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HISTORY OF THE NORTH ENGLISH SCHOOLS

BY MRS. DORA SMITH

The present school system of North English had its beginning in a one room building located on the hill where the residence of A. L. Roller now stands. It was built in the year 1855. The teacher who seems to linger in the memories of the eleven persons still residing in the town who attended school there is Chas. Lutton.

This building was in use until 1867 when a two room house was erected on the grounds west of the Christian church. The first teachers who wielded the rod were John Sparks and Susan Ross who afterward were united in marriage. As the years rolled by it was evident that the town was out-growing the school house and something must be done to alleviate the crowded condition. In 1886 an addition of two rooms was builded, only one of them being used for a time, however. After the completion of the fourth room steps were taken to grade the school. A course of study was adopted in June 1889. This course consisted of four departments and Twelve grades, Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High School.

Prof. Clarence McCracken of Stuart, Iowa, was Principal at the time the grading was done. He was assisted by Mrs. J. D. Butler, Allie Thomas and Dora McCracken.

The school progressed till 1892 when one pupil finished the prescribed course, Chas. Williams being the first to recieve a Diploma from the North English School. The second graduate in 1892 was Fred Mahannah, the State Inspector of Normal schools, who receives special mention in this annual.

The ever increasing growth and population of the town demanded larger things along school lines and the present grade building was erected in 1894, at a cost of about $10,000. It was decided on Dec. 6, '94 by Wm. Beardshear, president of the State Agriculture College. Prof. C. E. Fleming was at the head of the school at that time and for a number of years. The first year he was assisted by Nellie Davidson, Lillian Wilson, Nan Roller and Mary Roller. On account of some changes being made in the course of study no one graduated at the close of the year. In 1895 another teacher was added making a corps of six, two pupils claiming the honors of graduation. In 1896 six teachers were still in force and were laboring to make the years work better than all previous ones.

The school continued to climb higher and higher till in 1899 seven teachers were employed, this being the first year the graduates were not required to give their Orations before the public. Wm. Bayard Craig Chancelor of Drake University addressed the class.

The school all the time kept pace with the growth of the town and in 1907 eight teachers were molding the minds of the children; a music instructor was added in this year but was only continued till the close of the school year. In 1911 the North English High School became fully accredited allowing students who finished the course to enter any college or university in the State without futher examination.

The present Superintendent, Gerald A. Yoakam, was elected in 1912 and the teaching force in the High School consisted of Miss Ida M. Yates, Principal, Miss Marian Hand and Miss Belle Husted, Assistants.

Some distinctive features of this year's work was in graduating the largest class in the history of the school, there being sixteen students finishing the course of study, and for the first time the High School cap and gown were worn. Also an exhibit was arranged by the teachers of the different grades displaying the work of the pupils which was a great success in every way. Improvement of sanitary conditions by installing the sanitary fountain and sanitary towels in the school building was also made. The most important step in the latter part of the school year was launching the project of a new High School building which had its culmination in the district voting bonds to build; the cost not to exceed $25,000.

In 1912 and 1913 one teacher was added. The faculty consisted of G. A. Yoakam, Superintendent, Ida M. Yates, Principal, Olive Perkins, Marie Carson and Belle Husted, Assistants, in the High School; Miss Husted, Fern Billingsley, Ida O'Brien, Gladys Carson and Iva Magoon in the grades. The large increase in attendance of non-resident pupils made the work somewhat difficult for both teachers and pupils, but all hearts were gladdened and burdens lightened by the sight of the erection of the new High School building which was begun in the early spring of 1913 This was also a great year, graduating a class of twelve.

Progress has been the Watchword of the North English School and we now come to the years 1913-1914 with the completion of our new High School building with all of the modern equipment and a thoroughly up-to-date plant in every way.

The faculty consists of Superintendent G. A. Yoakam, Principal Miss Pearl Saylor, Miss Perkins, Miss Wall and Miss Gage as Assistants, with a teacher for each grade making a corps of thirteen. A Normal Training course has been installed which is valuable to those who desire to prepare for teachers. It is necessary that a class of ten be organized before the school will receive the State Aid of $750 per school year and we are pleased to state the enrollment exceeds this. The Home Economics and Agriculture in this department are great helps to any one who expects to take up the teaching profession.

During the year an enrollment of one hundred and thirteen has heen reached in the High School and a total of three hundred and fifty for the entire school. There are in the entire school one hundred non resident pupils, over fifty of them in the high school. The Senior class numbers thirteen and a class of twenty-six Juniors has the opportunity of beginning a higher education at the close of the School year of 1915.

The foundation is laid for a great future in the education of the young people of North English and vicinity. The patrons of the district are alive to every interest along these lines and no backward steps will be taken. In the past years one hundred and fifty students have finished the course of study and very auspiciously commenced life, viewing it at a different angle and realizing they were equipped to battle with problems in a way that sucess would finally attend their efforts. These years have passed into history. What of the future?