West Salem High School - Neshonoc Yearbook (West Salem, WI)

Page 3 text:

WjN behalf of the Class of 1912, The Spike Board presents this Year-book; To their fellow-students, alumni and friends, With the hope that it may Renew past memories, keep fresh present memories, And arouse a new interest in our school life. The Seniors of 1912.

Page 5 text:

HISTORY OF THE WEST SALEM HIGH SCHOOL Prior to the year 1864 not a great deal had been done in the way of schools. Tire first school house was located on Jefferson street, about where the Northwestern stock yards are now situated. Later this school building was moved to Youlen street and is now occupied by Mrs. Dreck-irah as one of the residences of that street In the fall of 1864 a select school was taught by Miss Beach and in the fall of 1865 a select school was opened in the Agricultural Hall, conducted by Rev. I. Collins as principal and Miss Beach as ass'stant. In 1866 a company founded the La Crosse Valley Seminary. This was located on the same site as that occupied by the present high school building. The first board of officers consisted of William L. Dudley, president; P. S. Elwell, secretary, and six trustees. In 1870 the seminary building and grounds were purchased by the school district and changed into a graded school of three departments. On the night of January 13, 1875, the school house w'as completely destroyed by fire. The old school house was then fitted up and school continued until the end of the year. The next summer a larger building of brick was erected on the foundation from which the building had burned. There were four main rooms, one of which the high school occupied, this being the first year that there was a Hieh School course. A vestibule and a gymnasium were added to the building during Mr. 0. H. Miller’s stay here as Principal Mr. S. M. Leete was the first principal of this new school, and was in charge of it until 1877. Mr. A. A. Spencer was then selected as principal but remained only one year. He was succeeded by (Mr. E. D. Wood. In June, 1880, this High-) School graduated its first class, consisting of two -ladies—Carrie Walker and Dell Sparling. Tri the- ( year 1898 the four-year course was introduced into the High School. The schools boast of 223 graduates, ninety-three of which have been young men and the remainder. 130, young ladies. The list of graduates is given else where in this book. At a recent meeting of the Board of Education, domestic science and agriculture courses were adopted for the coming school year, and the Latin course is to be gradually dropped out on account of the small number of students who elect it. The school will offer four courses beginning with next fall, English, German, Domestic Science and Agriculture. It is hoped that in the near future we may have a nice new building, fitted out with gymnasium and room for a manual training course.