The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Information in this book was obtained from interviews from Dr. and Mrs. I. F. Harter and Joe Long who were among early settlers living in Stronghurst at the time. This book was written in 1936 by the 7th Grade at Stronghurst School District #30, as a CIVIC's PROJECT of Mrs. Marie Swedlund.
Even though we live in the present and future we often like to refer to the past. We laugh when we think of the ancient schools in Stronghurst and other localities, but it is true.
The first school was located a little south of the former town then the home of the Dixsons, on corner of route 94 and Carman blacktop. It was a crude wooden affair with one board nailed to the wall for a writing desk. The principal or head manager of this school was Mr. Ivins and the teacher was Bessie Graham. The school was constructed in 1890. Later this room was moved into town to be part of the Baptist Church and later the I.O.O.F. Hall.
The second was in town in the block area of the United Presbyterian Church parsonage. It was established in 1908. Later additions were gradually built on it until it was a large wooden structure. It burned in the year of 1907. While this school burned no one was so unfortunate to be or get burned or injured. (Burned in daytime while school was in session.)
The third school house was built at the present site of our school in 1909. While this school was being built pupils went to school in some of the vacant rooms of the business stores. This lovely brick school building also burned in 1923. In the night it caught on fire.
In September 1926, however, the last brick was laid to which was to be our present school building. After it was completed modern ventilation, fire proof material, lockers, heating plant, water, gymnasium, and stage were the result. This was surrounded by trees, bushes, flowers, and green vines clinging to the bricks. Altogether it is a beautiful place in which to study.
Inside these school houses many commencements, plays and other amusements have taken place. The first commencement in 1892 was in honor of only 4 graduates. At the present school (in 1936) we have basketball games, plays and operettas.