A Look Into The Past From The Present

History of Schools in Cherokee, Iowa

District Data from 1858 to 2016

1

First Term of School:

T

he first term of school in Cherokee county was taught in 1858 by Mrs. Lemuel Parkhurst. The amount paid to her in advance was $55. The same was sent from the home “colony” in Milford, Massachusetts and the amount was her wages for three months of service. The school was taught in her own log house. The names of her pupils were as follows: Adeline, Luther, John and Henry Phipps, George, Clara, and Thomas Brown, William Haynes, Mellen Holbrook and her own three children. In 1860, Rosabella Corbett taught a school by herself. This was the first school in Pilot Township. Her school was taught in a log schoolhouse and she walked there when the weather was favorable and rode behind a team of slow-plodding oxen when it wasn’t. A courthouse was built in 1864, which included a schoolroom. The structure was 30 feet square, with outside stairways to the second floor. The framework of the building, located at 7th and Main Streets, was hewn from native black walnut logs. Completed at a cost of $1900.00 (other sources say $2050.00), the building also served as a public hall and general headquarters for all public gatherings. In 1868, the first framed building built in the township was a schoolhouse, made from lumber sawed at the Banister sawmill. It will be remembered that George W. Banister headed the second Milford Company, which settled a few miles away from the main colony at Cherokee. In 1869 a log schoolhouse was built near Washta on Section 31. A. J. Whisman helped build this school and a newspaper account of his early life told us, “The seats were made of logs into which holes had been bored and sticks driven to serve as legs. The desks ran along the sides of the room and were made of boards, which Jack Whisman had sawed at the mill farther down the river. These boards rested on sticks driven between the logs which formed the side of the building.” The first school in New Cherokee was taught by Miss Jennie Tucker, (Mrs. Cornish), in the fall of 1870. Classes were held in an old saloon building on Main Street. After it was “fitted up and made comfortable” it had 36 pupils in attendance.

Early Schoolhouse

2

Most of the early schoolhouses in Cherokee County were frame buildings. The floors were rough and unsightly and the walls scarcely weather-tight. There were not enough windows; the rooms were dark and chilly. A stove was set up near the center of the room and a crooked stovepipe led to the chimney at one end. The stove was fed frequently with wood, but the supply was often inadequate and some of the children dragged their benches nearer the fire and propped their books upon their knees. 3

First Brick House: Children no longer had to attend classes in converted taverns, courthouses or other makeshift facilities. The first brick house in the county was a schoolhouse erected in 1872. It stood in the old village of Cherokee. It consisted of four departments. The principal, Professor Domer, was paid eighty dollars a month. The building was located on the corner of Pine and Cedar. It was erected at the cost of $6,000. Mr. R.A. Lewis was the builder. Some people felt that the building was larger than necessary, but with the east and west railroad, plus two stagecoach routes, it was felt that the town would be growing. The school had two terms, a spring term, which began April 22nd and continued for ten weeks, and a winter term, which ran from November 11th and continued for six weeks. On December 20, 1883, this school burned down while in session. The cause was thought to be by a defective flue near the chimney, which became charred from the long exposure to heat. Three hundred children and six teachers escaped without injury. A Small School was built in the east side addition in 1881 A small school was built consisting of 2 stories, 10 rooms and a furnace! Cost to build was $2,500.

“Old” Garfield” This is the first Garfield School, built in 1884, on Fifth Street between Willow and Cedar Streets at a cost of $18,650. It was named in honor of President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated on September 19, 1881 after only 200 days in office. This building replaced the original Cherokee schoolhouse that had burned down on December 20, 1883. There were seven classrooms and two recitation rooms. Bonds issued to build this were ten years at 10% It was ready for students by November 1884. In 1885 the structure was damaged by a storm. By 1890 the building was already too small to accommodate comfortably all the school children. Enrollment in 1888 was 665 students. Old Garfield was a prominent landmark on the Cherokee skyline and can be seen in many old photographs of the city. The first graduating class from this school consisted of 6 students - James Pingrey, James Robertson, Roy Dickey, DeWitt Pelton and twins Adda & Ella Beams.

4

The class of 1884 was the 1st class to graduate from high school in Cherokee.

Ella Beams Toenjes (left) and Adda Beams (right) were twins. The gentlemen in this picture are James Pingrey, James Robertson, Roy Dickey and DeWitt Pelton.

Ella Beams 1884 Diploma

5

In the Spring of 1891 Webster school was erected.

