The school was different than it is today. It consisted of only the upstairs wing with six classrooms and the basement. The front door and foyer were where the principal's office and main office are now located. The arch around the old doorway is still intact. The basement was not divided into rooms as it is now. It was the gymnasium - the "Gymnasium" sign is still above the staircase. In 1951, four additional classrooms were added. Six more classrooms, a music room, library and all-purpose room were added in 1954.

In 1961, Brass Castle School was built at the other end of the township and Washington Township Consolidated School was renamed Port Colden Elementary School. Both Brass Castle School and Port Colden School contained grades K-6 until 1989. At that time, the upper grades were moved to Brass Castle School and the lower grades were moved to Port Colden School. After a few years, the Kindergarten classes were moved to a new addition added to Brass Castle School.