White River Independent District No. 2
by Laura Kirsch
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
Doctor! Lawyer! Merchant! Chief! Such was the end result of the action taken by the
first commissioners of the newly organized County of Mellette, when on July 5, 1911 they
declared that all the land lying west of a line dividing Range 27 and Range 28 be and
constitute the common school district No.2 of Mellette County.
Rube Kaiser, John Hight and G. P. Anders were chosen by Sadie Shives, then County
Superintendent of Schools, to act on the first school board. They contracted Ted Rohn
and Leonard Cobb to construct a 16 by 24 building on the SW corner of block 12 of the
first addition in the town of White River where Edith Hight, who held a Nebraska certificate,
opened school on October 4, 1911.
This classroom was furnished with homemade tables and benches and a wood and coal
stove. The blue building paper on the walls served as the blackboard. Drinking water was
brought to school in a big wooden barrel, and some of the boys were kept busy driving
thirsty cows away that persisted in drinking the water supply. In the course of the year, 31
pupils were enrolled but at no time were there more than 22 in attendance. Since text books had not yet been adopted by the county, books were brought from Oacoma in Lyman County. Among these were the Baldwin Readers and Milne's Arithmetic.
Tragedy came to this new school three times that first session when death claimed Alfred and Irvin Patnoe and William Hollenback. Other pupils in attendance were Verne, Joe, and Ralph Jeroux, Clarence Patnoe, Clarence Hight, Otto, Emma, and Rosie Tomsik, Adolph and Fred Burnette, Harlan Core, Chester, Birdie, Delbert and Clara Percy, Ella and Maudie Lucas, Lucy First-In-Trouble, Elizabeth and Chester Hollenback, John Peters, Robert and Vera Cummings, Lloyd Brown, Thelma Taylor, David Estes, Gladys Eaton and Norma Waerdoff.
The 1912-1913 school term had a big enrollment and classes were held in different places in town under the instruction of
Nellie McDonald, Mary Coyle and Gussie Ruhl.
That same year nine rural schools were opened. The following year 14 schools were in session. In 1919-20 there were 21 rural schools in District No.2. And it wasn't until 1934 that the last of these rural schools, namely the Legner School, was closed and the children transported to town.
On July 20, 1912, an election was held to determine whether District No.2 should be bonded for . $3,500 for the purpose of building and furnishing a school and of purchasing ground on which to build . the same. At a special meeting on August 25, 1912 the contract for the new school house was let to B. . J. Brier for $3,265. The east half of the block 19, Second Addition, east of the court house was selected . for the new building. Brock Street was closed and Block 13, Investment Addition also is school property . After the town became incorporated, the school board continued to function as a common school . district until 1923 when they changed to an Independent District. This created much dissatisfaction . throughout the district as these three men could not adequately care for all the school needs. Consequently . populated areas filed petitions asking for the creation of new school districts. On April 9, 1914, District 4 . pulled away from District 2. On January 2, 1917, District 5 was created. On May 2, 1917, District 6 . became a reality. In April, 1917 Cody Township was made into a separate district known as District 7 . And so it continued until District 28 was created.
The school grew rapidly. In 1912 the ninth grade was added. The following year tenth grade subjects . were offered. In 1919 the eleventh grade was added and three years later Georgia Jones, George Keller and Rose Tomsik graduated from a three-year accredited high school. In 1938 the school graduated 30 seniors which has been the largest class in the history of the school.
Because of this growth, it was necessary in 1926 to vote on a $10,000 bond to make room for more classes. In 1936 a new $60,000 building was constructed under the W.P.A. program. In 1951 the basement of the west wing was completed to give more room. During the summer of 1957 two more modern class rooms were added to house the first and second grades. The latest improvement to the school is the lighted football field which was officially opened on September 16, 1960 when White River played Onida.
During these first fifty years, White River District No. 2 has served the community very well. This school has had its share of honors through the years. In 1938 the school is remembered for its tremendous football team. In 1941 the band took first honors in the State. In 1955 the basketball team brought home the first place trophy. Many individual records have been set and won in music, declamation and track as well.
In 1912 a five mill levy on $453,491 met the educational needs. In 1960, 20.41 mills on $1,470,097 plus the state and federal funds are required to meet the demands of the day. The enrollment has risen from 31 to 270 during this time. The school has functioned under the guiding hands of the following administrators: Nellie McDonald, Matilda Tarleton, E. H. Hamilton, A. E. Sullivan, J. H. Craft, George A. Boschma, George M. Lindsley, O. J. Creach, Roy Douglas, Lauritz Pederson, Lee Monte Creamer, Gilbert Neiles, Larry Gustafson, Roland Lutz, and Bryce Christensen.
