Text of Ziebach Co., SD History (1982) - pages 159 - 179
	This file is the text of the book, "South Dakota's Ziebach County, 
	History of the Prairie", published in 1982 by the Ziebach County
	Historical Society, Dupree, SD

	Permission to publish this book in electronic form was given by Jackie Birkeland,
	member of the Historical Committee. This book is copyright, 1982 by the Ziebach
	County Historical Society, Dupree, SD.
 
	Scanning and OCR by Terri Tosh <chipnter@lnd.com>, final editing by Joy Fisher,
	<sdgenweb@yahoo.com>.



DIVIDE SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #2
     Divide School was located about nine miles southwest of Dupree, about two miles 
west of where Marple's now live.
     It was called "Divide" because the school board tried to "divide" the students between 
this school, Whittler School and Robertson School.
     The Pooley and Packebush children and Jane Miller attended Divide School which 
only ran two years, 1929-30 and 1930-31.
     The building sets on the old Gammon place now owned by the McDaniel's. 

EDDY SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #3
     Eddy School ran two years. A small building was moved near the Eddy home 27 
miles southeast of Dupree. It joined the Wayne Holmes ranch. Doris Day (Jeffries) 
taught this school in 1946-47. Kenneth Jeffries taught in 1947-48.

ELIASON SCHOOL  DISTRICT #11
     The first record of Eliason School was in 1917 with Ernest Reber as teacher. 
Students that year were from the Eliason, Drageset, Manthei, Moore and Anderson 
families.
     The school is located in the Northeast corner of Ziebach County near Isabel and was 
in session until 1940.

[photo – Eliason School, 1917. Back row (l to r): Albert Pfaff, Emma Pfaff, Richard 
Ellwanger. Middle row: Gothard (Fat) Eliason, Ole Drageset, Martha Pfaff, Howard 
Prouty. Front row: Allen Moore, Louie Anderson, Agnes Drageset, Lillian Manthei, 
Milford Manthei, Robert Moore]

ELM CREEK SCHOOL    DISTRICT #8
     Elm Creek School was located about four miles east of Dupree on land presently 
owned by Lawrence Woodward.
     The school was built in 1929 because Cloverleaf wasn't large enough for all the 
students in District #8.
     The school ran for 8 years.

[photo – Elm Creek School]

[photo – Elm Creek School students. Elva, Floyd, Leonard and Raymond Linn; Betty 
Harriet, Raymond, Ellsworth, Jean, Melvin and Douglas Brush; Mattie and Bea Wicke; 
Orville and Francis Raymond; Ephraim and Otto Kapp]

FAIRDALE SCHOOL   DISTRICT #14
     Fairdale schoolhouse was built in 1920 about seven miles southeast of Faith. School 
in that neighborhood started in 1911 with Mary Peterson teaching. Her students were 
from the Gano, Henricks and Cross families. The school was called "Gano" for 3 years. 
For 3 years starting in 1917 the Gano house was used for school and was called 
"Southwest School". The teachers were Belle Higgins, Ethel Higgins and Margaret 
Walker. Fairdale School closed in 1927. Leon Beyer and Manfred Sederstom were 
students that year.

