SCHOOL ITEMS

1877 Annual Report of County Superintendent Office   St. Helena, Cedar Co., Nebr., June 13, 1877

First School in Cedar County

DISTRICT 6, Name Unknown, (Later known as St. Boniface Catholic School)
Organized April 30, 1873. The original District 6 was located about a mile northeast of Menominee. The first school year was 1875-76. Gerard Smith was the first director; H. Van Hall was the first teacher. There were 22 families in the district and 71 school-aged children. Evelyn Koenig was the teacher in 1921-22. In 1923, under the direction of the Parish priest, funds were raised to replace the District 6 building. The people used chalkrock to build the second building like the church had been built. The cornerstone was laid in 1923 and by the fall of 1924, the school was in operation. Benedictine Sisters from Yankton taught grades 1-8, replacing lay teachers from District 6. The Sisters were paid from state funds because the school was considered a public school. Religion was taught before and after school. Later the Sisters used the upstairs of the school building as living quarters. In 1927, 10th grade was added allowing students two years of high school. By 1930, a lawsuit raged because the Sisters were teaching in a public school which was a violation of the Religious garb law; state- funding was revoked. The district lost the lawsuit. Because of the lawsuit, high school grades were dropped, but state-funding was reinstated. For some reason, in 1932 enrollment jumped to 132 students and desks had to be borrowed from surrounding schools. By the early 1950s, the State Superintendent ruled that Menominee was a parochial school and would not be receiving state funding. During 1952, school was closed because of a polio epidemic. Three students became so ill they were hospitalized and one died. At the end of that year, District 6 merged with Joy Hill District 4, Little Beaver Creek District 11, Hamilton District 56, and River View District 112. It became St. Boniface Catholic School. Peter Zavadil was the final director; St. Laurina, Sr. Anita, and Sr. Innocent were the last teachers. Source: A Journey of Faith Continues - A 125 History c. 2006. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: Menominee St. Boniface Catholic School supported 9th and 10th grade classes during the 1920’s into the early 1930’s.

DISTRICT 40, Name Unknown
Organized December 7, 1885; No classes from 1949-59. School closed.

DISTRICT 86, Name Unknown
Organized April 4, 1903; Merged with District 54 on July 1, 1966

DISTRICT 88, Name Unknown     District 88 Notes
Organized November 21, 1903; Merged with District 104 on July 5, 1952. No classes from 1942-1951.

AMES CREEK, District 60
Organized October 1, 1889. Merged with Brookey Bottom District 7 effective September 7, 1955
Souvenir Card Cover, 1916, Can you identify this student?       Page 2       Page 3
Souvenir Card Cover, May 5, 1920, Can you identify this student?
Souvenir Card Student List, May 28, 1920

ANDREW, District 25
Organized February 26, 1875. Merged with Pleasant Dale District 18 in 1964.

ATEN, District 3       GREEN ISLAND, District 3
Organized 1875. The first director was Charles Seccombe, 1875-76. The first teachers were Viola Hayes and JJ Tulloss. The last director was Marvin Nohr, 1979-80. The last teachers were Amanda Guthmiller and Wilma Hornstra.

BAKER CREEK, District 42 -- See NORRIS.

BEAVER CREEK, District 102
BEAVER CREEK, District 102  School Site, taken in 2009. Located on the Knox/Cedar county line road, NE corner of the intersection. Organized March 16, 1911. In early 1910, petitions for a school were circulated and the majority of votes would come from East Beaver Creek, Frankfort and Blyville. Frank Tramp and Frank Janssen traveled until after midnight to get enough signers to win out against the opposition. In 1911, Woodmens Lodge Hall (Old Aten Dance Hall) was moved from Aten five miles north and one mile east of Crofton. The building was located in Cedar County next to the Knox County line. The building became Dist 102 and known as Beaver Creek. In the fall, school was first opened with an enrollment of 42 students. In 1922, the school was enlarged with an addition of an entrance and cloakroom and made into two rooms so that the ninth and tenth grades might be started. During the 1920s, these two grades were taught, but discontinued in 1932. Source: A Journey of Faith Continues - A 125 History c. 2006. Merged with Knox County's Crofton District 96-R effective July 1, 1965. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: Beaver Creek District #102 were teaching high school classes through the 10th grade in the mid 1920’s. Matilda Janssen and Martha Walz were high school teachers.