In 1960-61, Bryce Christensen, superintendent; Laura E. Kirsch, principal; Catherine Fosket, English; Roy Tutsch, coach; Annette Christensen, commercial; Wayne Weisz, commercial; Pauline Keever, seventh and eighth; Pearl Monroe, sixth; Larry Tolzin, fifth; Thelma McCright, fourth; Marilyn Sager, third; Nathalie Burke, second; Elda Harris, first; and Marvin Palmer, band, make up the complete faculty.
by Laura Kirsch
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
Doctor! Lawyer! Merchant! Chief! Such was the end result of the action taken by the
first commissioners of the newly organized County of Mellette, when on July 5, 1911 they
declared that all the land lying west of a line dividing Range 27 and Range 28 be and
constitute the common school district No.2 of Mellette County.
Rube Kaiser, John Hight and G. P. Anders were chosen by Sadie Shives, then County
Superintendent of Schools, to act on the first school board. They contracted Ted Rohn
and Leonard Cobb to construct a 16 by 24 building on the SW corner of block 12 of the
first addition in the town of White River where Edith Hight, who held a Nebraska certificate,
opened school on October 4, 1911.
This classroom was furnished with homemade tables and benches and a wood and coal
stove. The blue building paper on the walls served as the blackboard. Drinking water was
brought to school in a big wooden barrel, and some of the boys were kept busy driving
thirsty cows away that persisted in drinking the water supply. In the course of the year, 31
pupils were enrolled but at no time were there more than 22 in attendance. Since text books had not yet been adopted by the county, books were brought from Oacoma in Lyman County. Among these were the Baldwin Readers and Milne's Arithmetic.
Tragedy came to this new school three times that first session when death claimed Alfred and Irvin Patnoe and William Hollenback. Other pupils in attendance were Verne, Joe, and Ralph Jeroux, Clarence Patnoe, Clarence Hight, Otto, Emma, and Rosie Tomsik, Adolph and Fred Burnette, Harlan Core, Chester, Birdie, Delbert and Clara Percy, Ella and Maudie Lucas, Lucy First-In-Trouble, Elizabeth and Chester Hollenback, John Peters, Robert and Vera Cummings, Lloyd Brown, Thelma Taylor, David Estes, Gladys Eaton and Norma Waerdoff.
The 1912-1913 school term had a big enrollment and classes were held in different places in town under the instruction of
Nellie McDonald, Mary Coyle and Gussie Ruhl.
That same year nine rural schools were opened. The following year 14 schools were in session. In 1919-20 there were 21 rural schools in District No.2. And it wasn't until 1934 that the last of these rural schools, namely the Legner School, was closed and the children transported to town.
On July 20, 1912, an election was held to determine whether District No.2 should be bonded for . $3,500 for the purpose of building and furnishing a school and of purchasing ground on which to build . the same. At a special meeting on August 25, 1912 the contract for the new school house was let to B. . J. Brier for $3,265. The east half of the block 19, Second Addition, east of the court house was selected . for the new building. Brock Street was closed and Block 13, Investment Addition also is school property . After the town became incorporated, the school board continued to function as a common school . district until 1923 when they changed to an Independent District. This created much dissatisfaction . throughout the district as these three men could not adequately care for all the school needs. Consequently . populated areas filed petitions asking for the creation of new school districts. On April 9, 1914, District 4 . pulled away from District 2. On January 2, 1917, District 5 was created. On May 2, 1917, District 6 . became a reality. In April, 1917 Cody Township was made into a separate district known as District 7 . And so it continued until District 28 was created.
The school grew rapidly. In 1912 the ninth grade was added. The following year tenth grade subjects . were offered. In 1919 the eleventh grade was added and three years later Georgia Jones, George Keller and Rose Tomsik graduated from a three-year accredited high school. In 1938 the school graduated 30 seniors which has been the largest class in the history of the school.
Because of this growth, it was necessary in 1926 to vote on a $10,000 bond to make room for more classes. In 1936 a new $60,000 building was constructed under the W.P.A. program. In 1951 the basement of the west wing was completed to give more room. During the summer of 1957 two more modern class rooms were added to house the first and second grades. The latest improvement to the school is the lighted football field which was officially opened on September 16, 1960 when White River played Onida.