FAIRVIEW SCHOOL    
DISTRICT#7    
by Mitzi Wall
     Fairview School was built at Gene Smock's, in the school section land. Some of its 
builders were Henry Sepka, who lived south of Smock's, Gene Smock, Ole Birkeland, 
Mr. Lindgren, Bob Marple, Alfred Pedersen and Mr. Plowman.
     Early day pupils included Smocks, Birkelands, Marples, Christiansons, Lindgrens, 
Robinsons and Shetkas.
     There were 28 pupils in the fall of 1911. The classroom size is 23' x 32'.
     Later pupils included families of Griffith, Edwards (coming by 1916), Schefnans, 
Smocks, Little Wounded (by 1924), Sprengers (1930), Lafferty, Gross, Kapp (1933), 
Lutz, Days, Hortons (1948), Van Sickle, Frankfurth (1949), Webb (1953), Fields, Miller 
and Mackenzie.
     Teachers included: Alice Birkeland, Cera Wince, Esther Birkeland, Catherine Davis, 
Clair Maynard, Lillian Birkeland, Mildred Sever, Dorothy Herren, Trula Fields, Kenneth 
Sever and Loretta Griffith.
     The school was moved south to its present location in District #3 in 1965. Students 
from that community were Walls, Herrens, Mitchells, Holmes and Severs. Teachers 
included Violet Herren, Mildred Collins, Ruth Bakeberg, Joyce Collins, and Della Jones. 
Fairview School was the last rural school in Ziebach County and closed its doors in May 
of 1978. Jody Wall was the last eighth grader to graduate from Fairview.
     This rural school holds the record for running the most years -- a total of 61 over a 68 
year span.
     The building sets vacant at its last location near Walls.

[photo – A gathering at Fairview School about 1918]

[photo – Fairview School, 1977]

[photo – Cal Smith in center moving Fairview School in the fall of 1966. They moved it 
down south by Holmes]

FISCHER SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     Fischer School was named for the Fischer family and located about ten miles 
northwest of Red Elm on land presently owned by Darrell Griffith.
     The school was running in 1920 but the name of the teacher is uncertain. It was 
either Mrs. Oliver Tysver or George Strommer.
     Students in 1923 when Loretta Eaton taught were from Fischer and Ford families. In 
1924 the students were Louise Knipfer, Jay Hines, Lauretta Alexander, Marie and 
Lorraine Ford.
     The school ran through the 1932-33 school year.

GAGE SCHOOL I DISTRICT #3
     Gage School, located about ten miles southeast of Dupree, was known as "Willow 
Brook" when it began in 1911.
     Lewis Schetnan shares some memories about that school:
     "I noticed the call for information on the Willow Creek School in Ziebach County in the 
West River Progress. My first years of school were in that school. My mother told me 
that that was the correct name for the school but it came to be known as the Mullin 
School and later as the Gage School. One of the first teachers was a Miss Schrier (I'm 
not sure of the spelling) and that was in 1916-17. She didn't finish the year and Mrs. 
Sam Talbott, I'm quite sure, finished out the term. I remember being so impressed with 
Mr. Talbott, who could jump into the air and click his feet together three times before 
coming back down. Somewhere during the first years a Jennie Warburton substituted for 
a while.
     I believe that Esther Birkeland taught that school in 1917-18 and Sylvia (nee Bogue) 
Broberg taught the school in 1918-19, although I could have the years reversed.
     I also remember how happy Mrs. Broberg was to have her husband, Martin, come to 
see her. He had been in World War I. When Esther taught, she brought Lillian to stay 
with her and I remember having snowball fights with Leonard Birkeland when he came to 
get them. ''
     From 1915 until 1921 it was called Mullin School because it was on the Mullin's land 
adjacent to O. J. Gage's.
     From 1921 until it was closed in 1933 it was called Gage School. It was later moved 
to just west of Fred Miller's place to accommodate the Bert Bailey family.
     Once again it was moved to replace "Sunnybrook School" when that school burned in 
the summer of 1943.
     The building now stands vacant near the Wall ranch south of Dupree.

[photo – Gage School – Veva Woodward, teacher, 1923-24. Back row: Mrs. Jensen, 
Miss Fielder or Mrs. Bogue, Mattie Albers, Mrs. Gage, Bessie Gage, Mrs. H. D. 
Woodward, Veva Woodward and George Gage. Front row: Leo Gage, Ruby Gage, 
Robinette Jensen, Geraldine Jensen, Woodrow Jensen, Rex Gage and Evelyn Jensen]