BELDEN PUBLIC, District 64
Organized November 24, 1890. Merged with Randolph District 45 in 1966. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: Belden School #64 was housing classes up through 10th grade by 1891. The first superintendent was Frank Burns. In 1916 an 11th grade was added and by the 1920’s a four year program was running. By 1922 the first senior class graduated. In 1924 a new brick building was built. Belden high school was closed at the end of 1966 school year and eventually the grade school was closed too. For 75 years the Belden School provided schooling to it’s students. Students wore Purple and gold ahtletic uniforms and the Indian Braves did well in competition. The final senior class had eight students in 1966, but after that the students were transported to Randolph. The Brick building was sold that resided on the south eastern edge of town. Some say when the wind is right passerbys the school can still hear refrains of the old school song.

BELDEN SCHOOL PICTURE, 1898, Can you help us identify these students?

BOW CREEK, District 33
Organized August 16, 1882. Last year of classes was 1945-46. School closed 1946-1956.

BOW VALLEY, District 9
Organized March 20, 1874. Merged with Wynot District 101 in 1952.

BOW VALLEY SCHOOL HISTORY Page 1     Page 2

EAST CATHOLIC, District 9
Merged with District 101 in 1952

BRANCH, District 14  Organized April 30, 1874. The first director listed was Stephen Wohlman in 1875-1876. The first teachers listed were Ida Elliot, C. Fritzgerald, Mary Maier, and John Collins. The last director was Irvin Lentz in 1976- 1977. The last teacher was Mrs. Vera Peitz.
BRANCH SCHOOL ROSTER, District 14  1897-1898
BRANCH SOUVENIR CARD, 1907  Can you identify this student?     Page 1     Pages 2-3     Page 4    
AUCTION MARKS END OF BRANCH SCHOOL

BREEZY HILL, District 106
Organized March 25, 1913. Dissolved and merged with Pleasant Valley District 77 and Harmony District 98 effective May 29, 1959.

BRIAR CREST, District 29-N       HAPPY VALLEY, District 29-S
Organized March 31, 1879. Both schools closed in 1959. Last year of classes was 1946-47.

BROOKSIDE, District 108
Organized December 28, 1914. Dissolved and merged with Fordyce District 35 effective July 1961.

BROOKEY BOTTOM, District 7
Organized April 30, 1873. Records are sketchy for this school. There was no school from 1906-1913. Dissolved August 28, 1973. District 7 merged with Dixon County District 24, and Cedar County's Hartington/Holy Trinity District 8S and Wynot District 101.

BUNKER HILL, District 72
Organized October 21, 1892.
BUNKER HILL SCHOOL PICTURE
1892-1957

SS. PETER & PAUL PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 72

CEDAR DALE, District 13
Organized April 30, 1874. Closed after last school year 1901-02.

CENTER, District 84
Organized April 2, 1901. Dissolved and merged with Pleasant Valley District 77 and Knox County's Wausa District 76-R effective July 1, 1964.

CENTER, District 95
Organized March 7, 1908. Merged with Coleridge District 41R in 1959.

COLERIDGE

CONSTANCE

EAGLE VALLEY, District 55
Organized September 1, 1888. Merged with Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1966.

EAST CATHOLIC, District 57 -- See SUNNY SIDE and SACRED HEART, WYNOT.

EDISON, District 92
Organized March 29, 1905. Merged with Wausa District 76-R and Randolph District 45 effective October 11, 1968.