…The small school that was built in 1881 was moved from this site and this brick school with a bell tower took its place. Constructed in 1891was the “Old” Webster School, it was the best-ventilated and most modern building of its time and cost $20,000 to build. It was located on Roosevelt Avenue in the addition and was often called the addition school. J.H Downing, the contractor, must have done a good job, for this building withstood the wear of four generations of children. It was originally made of locally manufactured red brick; the yellow coating was later added when the brick began to soften. Limestone mortar was used, but the deterioration was unstoppable. The night the chimney fell in, made the board realize the danger the students were in. The school board ordered the whole roof, tower and useless attic rooms to be removed; a flat roof was constructed. ------------In 1891, the seventh commencement was celebrated in Cherokee------------

6

Cherokee-1895-Census-3092 Lincoln High School

The first high school was the Lincoln building used exclusively for high school and primary classes; it opened in 1895, and was located at First and Main Street. It cost $20,000 to construct. The first story was elementary and the second was the high school. The high school had its own auditorium and modern classrooms, including a laboratory. In 1902, 169 students attended and 26 different subjects were taught. It served the high school classes until 1916, when the Wilson High School building was completed. The second floor then became the junior high.

Lincoln School The hip roof and tower were removed in 1937 and later demolished in 1960.

7

E

va Gregg served as Cherokee County Superintendent from 1887-1896. She accomplished many things during her term: (1) The county adopted uniform text books, (2) Libraries in the county schools, (3) Sectional teachers’ meetings were held, (4) A system of records was installed, (5) Fine teachers’ institutes were held, (6) All school had printed courses of study, (7) Pupils who graduated from eighth grade were not required to take high school entrance exams, (8) Teachers must read and report on one professional book a year.

The Graduation class of 1898 had 19 graduates. The ceremony was held in the Opera House. The class motto was: “For Life, Not for School, We Learn”

8

9

“The Special”

Special school opened for the first time November 27, 1911, and continued in operation four school months, closing March 15, 1912. The second term opened December 9, 1912. The teacher, the first winter, was Tom McDonald, who at the time was a high school graduate and a student of Iowa State Teachers’ College; he received $75 a month for his salary. The second winter session of “The Special” was taught by Lew McDonald, a graduate of the State Teachers’ College, receiving $100 a month for his salary. The plan for ‘The Special’ was to offer in seven winters as completed and varied a course of study as could be offered in most high schools and at the same time keeping in mind that it was a rural school.

10

There was a course of study for the girls as well. With most wanting to be teachers or homemakers, a planned course was fit for those interested in either of those areas. A combined normal training or teacher’s course or a domestic science or homemakers’ course was available. It was probable that many would not attend for the seven winters but a student would benefit from two or even four winters.

11

Wilson High School In 1916, the Wilson School was built on one-acre site using riveted steel and concrete and was considered to be completely fireproof. The cost of construction was $115,000 at the location of 100 East Willow on 40,815 sq. ft. The buildings original size was 35,300 sq. ft. with additions in 1939 of another 1,150 sq. ft. The building consisted of twenty-four classrooms, offices and library. The east wing was invaluable as the upper part had a large auditorium with a fine stage seating 481 persons, this area also doubled as a study hall. The modern gymnasium was located in the lower level. This building served as the high school until 1953. Part of the structure required demolition due to a fire in 1975; a new addition was constructed in 1976 of another 5,515 sq. ft. This building served as middle school, serving 7th and 8th grade until January 2001. It was sold in May 2001.

N. D. McCombs served as Superintendent from 1927 to 1938

12

In 1930, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church formed a Junior College for girls. They offered a Standard two-year college course accredited by the State Board. This was very beneficial to local families, as their girls could attend college and stay at home. Many girls became teachers. It closed in 1953. Immaculate Conception Catholic School had an enrollment of 220

New Garfield

O

ld Garfield was razed and a new school was built on the same site in 1934. The Old Garfield was used for 50 years before a new one-story structure was built. Cost was $42,853 with $12,500 from government grants towards the classrooms. Garfield is located at 515 West Cedar and its original size was 6,478 sq. ft. with additions in 1957 of 2,016 sq. ft.; another 6,406 sq. ft. in1964 and a final add on in 1972 of 3,150 sq. ft. In 1988 Garfield served 189 students. The classes ranged from kindergarten through third grades and 3 special education classes. Garfield closed in April 2001 and sold in September 2001.