GANJE SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #15        
by Bernice Zacher
     The era of the one-room country school is nearly over, but at one time there were 
approximately sixteen rural schools in Eastern District #15 of Ziebach County, in an area 
southwest of Eagle Butte to the Cheyenne River.
     The Ganje School served the children of Gabriel Ganje and Anton Ganje families. It 
was located eight miles south on the west side of Highway 63, south of Eagle Butte, 
South Dakota.
     Both Ganje families moved and the building sat vacant for a time.
 When the Hoxing School burned, this school was moved to that location, south and 
west.
     The school was attended by the children of Mike and Neva Keller, the Virgil (Tarzan) 
Anderson children, and Jack and Jennie Hunt's children.
     The building has many initials covering its exterior from a couple generations of 
children. When it was no longer used as a school it was sold and moved north on 
Highway 63 to a point near the Isaac High Elk place. It was used as a church for several 
years.
     Gregory Zacher bought the building and moved it to his yard. He now uses it to house 
part of his antique and license plate collections.

     Where are the children from this district attending school now? Well, Eastern District 
#15 in Ziebach County has been annexed to Eagle Butte Independent #3, and the 
children ride a bus or are transported to school by their parents.

GIEDD SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #15
     Giedd School was named for homesteaders who had land about six miles south of 
Eagle Butte, east of Highway 63. It ran from 1912 until 1933. Giedd and Sciford were 
combined the next four years.
     In 1944 the school opened again and ran until 1957. Faye Annis Beeves was the last 
teacher.
     Students in 1917 were Sylvia, Clarence, Pansy and Golda Hinzman, Bernice and 
Gladys Darling, Leslie Meyer and Thelma Shannon. 1931 students were Hugh, Lyle, 
Virgil and Harlan Meyer, and Paul Hinzman. Russell Kecklers now own the building.

GLAD VALLEY SCHOOL     DISTRICT #13
     Glad Valley School was also called "Pickerville" some years. It started in the fall of 
1911 and ran every year for the next 50 years. The final term was in 1961-62. There 
were two teachers at this school from 1921 through 1943. School through the 10th grade 
was offered at least part of those years.

[photo – Glad Valley School, 1913]

GRONDAHL SCHOOL    DISTRICT #5
     Grondahl School was located about twelve miles southwest of Isabel. The school was 
built on land belonging to Grondahls in 1917. It ran through 1963.
 In the early years it served the families of Grondahl, Norine, Douglas, Lindskov, 
Bennett, McCoy and TePoel.
     There were 23 students in 1920.

HAYES SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     The Hayes family lived about three miles east of Thunder Butte near Glad Valley. The 
records show that A. W. W. Cartwright taught ''Hayes School'' in 1918-19. The students 
were Francis Hannon, Madeline and Jack Bailey, Alberta, Thelma and Coral Hayes, 
Rosie and Freida Moos, Rilla King and Matilda Gumke.
     The last year the school was on the official records was 1921-22 but it may have 
been called another name.

HIGGINS SCHOOL  DISTRICT #14
     Higgins School, named for the Higgins family about three miles east of Faith, started 
in 1912. Ethel Huston taught the following students: Belle, Ethel, George and John 
Higgins; Elmer Jensen; Elvira, Lila and Alvian Katt; Fenton and Donald Mulberry; 
Leonard and Dorothy Kerslake; and Lillian Solem.
     The school was in session most years through 1941.
     It was a popular place for weddings. Couples could get their marriage license in the 
county seat town of Dupree and have the ceremony performed just inside the Ziebach 
County line. One well known couple whose wedding was in Higgins School was 
Lawrence and Lorene Vance.
     J. P. Jensen bought the Higgins School and moved it to Faith to use for a garage.