FAIRMONT, District 31
Organized January 15, 1881. Merged with Morning Glory District 114 effective June 7, 1963.

FAIRVIEW, District 44
Organized March 7, 1887.
Merged with Laurel District 54 effective August 29, 1973. 1971-1973 contracted with Laurel District 54.

FORDYCE

FRANCES WILLARD, District 49
FRANCES WILLARD, District 49 in 1912, Classes were held upstairs in this house, and the teacher resided with the family.
Organized November 17, 1887. Merged with Morning Glory District 114 effective July 7, 1963.

GOLDEN GLEAM, District 75
Organized February 21, 1894. Merged with Laurel District 54 and Wayne County's District 68 effective July 1, 1970.

GOLDEN PRAIRIE, District 28
Organized March 1, 1879. Last operating year was 1979-80.

GOLDENROD, District 110
Organized March 27, 1916.
Merged with Knox County Districts 76-R and 86-R, and Cedar County's Norris/Baker Creek District 42-R effective July 1, 1965. This schoolhouse now sits at the Cedar County Fairgrounds.

GREEN ISLAND, District 3 -- See ATEN.

GRAND VIEW, District 103
Organized March 25, 1912. Dissolved and merged with Paragon District 24 in 1966.

GREEN VALLEY, District 91
Organized December 9, 1904. Merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Randolph District 45 in 1966.

GRISEL, District 34
Organized September 17, 1883. Last year of classes was 1950-51. School was closed 1951-57.

HAMILTON, District 56
Organized September 29, 1888. It was made from wood and located about one mile west and three miles south of Menominee. School began in the fall of 1888. It served six families and had seventeen children. It was dissolved in 1955, and merged with Little Beaver Creek District 11, Fordyce District 35, and John Tramp District 87 effective May 28, 1955. The school building was sold and converted to a house. The public school ran from 1888 - 1952. From 1952-55, there were nuns listed as teachers. It was known as St. Boniface Parochial School. Taken from a journey of faith continues a 125 history c. 2006.

HAPPY VALLEY, District 29 -- See BRIAR CREST.

HARMONY, District 98
Organized March 30, 1909. Merged with Hartington District 8 and Coleridge District 41-R effective July 1, 1970.

HARTINGTON

HAWTHORNE, District 51
1887-1925 no teacher listed. 1925-26 seems to be first school year. Merged with Randolph District 45 effective August 1, 1967.

HIGH PRAIRIE, District 80
Organized April 1, 1895. Merged with Knox County District 76-R effective July 13, 1959.

HILLCOT, District 81     District 81 Teacher Dies
Organized March 1, 1897; Merged with Districts 48 & 113 on March 31, 1948.

HILLSIDE, District 50
Organized March 5, 1888. School dissolved in 1956.

JOHN TRAMP, District 87
Organized November 13, 1903. In 1967-68, called St. Joseph's School. In 1968-69, contracted with District 96-K, Crofton Parochial School.
1969-70, listed under West Catholic Elem. Merged with Knox County's Crofton District 96 effective June 1, 1970.

JONES, District 1     School Statistics Page 1     School Statistics Page 2    
Organized April 30, 1873. School closed January 2, 1953. Located near Jones Mill. First director was Peter Keegan, 1875-1876. First teacher was J.J. Tulloss. There are no records for 1879-80 nor for 1889-91. Earl Diest was director 1943-44. The last teacher was Leola Jones. There were no classes 1944-53. A. Edward Jones was the final director. Photo provided by the Charles & Arlyce Newton family from the collection of Louisa Jones Newton.
All-School Picture, 1895-1896    Back of photo School roster
Jones School  Back of photo reads, "To my classmate Mr. Harry Ferber from Bessie Carroll, Wynot"
Jones School  Taken by Orine Evans; Donated to the museum by Dale Evans Metters
First Pupils Now Widely Scattered  Cedar County News, February 5, 1931
School bell that hung outside Jones School  Photo provided by Charles & Arlyce Newton family from the collection of Louisa Jones Newton.
Letters from White House Down Pay Tribute to Mrs. Anna Felber  Cedar County News, February 19, 1931. First school teacher in Cedar County.

