Audubon Grade School

Nevin's, Sherwood, Clark Co., Wisconsin

Audubon School House, Nevin's, Wisconsin

Memories

Eda Ketel graduated as valedictorian of her class.  The evening of her graduation on June 11, 1897 she presented her valedictorian speech titled “The Will and the Way.”  She was presented with a certificate authorizing her to attend the University of Wisconsin, but there was no way that the family could afford for her to attend.  She did take violin lessons that summer from Albert Wagner, her sister Martha’s husband. 

At that time a high school graduate who passed a satisfactory examination was qualified to teach at the time of graduation and that is how Eda came to be the teacher at Nevins.  That decision made all the difference in her future life. 

Byron Pickering was the school clerk when Eda applied at Nevins for her first job.  The four boys were still at home, but Edith and Helen were gone so there was an extra room for the teacher.  Eda roomed and boarded at the Pickering home.  It was a good place to be.  She told years later of the salt pork, which was always on the table.  There was always plenty of substantial food and bread was baked daily.  The family was delighted to take advantage of Eda’s musical talents and she played the violin for the community and church programs.  Myron accompanied her on the organ. 

In those days a teacher was hired by the fall or spring term.  When the fall term closed, Eda returned home for the extended spring vacation.  Dave wrote his first letter to her while she was at Neillsville.  It is dated March 16, 1898.  His letter was a newsy one about the family, but in one paragraph he said, “I have studied most of the time when I was around the house.”  Eda had given him some informal assignments, particularly in arithmetic and spelling.  Dave was far ahead of what country schools had to offer and he wrote a beautiful hand in penmanship. 

The spring term began in April.  Eda was 17 years old.  When she arrived at Nevins again, she wrote to her family:

Dear Papa and All,

When I got to the station at Granton, Mr. Pickering wasn’t there so I walked over to the Stockwells and waited for him there.  Helen knew me at once when she opened the door.   It was a dreadful ride back to Nevins with mud so deep the horse could barely get through and once the buggy almost tipped over.  I got downstairs this morning at half past six.  Only the boys and children were up.  I sat in the kitchen by the stove for half an hour and then thought I’d write a little so I went back upstairs to my room.

 Last night I asked Mrs. Pickering if I could board here.  She laughed and said they had wanted to be alone this spring, but she didn’t know of any other place. It is Sunday evening.  After supper I played the violin and Myron accompanied me with chords on the organ.  After we got through playing, Mr. St. Germain and Dan Messing came to talk over my contract.  Nothing definite about my salary yet, but school will start tomorrow morning anyway.

Bye-bye and a kiss to all, Eda