13

By 1940-1941 enrollment reached 1,323

Washington High School This structure began in the summer of 1952 and is located at the intersection of Sixth and Bluff Streets. I is situated on a tract of approximately twenty-six acres. The building faces south and is surrounded by adequate parking and playground areas; also plans are for the future athletic plant to lie just to the west of this building. The building is designed with the plan in mind that the gymnasium will be built on the west and for an auditorium and additional classrooms on the north and east. There were 26,850 sq. ft. of floor space in the new building. The total cost was $339,169, which included: the site, site development, the building, and the equipment. The current wrestling room served as the physical education gym, and all interscholastic sports were played in the Wilson Gym and at Tomahawk Field.

Enrollment 1954 – 1278 1955 – 1357 1956 – 1435 1957 – 1504

14

“Baby Boom” “Shall the Independent School District of New Cherokee, Cherokee County, Iowa issue bonds in the sum of $410,000 for the purpose of building additions to the Webster Grade School, Garfield Grade School, and Washington High School. Vote yes on February 15, 1955 Voters approved to add 4 rooms to Webster, 2 rooms to Garfield and 6 rooms and gym to Washington High School.

Needing more classrooms, temporary ones were built as an addition to the old school in 1957. A new addition took place in 1972.

I

n October of 1954, the planning for a new Washington High School gym begun. In September of 1955, construction began on additions to Webster, Garfield, plus additional Washington High School classrooms on the northeast portion of the building and a gym, dressing rooms and industrial arts room on the west portion of the building. The total cost was to be approximately $662,000, of which $270,000 was for the 2,400 seat gym, with regulation 84’ x 50’ basketball court. The classroom additions were completed for the start of the 1956 school year; however, the gym was not completed for the fall of 1956. The first basketball game played in the new gym was the first round game of the Cherokee County Boys basketball tournament on Monday, January 21, 1957. 15

Construction Begins to expand Washington High School

1955

16

New Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary Schools Built in 1960-1961

Lincoln School, located at 320 South Roosevelt was built in 1960-61.

The size was 10,440 sq. ft. on a tenacre site. Due to the poor location in the flood district, the last school year that students attended was 19841985. It was sold to LeRoy Schoon in 1993. He removed the classroom portion, leaving the gym for storage. It has since been demolished and is now apart of the Green Space Area.

17

School Election Held To Reorganize School Districts Elections were held September 7th, 1960 to vote on the question of creating a reorganized school district to include the present Cherokee Independent School District, Afton Consolidated School District, Cherokee Township School District, Pilot Township School District, and the remaining portion of Rock Township School District. The proposed district would be known as the Cherokee Community School District and would include an area of about 75 sections.

18

Larrabee and County of Cherokee Consolidate Reorganization Will Provide: • A strong educational program • A greater tax base • Lower per pupil costs • Grater efficiency of operation • Satisfaction of the Iowa Law which requires that all areas of the state be a part of a twelve grade school on or before July 1, 1962 • Better representation and a voice in the governing of school affairs • Efficient use of teachers • Continuation of the community spirit surrounding each of the elementary schools.

Larrabee Consists of 23,560 sq. ft. five acre site, Town of Larrabee built in 1921 (15,245 sq. ft), additions in 1957 of 3,420 sq. ft. – school closed at the end of the 1984-1985 school year, the building was demolished August 26, 1989.

VOTE On Tuesday, December 8, 1970--Voters passed a bond issue to: Remove the old Webster building and construct classrooms, multipurpose room, reading room, boiler room, rest rooms, storage, and office space. Roosevelt: to construct classroom additions, ending the use of temporary portable classrooms. Lincoln: maintain existing facilities as school of kindergarten through fourth grade. Larrabee: to continue use for kindergarten through fifth grades. Wilson: remodel and build additional classroom and library spaces. Washington added many changes….. 1972 - The Year Of New Additions In 1972 construction began on the third addition to Washington High School. This 50,452 square foot addition was completed at a cost of approximately 1.1 million dollars and included the auditorium. 19

A Piece of History “A priceless antique has been created from the ruins of an old grandfather clock discovered in the boiler room of Webster Elementary” A quote from Clyde Trimble, secretary of the Cherokee Board of Education back in February 1970. The clock was found in poor condition, but through dedicated hours, Mr. Trimble, restored this treasure. The clock was given to the school by the class of 1905, costing approximately $7,500. The clock is currently in the High School Principal’s Office.