JOY HILL, District 4
Organized April 30, 1873. Merged with Sunny Side District 57 effective July 1, 1965. The first director was John Lammers, 1875-76. The first teachers were L. Howard and D. Schwegel. The last director was Gerald Suing, 1961-62. The last teacher was Jeanette Heimes, contracting 1962-65.

KERLOO, District 105-S       MIDWAY, District 105-N
Organized February 15, 1913. Closed 1961-62. Merged with Pleasant View District 47 and Sunny Brook District 113 effective July 27, 1961.

LAMMERS RANCH, District 59
Organized March 23, 1889. Merged with Northwest Star District 19 and Pleasant Valley District 77 effective April 20, 1955.
District 59 Annual School Census, June 30, 1890
District 59 Annual School Meeting Record, June 29, 1891

LAUREL

LAWN RIDGE, District 23
Organized December 19, 1874. Dissolved. Last year of classes 1958-59.

LIBERTY, District 107
Organized October 18, 1913. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: Operated from 1931 – 1951, the district had been constructed during the great depression so that school would be available close to home. In 1935 the first 12th graders graduated. The school published a newspaper the Liberty Torch in the 1938-39 school year, being popular enough it was sold to other schools and in area towns. The school operated through WWII, but with consolidation pressing and population moving from rural to urban the school closed in 1951. Senior class that year consisted of three people. The building was moved to Laurel for a club house on the golf course.

LITTLE BEAVER CREEK, District 11  See also Fordyce, District 35, and Constance, District 26.
Organized April 30, 1873. Located three miles west and one mile north of Menominee. School began in the fall of 1875, serving 11 families and 34 children. School was not held in District 11 from 1953-1957. It merged with several other districts and was relocated to the south end of Menominee and called District 11. Therefore, the history of District 11 continued ater its orginal site was closed. District 112 River View building was moved from its original location two miles north of Menominee to the south end and became the school building for District 11. The original District 11 school building was torn down in the early 1960's by the Duane Goeden family, using some of the lumber to build their own home which was completed in 1966. District 11 School of Menominee opened in the fall of 1957. The 3rd graders from St. Boniface Catholic School were required to attend District 11 public school located in Menominee. Taxpayers wanted to keep the district open for tax purposes. Three years later, starting in 1960, third and sixth graders from St. Boniface attended District 11. In 1988, Menominee District 11 was dissolved. During the years 1948-50, there was no school. School resumed 1950-51. No school 1951-52. School resumed 1952-53. No school 1953-57. Building moved. School resumed 1957-1970. 1970-75 records don't seem to be available. 1975-88, school was in session. Taken from a journey of faith continues a 125 history c. 2006.

LOGAN CENTER, District 20
Organized March 21, 1874. First known as Superior School. Merged with Laurel District 54 in 1965.

LOGAN VALLEY, District 16
Organized April 29, 1873. The first director was Lewis Dennis in 1875-1876. The first teachers were Elmira Howard and Mary Marr. District 16 was dissolved and attached to Coleridge District 41-R and Laurel district 54 effective August 29, 1974. The last director was James Campbell and the last teacher was Shirley Woodward in 1973-1974.

LOGAN VIEW, District 66     History Page 1     History Page 2     History Page 3     History Page 4     History Page 5
Organized October 14, 1891. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Laurel District 54 effective July 1, 1967.

LONE STAR, District 61     District 61 History
Organized October 1, 1889. Merged with Coleridge District 41-R in 1959.
Schoolhouse Burns Near Coleridge    

LONE VALLEY, District 17
Organized May 10, 1873. Last operating year 1900-01.