    HIGH POINT (HANNAMAN) SCHOOL DISTRICT #1
     In 1921 Mary E. Coleman taught school in the old Hannaman house about ten miles 
north of Dupree. It was on a little creek about a mile east of Leedum Pike.
     Students at this school in 1924-1925 were Hazel, Millie, Crystal and Moses Taylor, 
Jr.; Philo, Donald and Lawrence Pesicka; Thelma, Alberta and Woodrow Hayes. Minnie 
Hayes was the teacher that year. Laura Hand Burgee also taught this school.
     The neighborhood men built a new school on a hill just south of Pat Pesicka's in 
1928. Mrs. George Pesicka's mother, Hattie Place, was the first teacher of the "High 
Point School".
     Students in 1931-32 were from the Fred Pesicka family, Margaret and Alvin; the 
George Pesicka family, Frances, Lawrence and Richard; Crystal, Paul and Gladys 
Taylor; Ida and Andrew Gawenit; Lucille and Estella Berkenholtz; and Robert, Roland 
and Mary Burgee.
     School was held until 1943 when the building then sat vacant for a decade. It opened 
its doors again when Stella Taylor taught there in 1952.
     The building was moved in 1955 to a location east of Roy Veit's ranch for the benefit 
of their children.
     High Point School was one of the last schools still running in Ziebach County when it 
closed in 1975.
     Pat Pesicka bought the building and moved it to his place north of Dupree.

HILL TOP SCHOOL   DISTRICT #1
     In 1937 the Rogers School was moved from near the Corson County line to a site 
about four miles west and two miles south of Glad Valley between the Dave Trainer and 
John Walentas. Students in 1937 were Bobby, Donald, Thomas, Mary Ann and Jerome 
Walenta; Mike and Irene Johnson (Veit); Josephine and David Briscoe.
     New students in 1938 were Rex, Nancy and Donna Jo Walenta; and two Alderson 
boys. Irene Alderson stayed at a small cottage near the school during the week.
     Another small building was moved near the school for a teacherage. Before there 
was a teacherage, a corner of the school room was partitioned off with curtains to 
provide living quarters.
     The school ran through 1956.

HOXING SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #15
     Hoxing School named for the Alfred Hoxings, was located about 24 miles southwest 
of Eagle Butte. The earliest records available show that the school was running in 1919. 
Beth Stephenson (Till) taught three years. Amy McCann taught two years and then Beth 
Till for another five years through 1929.
     The school was combined with Isberg School three years, from 1933 through 1936. It 
closed its doors in 1954.
     Students in the early 1920's were from the families of Likkel, Bosch, Keller, Weicker 
and Annis.
     Students in 1931 when Lorrane Libolt was teaching were: Anton, Barbara, Albert and 
Victoria Ganje; Martin and Myrtle Likkel; Emma and Peter Wyngarden; Florence, Anna, 
Joe and Jacob DeWard; John and Pearle DeJong; and Andrew Fischer.

IRISH BASIN SCHOOL    DISTRICT #5
     Irish Basin School ran from 1921 through 1927. It was located on Leedum Pike about 
two miles south of Highway 20.
     Students came from the Alspach, Price, Gellner, Roseneau and Spellman families.

ISBERG SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #15
     Isberg School was built by Kenneth "Shorty" Collins' father in 1917. It was located 
about fifteen miles southwest of Eagle Butte. It was named for Peter Isberg, a minister.
     The first teacher was Amy McCann. Some of the families who attended were Collins, 
Briggs, Virgil Andersons, Hitsman, Maupin, Morgan and Vanderpol.
     The school ran until 1931. It was combined with Hoxing until 1937.
     An article in the August 24, 1939, issue of the West River Progress states: "Pleasant 
Valley Church, which was being held in the Isberg School of Eastern District burned 
down Wednesday night. Cause unknown."

JEFFRIES SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #3
     A small building was erected in 1924 to accommodate the Vin Jeffries family who 
lived on the L/Y (L slash Y) ranch on Cherry Creek. This school operated for five years.
     When the Jeffries family moved several miles north of Cherry Creek in 1929. Mr. 
Drummond, County Superintendent, had a granary moved to be used as a school 
building. Other students that year were Lucille and Evelyn French, Lee Garrett and 
Francis Carlin.