20

Roosevelt – Garfield – Webster Receive New Additions

Contractors

General Mechanical Electrical High SchoolElementary -

Grundman-Hicks Construction Co., Cherokee, Iowa Peterson Plumbing and Heating Co., Cherokee, Iowa McClellan Electric Co., Denison, Iowa Essinger Electric Co., Fort Dodge, Iowa

Building Cost

Building contracts (all additions)……………. General Contract 980,794 Mechanical Contract 325,786 Electrical (high school) 94,715 Electrical (elementary) 29,600 Total $1,430,895 Note: The above totals are exclusive of costs for landscape, drainage, parking areas, and fees.

21

Some Enrollment Data: Year 1955-1956 1957-1958 1959-1960 1961-1962 1963-1964 1965-1966 1967-1968 1969-1970 1971-1972 1973-1974 1975-1976

Enrollment 1301 1315 1367 1502 1635 1688

Year 1956-1957 1958-1959 1960-1961 1962-1963 1964-1965 1966-1967

Enrollment 1288 1334 1416 1570 1695 1920

Projected Enrollment for the next ten years. 1981 1968-1969 2014 2033 1970-1971 2064 2096 1972-1973 2121 2120 1974-1975 2135 2167 1976-1977 2194

22

Certified Enrollment Numbers 1975 to 1995

Washington High School During the summer of 1979 the atrium in the east portion of the building was remodeled into three additional classrooms, one of which was a science laboratory. This 3,000 sq. ft. addition was completed at a cost of approximately $101,000. WHS Gym Rededication 1982 During the summer of 1982, the Washington High School gym was remodeled. The stage was removed, the corridor located just east of the gym was altered, and a new weight lifting room was added. The 3,000 sq. ft. of stage area became a part of the gymnasium area, thus creating two regulation “crosscourt” basketball courts and three volleyball courts. The entire gym was repainted, and an entire new floor was installed. The approximate costs for the project were: basic remodeling contract $84,000, new automatic bleachers $22,000, new maple floor (10,500 sq. ft.) $33,000 for a total of $139,000. Also during the summer of 1982, the site just west of George Hick’s Field was leveled. This six-acre tract of land was given to the Cherokee Community School District in 1979 by the neighboring homeowners. The west portion of the area was leveled and a new football field practice area was created in 1980.

In1985, Roosevelt received an addition of 28,000 sq. ft. of space. 23

Doupe Field: was built in 1987. It includes a lighted baseball field, softball field, and 4 little league diamonds. A 6-court tennis complex & practice track was built in 2000. George Hicks Field was rebuilt in 1990. It included an 8 lane all-weather track, stadium bleachers, restrooms, concession stand and press box facility. In 1988 the Cherokee Community School District was composed of five school buildings, one administrative center, a bus/maintenance garage and the Armory Building. Garfield had 198 students in grades kindergarten through third grades and three special education classes. Roosevelt had 514 students in grades kindergarten through third, and fifth and sixth grades, also two special education classes. Webster was strictly used for fourth grade. It has 88 students Wilson has 219 students all of them seventh and eighth graders, with pre-vocational special education students. Washington High School had 451 students in grades ninth through twelve with work-study special education pupils. The Administration Center was located at 207 North Second Street and was built in 1924 with an addition in 1950. It served as the Superintendent’s/Central Office until November of 1998 at which time the Central Office was moved to the Webster Building. This Building was later sold in April of 1999. The Armory located at 336 Gillette Drive was purchased from the State of Iowa in June 1982. This 11,592 sq.ft. 2.7-acre site served as a location for the ECLC program from 1991 to 1998, at which time they moved to the Webster building. The Bus Garage located at 300 Gillette Drive was built in 1974 (12 storage stalls plus 3 maintenance stalls). Size of this is 8,448 sq. ft, one-acre site. An office addition was constructed in July 2001.

Larrabee was demolished August 26, 1989 Roosevelt received an additional 5,000 sq. ft. in 2000 Garfield closed 2001, Sold September 2001 Wilson closed January 2001, Sold May 2001

24

CMS Bond Issue Passed for 7.59 Million

Located at 206 East Indian, 389 students began their second semester of the 2001-2002 school year in the new building. This building serves students 5th through 8th grade.