LOOKOUT, District 96
Organized March 10, 1909. Dissolved and merged with Know County's Wausa District 76-R and Bloomfield District 86-R effective July 1, 1968.

MAGNET

MAYFLOWER, District 46
Date of organization unknown. First school year was 1888-89. Contracted 1971-73 to Laurel District 54.
Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Laurel District 54 effective August 29, 1973.

MCCULLOUGH, District 63 -- See NIGHTINGALE.

MEADOW GROVE, District 52
Organized March 17, 1888. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54 effective September 21, 1967.

MENOMINEE, District 11 -- See LITTLE BEAVER CREEK. See also ST. BONIFACE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.

MIDWAY, District 105 -- See KERLOO.

MODERN, District 109
Organized March 27, 1916. Dissolved and merged with Golden Gleam District 75 effective July 1, 1965.

MORNING GLORY, District 114
Organized January 12, 1923. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Laurel District 54 effective July 27, 1978.

MT. PLEASANT, District 53
Organized March 19, 1888. No school held from 1949-1957. School dissolved.

MT. PLEASANT, District 89
Organized December 14, 1903. Dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 on August 23, 1965.

NIGHTINGALE (MCCULLOUGH), District 63
Organized March 24, 1890. Date dissolved unknown.

NORRIS, District 30
Organized March 16, 1880. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41 in 1959.

NORRIS or BAKER, District 42
Organized August 16, 1886. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54 effective July 1, 1970.

NORTH, District 70-N       SOUTH, District 70-S
Organized March 7, 1892. Both schools dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1966.

NORTH STAR, District 74
Organized October 7, 1893. Merged with Coleridge District 41-R in 1959.

NORTHWEST STAR, District 19
Organized March 20, 1874. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1968.
Listed as St. John's School 1965-66. Listed as West Catholic Elementary 1968-69.

OBERT, District 21
Organized April 16, 1874. Later called Obert R-1, Maskell School, or Kelbert School. Closed in the mid-1960s. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: Obert High School District 21 operated from 1912 – 1954. In 1909 construction was authorized for a two story school and by 1912 the school operated with grades up to the 10th grade. By 1930 the last two grades were added. Green and white were the school colors. First class of seniors graduated were in 1932. By 1953 a reorganization plan was in place to consolidated Maskell District in Dixon co., and some of the smaller ele. Rural schools. The two districts combined and became the first R-1 School in Nebraska. High school students attended in Obert and elementary students went to Maskell. The new school district was called Kelbert with new school colors of blue and gold. For 15 years the small school provided outstanding excellence in academics and athletics. In 1969 the last class of seniors received their diplomas. Obert Maskell High School (Kelbert) 1954 – 1969.

O'GARA, District 43
Organized December 29, 1886. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54 in 1965.

PEARL CREEK, District 48
Organized September 28, 1887. Merged with Coleridge District 41-R. Last school year was 1958-59. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: In 1918, the school west of Coleridge provided 9th and 10th grades until WW II when, for a short time, 11th grade was also taught.

PLEASANT DALE, District 18
Organized April 29, 1873. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1868.

PLEASANT GROVE, District 27
Organized March 25, 1877. Last school year was 1943-44. Merged.

PLEASANT VALLEY, District 39
Organized September 7, 1885. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54, date unknown.
District 39 Teacher's Contract, 1891, Teacher Annie Schrempp

PLEASANT VALLEY, District 77
Organized March 31, 1894. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1968.

PLEASANT VIEW, District 47
Organized September 26, 1887. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1968.

PLEASANT VIEW, District 93
Organized March 29, 1905. Dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 effective August 11, 1967.

PRAIRIE HILL, District 68
Organized January 17, 1891. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1970.

PROGRESSIVE POINT, District 100
Organized October 11, 1909. Dissolved and merged with Wynot District 101 effective July 1, 1955.

PROSPECT HILL, District 115
First school year was 1944-45. Dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1968.