JOHNSON SCHOOL   DISTRICT #15
     In the spring of 1919 Johnson School was built about one mile from the John 
Johnson home, approximately eight miles southwest of Eagle Butte. School was held in 
the Johnson home before the school was built.
     It was combined with Busy Bee in 1936-37. The last school year was 1947-48.
     Students in 1927-28 were Jack, Jean and Shirley Hunter; Elmer, Emerson and Henry 
Pickerd; Evalyn and Bernice Vrooman; Raymond and Anselm Maier; Fern and Edna 
Rosenstock; and Dale Nelson.
     The building was moved in 1950 and became Carlin School.

JUNKER SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     Junker School, close to Junker land, was located about ten miles northeast of Faith. 
The earliest records available show that the school was running in 1920 with Florence 
Bakewell (Higgins) as teacher.
     Mrs. Erma Hurst taught the school in 1931. The students that year were: Artemus, 
Billy, Irene, Irving and Donald Bockman; Denelda, Clarence and Alvera Delker; Matthew 
Meyers and Ross Sankey.
     The school ran until 1944. The building was moved to the east end of the District #1 
to replace the old Liebelt School. It is still at this location along Highway 63 south of 
Isabel.

[photo – Junker School, 1920. Florence Bakewell, teacher. Back row: George Knife, 
Shaplie Knife, Hildred Loye, Phillip Knife. Middle row: Victoria Short Bull, Catherine 
Clasen, Sophie Putsie. Bottom Row: Donald Graham, ?, Eddie Delehan]

KERCHER SCHOOL   DISTRICT #11   
by Reinholdt Heck
     The School was located in the northeast part of Ziebach County, could have been 
Township 17 Range 23. It was two miles west and one half mile south of the Peter F. 
Schmidt homestead, or in the southeast quarter of the section that the Henry Kercher 
place was on.
     The lumber for the schoolhouse was obtained from a lumber yard in Isabel in 1915 or 
1916. Isabel had a surplus of lumber yards at that time. The building was 16' x 20' and 
set upon a rock foundation. No problem for skunks and snakes to get under the building.
     The inside had all the then necessary equipment such as blackboards (made of 
painted hardboard), globe, dictionary, a small bookcase with very few library books in it, 
and the usual big, round stove in one corner. You could load this stove with good old 
lignite coal on Friday after school and it would still have fire in it on Monday morning. 
The pupils would bring their lunches and drinking water from home. Of course, the 
plumbing was the out-of-doors kind.
     The first year I taught there, there were students in every grade from first to the 
eighth and numbered fifteen each year I was there. I remember that there weren't many 
things available to help the teacher or the pupils.
     At that time some of the larger schools were pushing the hot lunch program. We 
prevailed upon the school board to pay for some cocoa, a little sugar, and a big white 
kettle. The families would take turns furnishing the milk. We then had hot cocoa to go 
with the sandwiches.
     All but two of the pupils were of German descent, and at that time, most of the 
beginners did not speak any English when they started to school. I was fluent in their 
language; this was a big help in getting through to them.
     When I compare the equipment we had and what is in the schools today, and 
compare the training received in 1920 to the training required today, I can only think, 
"Those poor kids". But I'm convinced that we had many things then that are lacking 
today.
     None of my former pupils have become president or governor, but many of them 
went on through high school and college and have done quite well.
     The pupils at Kercher School came from the families of Peter F. Schmidt, Chris 
Streyle, Weis, Standish, Henry Kercher and George Kercher."
     Reinholdt Heck taught the Kercher School in 1922-23 and 1923-24. The School 
closed in 1931.

KING SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     King School was located not far north of the Moreau River near Leedum Pike.
     The school ran five years from 1930 to 1935.
     Students in 1931-32 were John and George Boldt; Ruby, Leota, and George King; 
and Joy Cartwright.