During these first fifty years, White River District No. 2 has served the community very well. This school has had its share of honors through the years. In 1938 the school is remembered for its tremendous football team. In 1941 the band took first honors in the State. In 1955 the basketball team brought home the first place trophy. Many individual records have been set and won in music, declamation and track as well.
In 1912 a five mill levy on $453,491 met the educational needs. In 1960, 20.41 mills on $1,470,097 plus the state and federal funds are required to meet the demands of the day. The enrollment has risen from 31 to 270 during this time. The school has functioned under the guiding hands of the following administrators: Nellie McDonald, Matilda Tarleton, E. H. Hamilton, A. E. Sullivan, J. H. Craft, George A. Boschma, George M. Lindsley, O. J. Creach, Roy Douglas, Lauritz Pederson, Lee Monte Creamer, Gilbert Neiles, Larry Gustafson, Roland Lutz, and Bryce Christensen.
In 1960-61, Bryce Christensen, superintendent; Laura E. Kirsch, principal; Catherine Fosket, English; Roy Tutsch, coach; Annette Christensen, commercial; Wayne Weisz, commercial; Pauline Keever, seventh and eighth; Pearl Monroe, sixth; Larry Tolzin, fifth; Thelma McCright, fourth; Marilyn Sager, third; Nathalie Burke, second; Elda Harris, first; and Marvin Palmer, band, make up the complete faculty.
Mellette County, South Dakota
County & Town Histories -
White River Independent School District No. 2
White River Independent School District No. 2
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Pictured on the steps of the White River High School standing left to right are Frank
Witherspoon, Louise Beutner (Mrs. Bert Humphrey), Mary Dowd, teachers; Mable Kent,
Dora Keever, Vivian Johnson, Dorothy Sawyer, Pauline Krogman, Bernice Eilts, Hazel
Elley, Bernita Sawyer, Carolyn Wells, Lorena Bruggeman, Thelma Johnson, Maudie Pigg,
Anna Marie Perry, Agnes Stromer, Marjorie Manson, Lois Sharp, Fern Strong, Rosa Wacek, Emily Legner, Becky March, Lucille Walker, Harold Simon, coach and teacher; A. C. Howlett, janitor; George Boschma, superintendent; Ben Johnson. Front row, Kenneth Kent, Tommy Durman (behind Kent), Bert Humphrey Jr., Art Howlett, Ed Keever, Delbert Mueller, Rodney Manson, Giles Wells, John Schwarz, Paul Mountain, Doyle Graham, Roscoe Ozanne, (behind latter two), Hershel Nelson, Ora McCright.
Witherspoon, Louise Beutner (Mrs. Bert Humphrey), Mary Dowd, teachers; Mable Kent,
Dora Keever, Vivian Johnson, Dorothy Sawyer, Pauline Krogman, Bernice Eilts, Hazel
Elley, Bernita Sawyer, Carolyn Wells, Lorena Bruggeman, Thelma Johnson, Maudie Pigg,
Anna Marie Perry, Agnes Stromer, Marjorie Manson, Lois Sharp, Fern Strong, Rosa Wacek, Emily Legner, Becky March, Lucille Walker, Harold Simon, coach and teacher; A. C. Howlett, janitor; George Boschma, superintendent; Ben Johnson. Front row, Kenneth Kent, Tommy Durman (behind Kent), Bert Humphrey Jr., Art Howlett, Ed Keever, Delbert Mueller, Rodney Manson, Giles Wells, John Schwarz, Paul Mountain, Doyle Graham, Roscoe Ozanne, (behind latter two), Hershel Nelson, Ora McCright.
Do you have a class picture you can contribute?
The first school house built in White River by Ben Brier.
This is a picture of Edith Hight, the first
teacher and four of her pupils, namely Verne Jereaux, "Bud" Patnoe, Adolph Burnette, and Otto Tomsik.
teacher and four of her pupils, namely Verne Jereaux, "Bud" Patnoe, Adolph Burnette, and Otto Tomsik.
1916 and 1917 school on creek William and Helen Jensen, Bill Day and five Steele girls.
Schroeder school.
Ridgeway School
by Roy Raffensperger
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
The first school in the Ridgeway Community, which was always a part of White River Independent District No.2, was held in the homestead shack of Peter Busch, who had taken a leave of absence. Mr. Busch returned before the end of the term, which was four months. The last month was finished in a tent located on the NW 1/4 of Sec. 29-42-29. There were nine pupils: Pearl Yale, Clurus Huffman, Ossie, Kyle, and Leon Hamby; Ruth, Gertrude, and Dorothy Vorhees and Grace Walker. Roy Raffensperger was the teacher.
