Built in the 1880's, the school was moved to Prairie Village from nearby Nunda in 1966. Officially, the school was called School No. 11 of Hyland District 8.
Just one room, that's all. One teacher taught eight grades, 1st through 8th. Christmas programs with each student taking part were a highlight for the whole community.
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Walk in the front door to visit a classroom of the 19th Century. |  |
This globe was suspended on a pulley so it could be lifted out of the way when not in use. |
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Notice the different size desks to accommodate the growing children. |  |
Every school had a picture of George Washington |
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Students often sat two to a desk. |  |
The pot-bellied stove heated the little school. Children could bring a potato to bake in the coals. |
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The chalkboard was used for class instruction. |  |
Children brought lunch from home in syrup or lard pails. |
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But slates were used for individual assignments. |  |
Running water? Yes, you ran and got it. This was used for both drinking and washing. |
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Of course, the erasers had to be cleaned. |  |
Water was scarce. Everyone washed up in the same sink-full. After school, it was used to wash the floor. |
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Children had to buy their own books. |  |
Of course, with no indoor plumbing, the outhouse was an important feature. |
The little school was often the center of the community. Children's programs were very popular. They were elaborate with everyone taking part. Sheet (curtains) were hung on wire with safety pin slides. Another popular entertainment was a Basket Social. Girls prepared the best lunches they could and placed them in decorated baskets or boxes. These were auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The County Superintendent oversaw the various country schools. This person would visit the schools once or twice a year, order materials and supervise the achievement tests that would determine if the child "passed" or not.
Country School Links
 | Winslow Homer The Country School http://www.artsednet.getty.edu/ArtsEdNet/Images/P/school.html |
| Nebraska Country School #37 http://pathfinder.esu2.k12.ne.us/brugh37/index.html |
| Taylor #4 Country School http://www.marshallnet.com/museum/schooltext.jpeg.html |
| Laura Ingalls Wilder Web Ring http://www.webring.org/cgi-bin/webring?ring=liwring;list |