R-1
Organized December 7, 1885-57. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8, Paragon District 24, and Wynot District 101 effective July 1, 1969. School Board: Director Emery Benson, Sec. Minor Koch, Amos Gran, Harry Rasmussen, Walter Johnson, and Vernon Stope 1957-58. First teachers: J.H. Ewert, Supt; Mrs. Jackie Hansen, Prin., Mrs. Ruby Rahn, Mrs. Thelma Hattig, Louise Newton, Mrs. Ransom Rasmussen, Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzgerald and James Koehler (4.5 months). Last director: Mary Johnson 1968-69. Last teachers: Wm E Conry, Supt., Stephen Nord, Gerald Baker, Harry Curren Jr. Richard Foxberger, Alvera Klanderud, Lucille Anderson, Margaret Robinson and Joan Olsen.

RANDOLPH

RIVER VIEW, District 112
Organized April 2, 1917. Located approximately two miles north of Menominee. A one room school began in the fall of 1917. That year it served 12 families, and had 29 children in attendance. In 1954, it was the last year the school operated, dissolving May 25, 1955. This school merged with Little Beaver Creek District 11. The building was moved to Menominee and placed on a basement that was dug for it. This served as District 11 for the next 33 years. The year it was moved, the parish approved installing lights, a telephone and a new furnace. This building stood on the south end of Menominee. 1945-48 no school; 1948-1950 School was observed; 1950-1953 no school; 1953-1954 school was observed; 1954-1955 no school. Taken from a journey of faith continues a 125 history c. 2006. Information found at the Cedar County Courthouse in Hartington.

ROBINS, District 94
Organized March 29, 1908. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1970.

ROCK HILL, District 99
Organized March 30, 1909. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1968.

ROSE HILL, District 67
Organized March 16, 1891. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8,
Pleasant Dale District 18, and Northwest Star District 19 effective June 5, 1959. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994: A small high school existed for a time after World War I.

ROSE VALE, District 79
Organized March 1, 1895. Dissolved and merged with Knox County's District 96-IK effective September 1, 1966.

ROY, District 76
Organized March 10, 1894. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54 effective July 22, 1970.

ST. BONIFACE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 56 -- See HAMILTON.
In 1952, District 6 was merged with Joy Hill District 4, Little Beaver Creek District ll, Hamilton District 56, and River View District 112. This school was held in a chalkrock building at Menominee. At this point, the school transitioned from a public school to a parochial school. In 1954-55, school year enrollment was 113 students. St. Boniface was closed in 1995. A hall was added to the north of the building and some of the classrooms and kitchen were remodeled so that the parish could still use the building. Taken from a journey of faith continues a 125 history c. 2006.

ST. FRANCES DE CHANTAL PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 45 -- See RANDOLPH. St. Frances de Chantel High School at Randolph 1899 – 1970 (district #?) Referred to as St. Frances Academy built close to the Catholic Church was built in 1899 to provide a secondary education for those of the Catholic Faith. By WWI the school expanded to a 12 year program and students received their diplomas. Emphasis was on female students by it expanded to coeducational. The blue and gold Blue Jays also participated in many athletics. With changing circumstances the private school closed and 1970 graduated it’s last class of 30 students. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994

ST. HELENA PUBLIC SCHOOL, District 2
Organized April 30, 1873. Dissolved by the county superintendent in 1961. A three-month school was taught by Dr. Bunting in 1859 in a log house, considered the first school in the county. In 1869, one of the first four frame houses built in the town was converted into a schoolhouse. In 1888, a parochial school need was clear. The former County Treasury Building was moved to the church block and two additions were built. St. Mary's had an enrollment of 30 students, the first teacher was Miss Mary Peitz. In 1900, enrollment doubled. The need for a new school and more teachers was imperative. The new school was three stories, with a wood frame measuring 30 feet by 85 feet. It contained two classrooms and living quarters for Sisters and boarders. The school was completed by the fall of 1900 and School Sisters from Milwaukee St. Francis began teaching. It wasn't until 1914 that the first boarders shared living space with three Sisters. In 1948, there were five Sisters.

