1914 Phoenix

Lamoni High School

A Backward View of Our High School

The old East Side High School building was erected about the year 1883, and the first term of school was begun there in the fall of the same year. The more advanced pupils were assigned to the upper rooms of the building with A. A. Roy as teacher. During the first few years very light high school work was pursued, but a beginning was made and the foundation laid for more advanced work in the future. A few years later Mr. W. L. Andrews took charge of the schools and a year later was followed by Mr. D. F. Lambert, who had the honor of graduating the first class, five girls and one boy. After finishing grammar work they centered their efforts mainly on Rhetoric, History, Advanced Arithmetic, and a few weeks in some of the sciences.

In the spring of 1889 J. A. Gunsolley was elected principal and held that position a little over five years. In 1890 he graduated the second class, consisting of five girls and three boys. Algebra had been added and the work in English and Natural Science was continued and enlarged.

The school prospered and the numbers increased from the beginning. In the early nineties it became necessary to provide for more room. For five years there were no graduating classes, nevertheless the school were improving' classes were more evenly graded, and with the additional room which had been added to the north, better work was accomplished, and the demand for more advanced high school studies was met.

D. F. Lambert was again elected superintendent in 1894, and in 1895 eight girls and five boys, representing the third graduating class, received their diplomas. this was the first class that studied Latin, having read part of Caesar.

Following the class of 1895 there have been annual graduating classes, with one exception. In 1897 George N. Briggs of our State University was elected superintendent, and with the aid of one, and later, two assistants, it became possible to make marked improvement in the curriculum. Cicero, Geometry, Civics, Economics, and extended work in English and Literature were some of the new features. High school spirit increased, and standing colors, Scarlet and Black were adopted. Mr. Briggs remained superintendent of the schools for four years. During the last year, provision was made for a four-year high school course.

In 1901 Mr. Griffiths of Columbia, Missouri, University was elected superintendent and remained only one year. There was no graduating class this year because of the change in the course of study.

In 1902 H. S. Buffman was elected superintendent, following in 1904 by Edmund L. Kelley, jr., and in 1907 by R. F. Hannum who continued until 1909. These three men were all from the State University of Iowa, and each one rendered valuable services to our schools. One important feature was the organization of an Alumni Association. German and Latin were made electives; debating team were organized; and contests in English, Oratory, and Athletics encouraged. During these seven year the attendance more than doubled itself, being forty-two in 1903, and ninety-four in 1909, when O.H. Hollen was elected superintendent. He was followed in 1912 by J. W. Fisher from the State University of Iowa, and in 1913 by E. W. Neveln from the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, who has been reelected superintendent for the year beginning September, 1914. These three last-named superintendents also gave excellent service to our schools, although they were greatly hindered by the poor and very crowded condition of the school building. During the last twelve years the attendance has almost trebled itself, as the present enrollment is one hundred and twenty-four. Much advancement has been made in different ways. May we continue to improve.

We look at the past with much pleasure; at the present with great satisfaction, that it is possible we have gained so much, and are looking forward with great expectations of what will be done. May our High School continue to improved, not only by growing bigger but better.

OSCAR ANDERSON, Present of Board.