River Falls High School - Kinnick Yearbook (River Falls, WI)

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-E132 As the school increased in size new courses of study, and new methods of teach- ing were introduced At a meeting of the school board held June 28, 1884, a reso- lution was passed for the establishment anad maintenance of a high school depart- ment. The old records which we still have on file, show that the first algebra class was comprised of two students, the physics class of one, and the literature class of one. The next year showed a wonderful growth for four pupils took Latin, Botany, Geology and Rhetoric. This first high school course, covering a period of three years, wtas continued until 1894- when it was changed to a four-year course. At this time, also, the high school became an accredited school under the principalship of Prof. H. L. Wilson. The first class to graduate was the class of 1887 of which there were five mem- bers. Diplomas were given to the following people: Anna Burhyte, now Mrs. Fred Lord of this cityg Mary Evans, who later became Mrs. H. W. Marsh, and is now residing in Milwaukeeg Walter Campbell, deceased, Charles Putnum, now living in California, and Angus Morrow, who is in Walterville, Oregon. So bit hy bit, the public school of River Falls has developed until this year, 1922, we are sending from our ranks forty-five people-the largest class which has ever been graduated from this institution. All honor to those public spirited pioneers with vision, who amidst their strug- gles in a new country full of privations and dangers found time and means to lay the foundation for a school system which has furnished us such rich opportunities. KENNETH HEALY '22 A PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION CMRS. HILL.l PARENT-TEACHER Association was organized in November, 1921. This or- ganization was the result of the growing interest of a few parents in the welfare of the school. It was a move for which Supt. Davee had long hoped. Witli Mr. Mason and his able corps of teachers assisting, the results have been most gratifying. The object of such an association has been to secure a better understanding on the part of both teachers and parents, of the many problems of education which con- front the thinking people today. Never has there been such a widespread interest aroused in education. With parents and teachers co-operating in such an organiza- tion. the satisfactory work done in our school can be doubled. The officers elected for the year were: President, Mrs. Pomeroy, vice president, Mrs. Tubbs, secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Kulstad, Prof. Olson, Ex-State Superintendent of Schools of Minnesota, spoke at the first meeting in ,lanuary on What America Has Done for Mef' Judge Perrin of the Superior Juvenile Court lectured at the February meeting on Child Welfare.'7 In March a health program was carried out. Several local doctors and dentists and Mr. Cridcr, Physical Training Director, presented different subjects pertaining to the health of the individual pupil as well as to the school as a whole. A question box in April cleared up several perplexing problems and helped to fulfill the original object of the organization. The year closed with a picnic in May with everybody feeling that KA task, well begun, is half done. From a membership of forty, the association grew to one hundred twenty-five. Witli this number of vitally interested people all working together with but one aim -the betterment of our school-the future with its call for new buildings, better equipment, and the best instructors, holds much promise. Page Eleven

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JLX mf HISTORY OF RIVER FALLS HIGH SCHOOL S this book is the first attempt of the River Falls High School to issue a year . book. it seems fitting that it contain a few glances into the past of our school. In 1854, less than a half dozen years after the very first settlers came into this valley, a tiny building, twenty by thirty feet in dimensions, was erected on what is now Fourth Street on the lot where the residence of Dr. Gallup now stands. The school site was donated by Powell Brothers. Mr. Lyman Powell was the father of Mrs. Weld and Mrs. Ensign of this city. The money was raised by subscription, and the building served as both school and church. Miss Helen Flint was the first teacher. Her salary was paid by subscription. The next year school district No. 1 was or- ganized and the management of this school was put into the hands of a school board. In 1856, the uRiver Falls Academyi' was built on the west side where the High School now stands. The funds for this building were raised by the River Falls Academy Association by subscription also, and the land was likewise donated by Powell Brothers. Professor Benjamin Wilcox was the first principal, with Mr. A. P. Weld, his assistant. This building was leased by district No. 1 from 1862 until they purchased it in 1865. It then became a public school Mrs. Alice Weld, who was then a little girl, tells of the joy and pride with which the children formed in line, and with their teacher at their head marched from the old one-roomed building on Fourth Street to their new building on the West Side. Here later, Mrs. Weld became a teacher in the primary department, with Mrs. Armstrong, of this city, as an assistant. At the same time, Miss Emma Levings was principal of the upper grades. It was during this time that the first attempt at grad- ing and systematic promotion was made. The old academy was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1879. A temporary build- ing was erected, and a year later a five-room brick building was constructed. This now comprises the east wing of our present building. Since then additions on the west, north and south have been made. Page Ten

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