In 1959, school facilities were not acceptable by the state education department. They disapproved of three stories and called for large changes for greater fire protection. The new school was built by a company that agreed to move the old building if they could have the salvagable lumber. By 1961, the school, parish center and convent were completed. In 1968, St. Mary's was one of three parishes that were consolidated into one system called East Catholic Elementary. The other parishes included St. James and St. Peter & Paul. Grades 1-5 were sent to Bow Valley and grades 6-8 were sent to St. Helena.

At first, Cedar County did not have public schools. In 1858, a teacher was hired for a private school at St. Helena. Few records exist for this school and others during that time period. In 1867, public schools were started in St. Helena and St. James. In 1875, Districts 1, 2, and 3 were formed. District #2 was St. Helena. One must remember that school years or terms did not conform to today's standards. Competent teachers were scarce. The first public school in St. Helena was one of the four red houses, or "Society" houses. This became overgrown and a school house was built. Later, another school was built and stands unused. It is slowly being torn down. Today, St. Helena arranges with other public schools to provide education to their young. Source: St. Helena Sesquicentenial History Book

St. Helena became a Class 2 - 10-grade high school. The first director was Peter Jenal 1875-76. The first teacher was Frank Campbell. Records for the school are sketchy. St. Helena Public High School, Dist. #57, for 9th – 10th graders began about 1914. The high school ran until prior to World War II. From Pages of history, Nebraska High Schools: Present and Past – Public and Private 1854 – 1994.

ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 2

ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL & HALL, District 2

ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 2  Photo thanks to Loren Bender.

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 35 -- See FORDYCE.

ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL, District 19 -- See NORTHWEST STAR.

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, District 26 -- See CONSTANCE.

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, District 87 -- See JOHN TRAMP.

ST. MARY'S, District 57 -- See SUNNY SIDE.

ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 2 -- See ST. HELENA.

ST. PETER, District 12
Organized April 30, 1875. District 12 was located about 12 miles east of Hartington. The first director listed was Dennis O’Flaherty 1875-1876. The first teachers were Caroline Fitzgerald and L.B. Plaice. District 12 was dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 and Laurel District 54 effective July 1, 1970. The last director was Archie McGregor 1967–1970. The last teacher listed was Esther Bottolfson 1966-1967.
St. Peter's School Pupils, Photo 1, cir. 1917-1926
I attended St. Peter through 8th grade. Mildred Anderson is in the 2nd row (just behind and to the left of the 3rd person (boy) in the 1st row. I believe Tom Anderson is the last boy on the left in the back row. Mildred's brother Art may be the 2nd to the last person in the back row.
Photo belongs to Linda Stone Longe, daughter of Mildred Anderson Stone. Submitted by Connie R. Loftus
St. Peter's School Pupils, Photo 2, cir. 1917-1926
Mildred Anderson is 2nd person in the back row. Her brother Tom Anderson may be the 1st person in the back row. Photo belongs to Linda Stone Longe, daughter of Mildred Anderson Stone. Submitted by Connie R. Loftus
St. Peter's School Pupils, Photo 3, cir. 1917-1926
Back row, 2nd from left, is Mildred Anderson. Last person on far right back row is Tom Anderson. Photo belongs to Linda Stone Longe, daughter of Mildred Anderson Stone. Submitted by Connie R. Loftus
St. Peter's School Pupils, 1951-52
From L: Glen Stone, Barbara Kleinsmith, Dennis Bottolfsen, Alan Heikes, Arlis Bottolfsen, Gary Stone, Connie Bottolfsen, Marlin Kleinsmith, Roger Heikes, Larry Kleinsmith, Gene Bottolfsen, Rosalie Stone. Submitted by Connie R. Loftus

ST. PETER & PAUL PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, District 72 -- See BUNKER HILL.