In the summer of 1913 Mrs. Adell Schroeder established residence on the NE 1/4 of Sec. 18-42-29. School that term was held in her shack with nine pupils. Grace Walker had returned to Illinois and William and Helen Jensen were enrolled. Mrs. Schroeder was the teacher.
The next two terms were taught by Roxy Canney (Raffensperger). The pupils were Pearl Yale, Clurus Huffman, William and Helen Jensen; Donald and Hale Canney; Luella Steele and Clem Tomsik.
In the fall of 1916 a building was constructed on the SW 1/4 of. Sec. 7-42-29 by Roy Raffensperger for school purposes. Pupils were: William and Helen Jensen, Luella, Bertha, Bess, Myrtle and Gertrude Steele, Harold, Gerald and Max Barton and William "Bill" Day. The teacher was Roy Raffensperger.
This school ran for one year. The pupils were transferred to other schools after that.
In 1917 a regulation school building was built on the SE 1/4 of Sec. 18-42-29 on the A. R. Dendy homestead. Pupils were Ada Miller, William and Helen Jensen; Helen Searle, Mildred, Lucille and Grace Walker. Roy Raffensperger was again teacher.
In the fall of 1918 Burt Steele moved a building on the NE 1/4 of Sec. 6-42-29 for school purposes. The pupils were the five Steele girls and Arthur, Rosena, Ottelia and Selma Krogman. Lizzie Krogman (Rasmussen) was engaged to teach. She resigned at the end of the first semester. Roy Raffensperger finished the term. The Steeles left the country. The Krogmans were transferred to another school, two miles north. (See record of Cottonwood District No. 16).
From 1918 to 1923 the teachers in the Denby school were: Sophia Anderson, Jean Robinson, Esther Bender, Helen Clark, and Elizabeth Falk.
In 1923 the school was closed and pupils were transported to White River by bus. A year later this building was moved to town and used as a high school classroom.
by Roy Raffensperger
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book, published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
The first school in the Ridgeway Community, which was always a part of White River Independent District No.2, was held in the homestead shack of Peter Busch, who had taken a leave of absence. Mr. Busch returned before the end of the term, which was four months. The last month was finished in a tent located on the NW 1/4 of Sec. 29-42-29. There were nine pupils: Pearl Yale, Clurus Huffman, Ossie, Kyle, and Leon Hamby; Ruth, Gertrude, and Dorothy Vorhees and Grace Walker. Roy Raffensperger was the teacher.
In the summer of 1913 Mrs. Adell Schroeder established residence on the NE 1/4 of Sec. 18-42-29. School that term was held in her shack with nine pupils. Grace Walker had returned to Illinois and William and Helen Jensen were enrolled. Mrs. Schroeder was the teacher.
The next two terms were taught by Roxy Canney (Raffensperger). The pupils were Pearl Yale, Clurus Huffman, William and Helen Jensen; Donald and Hale Canney; Luella Steele and Clem Tomsik.
In the fall of 1916 a building was constructed on the SW 1/4 of. Sec. 7-42-29 by Roy Raffensperger for school purposes. Pupils were: William and Helen Jensen, Luella, Bertha, Bess, Myrtle and Gertrude Steele, Harold, Gerald and Max Barton and William "Bill" Day. The teacher was Roy Raffensperger.
This school ran for one year. The pupils were transferred to other schools after that.
In 1917 a regulation school building was built on the SE 1/4 of Sec. 18-42-29 on the A. R. Dendy homestead. Pupils were Ada Miller, William and Helen Jensen; Helen Searle, Mildred, Lucille and Grace Walker. Roy Raffensperger was again teacher.
In the fall of 1918 Burt Steele moved a building on the NE 1/4 of Sec. 6-42-29 for school purposes. The pupils were the five Steele girls and Arthur, Rosena, Ottelia and Selma Krogman. Lizzie Krogman (Rasmussen) was engaged to teach. She resigned at the end of the first semester. Roy Raffensperger finished the term. The Steeles left the country. The Krogmans were transferred to another school, two miles north. (See record of Cottonwood District No. 16).
From 1918 to 1923 the teachers in the Denby school were: Sophia Anderson, Jean Robinson, Esther Bender, Helen Clark, and Elizabeth Falk.
In 1923 the school was closed and pupils were transported to White River by bus. A year later this building was moved to town and used as a high school classroom.
Ridgeway School