25

Enrollment Through The Years Beginning 1999-2016 School Year

Certified Enrollment

Enrollment Data 1999-2016 Line 7 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

1263 1197.8 1200.8 1132.4 1101.7 1091.8 1053.9 1011.6 999.6 1001.4 972.5 932.3 932.2 959.2 975.08 956.2 941.59

1400

1200

1076.7

1000

800

600

400

200

0

2005 – Central Office moves to the WHS building

26

2015-2016 TK Program moved to Roosevelt

2015-2016 District Certified Enrollment is 941.59 with the district serving 1009 students. The district employs 80 certified teachers, 4 administrators, and 74 support staff. The School Board consists of: Board President, Jim Haselhoff, Vice-President, Calvin Carver, Members: Laura Dawson, Paul Fuhrman, and Logan Patterson, Board Secretary, Joyce Lundsgaard. Superintendent: Kimberly Lingenfelter

27

Washington High School

Current enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year is: 302, with 26 students being opened enrolled in. Washington High School serves 9 thru 12 grade students. WHS offers approximately 99 courses in English, math, social studies, science, fine arts, foreign language, industrial technology, and family & consumer science.

Special clubs and programs: art club, speech, debate, Spanish club, chorus, band, weight lifting club, yearbook, talented and gifted program, At Risk Program, Special Olympics, cheerleading, Lego club, HUB, National Honor Society, football, tennis, golf, baseball, track, cross country, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, student council, and class officers. Alternative high school is available to students who qualify. Dual credit courses offered through Western Iowa Tech Community College and Buena Vista University.

28

C

urrently the Cherokee Middle School serves 5th thru 8th graders. In 2015-2016, student enrollment is 296, of which 28 are open enrolled in from neighboring districts.

Core Courses: language arts, math, science, social studies, reading, and spelling. Special Courses and Teachers: art, vocal music, instrumental music, computer classes, talented and gifted program, counseling, foreign language, physical education, special education, health, librarymedia center and classes, study skills, enrichment assemblies, industrial technology, family & consumer science, English Second Language and a sports program.

29

Roosevelt Elementary

2015-2016 Certified Enrollment for Roosevelt is 407 of which 36 are open enrolled in from neighboring districts. Average class size for:

K-1st 20.3 2-4 19 Core Courses: reading, math, science, social studies, spelling, phonics, and language arts.

Special Course and Teachers: art, music, physical education, computer, talented and gifted, counseling, Title I Reading, special education classes, library media, English Second Language, assemblies and field trips, and enrichment programs to enhance specific interests through the TAG program for all students.

30

Early Childhood Education Center

Webster Elementary houses the Early Childhood Learning Center. There are 3 certified teachers who serve children ages 3 and 4. Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year is 65, with 6 being served in the area of special needs.

31

   

Superintendents With Their Years of Service George  Coonly   O.S.  Wight   Joel  H.  Davenport   George  E.  Fisher   Oscar  Chase   J.  E.  Sanders   W.  H.  Harriman   R.  L.  Robie   Rev.  W.  F.  Rose   H.  B.  Strever   Ella  M.  Slater   H.  B.  Strever   Eva  L.  Gregg   Agnes  J.  Robertson   Kate  R.  Logan   Lew  McDonald   F.  E.  Tellier   F.W.  Johansen   Lester  C.  Ary   N.  D.  McCombs   J.C.  Hoglan   Rankin  E.  Creel   L.  W.  Sexton   Richard  L.  Kinkead   Francis  D.  Peterson   Mick  Starcevish   Jerry  Kjergaard   Charles  Irwin,  Interim   Dr.  Marlin  Lode   Dr.  John  Chalstrom   Kimberly  Lingenfelter  

Date  of  Election  10/11/1858   Date  of  Election  10/11/1859   Date  of  Election  11/8/1864   Date  of  Election  10/10/1865   Date  of  Election  10/19/1869   Date  of  Election  10/16/1871   Date  of  Election  10/20/1873   Date  of  Election  10/12/1875   Date  of  Election  10/9/1877   Date  of  Election  11/1879   Date  of  Election  11/1881   Date  of  Election  11/1883   Date  of  Election  11/1887   Date  of  Election  11/1895   Date  of  Election  11/1906   Appointed  July  3,  1913   1914-­‐1917   1917-­‐1922   1922-­‐1926   1926-­‐1938   1938-­‐1946   1946-­‐1955   1955-­‐1958   1958-­‐1974   1974-­‐1983   1983-­‐1992   1992-­‐1995   1995-­‐1996   1996-­‐2005   2005-­‐2015   2015-­‐  

32

Information compiled by Tandra Naslund, with special thanks to the Cherokee Library Archives.

33