SCHREMPP, District 82
Organized October 16, 1897. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8, Menominee District 11, East Catholic District 57, and Wynot District 101 effective July 31, 1969.

Leo Schrempp Helped Organize School District 82 and Served 45 Years on Board, Cedar County News, June 15, 1939

SELLETIN, District 111
Organized April 3, 1916. Dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1967.

SMITHLAND, District 104
Organized February 15, 1913. Dissolved and merged with Paragon District 24 effective May 1959.

SOUTH, District 70 -- See NORTH.

SPRING VALLEY, District 32
Organized December 21, 1881. The first "spring valley" school was built near a small spring called Cold Springs across the road from the pioneer Henry Morton home. It was a small one room building made of logs. For firewood to keep it warm in the winter, the men of the community had to go to the Missouri river bottom to cut and haul wood with a team and wagon or on sleds. Too many prairie fires kept the plains swept of trees of any size. The first school was too close to Waucapona, so it was decided to rebuild two miles southwest of the original building. The school was named Spring Valley.
Spring Valley School Picture, cir. 1901-1904
Spring Valley School Picnic, cir. 1906-1912, Teacher Nellie Bixby
Spring Valley School Picture, 1920 Near Morten Homestead, Hartington. Pictured: Leonard Lively, Nellie Lively, (unidentified), Harry Morten, Bird Morten, Joe Morten, Jessie Lentz, Adly Anderson, ___ Anderson, Clarence Anderson, (unidentified), Maud Tatro, Ivie Swan, Clare Swan, Albert Swan, and Mattie Wiggins, and Teacher Wisdom. From Ernie Gottschalk collection, Vale SD.

SUNBEAM, District 62
Organized December 2, 1889. Merged with Wausa District 76-R in 1959.

SUNNY BROOK, District 113
Organized April 3, 1917. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1958.

SUNNY HILL, District 97
Organized March 30, 1909. Dissolved and merged with Coleridge District 41-R and Wausa District 76-R effective July 1, 1970.

SUNNY LEA, District 90
Organized 1904. Dissolved 1957.

SUNNY SIDE, District 57
Organized October 20, 1888. Known as St. Mary's 1966-69. Known as East Catholic Elementary School 1969-80.

SUNNY SLOPE, District 83
Organization date unknown. First year of school listed as 1901-02. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54 in 1965..

SUNNYSIDE, District 85
Organized April 14, 1902. Merged with Liberty District 107 in 1956.

TIP TOP, District 22
Organized July 7, 1874. Dissolved and merged with Laurel District 54.

TIP TOP, District 78
Organized March 31, 1894. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 effective July 1, 1968.

TIP TOP ALL-SCHOOL PICTURE, 1900  Back of photo reads, "No. of Hartington. Minnie Fogelson at corner of building. Mandy Segdon on left." Cedar County Museum Collection.

WAUCAPONA, District 5
Organized April 30, 1873. Dissolved and merged with Hartington District 8 and Wynot District 101 effective July 17, 1968. The first directory was William Sullivan in 1875-1876. The first teacher was M.E. Bark. The last director was Werner Burbach in 1967-1968. The last teacher was Nancy Bottolfson.

WAUCAPONA SCHOOL PICTURE, 1903

WAUCAPONA GROUP PICTURE, date unknown

WAUCAPONA SCHOOL CARDS, 1912 & 1914-1915, including rosters of students

WASHINGTON, District 37
Organized March 3, 1885. Dissolved and merged with Randolph District 45 effective July 1, 1967.

WHITTIER, District 38     WHITTIER NW, District 38     WHITTIER S, District 38     WHITTIER SE, District 38
Organized August 11, 1885. Whittier consisted of four schools. The district dissolved and merged with Randolph Public School,
District 45, effective July 1, 1970. From the 1965-1966 school year, they contracted with Randolph Public School, District 45

WYNOT