History of Farnam Public School

(By Dorothy Brittenham)

The first school was organized April 5, 1886. It was built in the north part of section three, just south of where Mr. Brasch’s home is now. The building was constructed of sod and was built by donations of the residents of the district. It was commonly known as the Keystone school. Mr. Wm. Stebbins of Gothenburg taught the first year here at a salary of $31.50 and Miss Mann taught the last term.

Mr. E. T. Buss served as treasurer for this school and he has since served several terms of various lengths in different positions upon the board of education. We feel proud and consider it an honor in saying that all of the children of Mr. Buss are graduates of Farnam High.

In 1887 the school was moved to town being held overhead of the Garvin Hardware store. The grades being all that was taught only one teacher was hired. Mr. Buss was the first to hold the position of teacher. He taught two four month terms at a salary of $35 per month. Without a doubt Mr. Buss has had experiences here that to us might seem as Ancient History, but due to the lapse of time and lack of space, we will not mention those experiences.

These conditions continued until August 18, 1888, when the first bonds were voted for a new school building, $1000 being the amount voted upon. The total number of voters were twenty one. The first school building erected in Farnam was located near what is known as the L. L. Stebbins hotel. By the time this building was completed the enrollment had increased until the primary grades had to be moved to where Grandma Tuft’s sitting room is now. Miss Emily Foote taught these grades for two years.

In 1889 at the annual school meeting, they voted for not less than six months of school, and in 1890 it was raised to not less than eight months. School continued under these conditions until 1899 when $2,000 bonds were voted for building a new school house. This building was erected and is known to us as the L. L. Stebbins hotel. Wm. F. Johnson was director and superintended the construction of this building. The tenth grade was added in this building. Only three teachers were employed. Miss Maud Taylor, or known to us as Mrs. A. E. Reeves, taught the fourth, fifth, sixth and part of the seventh grades. Time passed on and they became crowded here. Part of the grades were taught in the Congregational parsonage. Helen Hicks, or as we know her, Mrs. Loren Fitch taught here.

In 1908 the voters again realized the necessity of more room and bonds were voted for the erection of the present High School building. The site, windmill and building cost $14,353.86. They moved in with the following faculty in charge:

W. C. Bloom as superintendent with a salary of $75 per month. The assistant teachers were, Elma George, Eva George, Dela Stinnette, Mayme Waits, Helen Hicks and Amy Mercer. Each received the salary of $40 per month. Newsam Rank was janitor receiving $15 per month. The eleventh grade was added in 1909-10 under the supervision of Mr. Bloom, who is now serving as county superintendent of Dawson county.

In 1913 we have a record of the first class fight. Between the tenth and eleventh grades or the Junior and Senior class. A plucky Junior known to you as Fern Pollard or Mrs. Chester Hugo, climbed the stand pipe as six a.m., removed the Senior pennant and left in its place the Junior colors.

In 1915 under the supervision of Superintendent Mannix the twelveth grade was added. The school was then put on the accredited list of the State University.

In 1918 Mr. Dowers came in as Superintendent. Mr. Britt as principal and Miss Dendinger assistant principal. The high school enrollment was thirty, twelve boys and eighteen girls. During the past four years of his supervision two years of Manual Training has been added, one year of cooking and one year of sewing. Our school has also received Normal Training accrediment the past two years. All athletics or football, basket ball and track have been a success. Also the girls basket ball has been satisfactory.

The present year we have music installed under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Beltz. They have organized a boys and a girls Glee Club and a male quartet. Judging from the progress they are making this is going to be one of the greatest opportunitiies ever offered to high school pupils, and we believe it will prove to be the greatest success known in the history of our school. The present enrollment is eighty seven, there being forty-one boys and forty-six girls. And again we are crowded, as we have all the seats filled and the assembly filled with seats. In passing down the aisles we are bound to stumble over someone’s feet as they do not have room for them any where else! Why have this stumbling block in the progress of pupils? Why not build for the future prospects and betterment of your school and community.