KINGMAN SCHOOL   DISTRICT #15
     Kingman School was right on the south side of Eagle Butte about where the new 
school is located. It was located on Kingman land.
     The school ran for seven years from 1925 until 1932. R. G. Stanard taught the first 
and second years. Mrs. Howard McDaniel taught four years and Jean McCoy the last 
year. 

[photo - The first school house at Lantry. Back row: Frank McDaniel, Richard Schlax, 
Catherine Perkins, Etta Hanson. Front row: Unknown, Eva Schlax, Loma Perkins, 
Unknown, Carl Worl and Amos Worl]

[photo – Lantry School is just inside the Dewey County line, only 9 miles from Dupree, 
so there are many ties with Ziebach  County]

LEWIS SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #2
     Lewis School was built in 1911 on the Lewis property one mile west and one mile 
south of Red Elm.
     It ran all but two years for 55 years.
     Three generations of Ross children attended Lewis School. They were the children of 
Simeon and Nancy Ross, early homesteaders; their son, Lawrence and grandson, 
Harold Ross.
     The school moved three times but always served the same neighborhood.
     The original building is owned by Larry Ross who uses it for a carpentry shop.

LIEBELT SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     Liebelt School came into existence when the Tidball School was moved to a location 
just north of where Charles Begeman now lives on Highway 63, south of Isabel, South 
Dakota. When the Junker School closed in 1944, this building was moved to the same 
site to replace the old Liebelt School building.
     The school ran until 1967. It is presently is being used as a granary still in its original 
location.

[photo – Liebelt School, Sybil Pogany, teacher, 1935-36. Pupils: Lloyd Ley, Elsie 
Wegener Ley, Jake Stadel, Ervin Liebelt, Edgar Liebelt, Bertha Liebelt]

[photo – Liebelt School, Sybil Pogany, teacher, 1956-60. Back row: Buck Knowlton, Lois 
Boldt, Gordan Picker, Marie Miller, Barbara Reich, Tommy Holt, Jimmy Boldt, Robert 
Jewett. Front row: Johnny Boldt, Paulette Garr, Melanie Miller, Ann Miller, Wayne 
McMurray]

LINCOLN SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #7
     Lincoln School in Fairview District ran two years from 1911-13. The teachers were 
Mrs. Thomas Nelson and Mildred McFarland.

LITTLE SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #5
     Little School was built in 1911 about six miles southwest of Isabel near the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Little. It was the center of many neighborhood events and became a 
popular place for dances.
     Students in 1915-16 were from the families of Jim Hersey, Lindeman, Pladsen and 
King. In 1920-21 students came from the families of Schaffer, Smith, Young, Rosander, 
King, Spellman and Ellwanger.
     The school ran through the 1932-33 year.
     The building was moved to Firesteel then to Isabel where it was later torn down.

LITTLE MO SCHOOL    DISTRICT #1
     Little Mo School was located about five miles north of Thunder Butte Station. Early 
records are incomplete but it appears that the school ran from 1914 through 1920. 
Locally it seems to have been called "Pollard" School.
     Students attending in 1917-18 were Pollard, Alspach, King and Hayes. Catherine 
Carson, who was the daughter of the Boss Farmer at Thunder Butte, was the teacher.

[photo – Lone Tree Sunday School Picnic. Maynard, Taylor, Petersen, Pidcock and 
Hersey families.

LONE TREE SCHOOL DISTRICT #4
     The Lone Tree School was built in 1911 on the school section north of the Leake 
homestead about four miles northwest of Dupree. It got its name from a "lone tree" 
which grew on a nearby quarter homesteaded by Howard Cane. It was the only tree 
growing in that vicinity. John Leaks, presently of Portland, Oregon, and who helped to 
build the school, was kind enough to send this information.
     In the summer of 1919 the school was moved to its present location two miles north 
and five miles west of Dupree. The school burned during the summer of 1928 and the 
present building was erected in time for school in the fall.
     School was held until 1940. It was closed until 1947 when it ran for another two 
years.
     The building now belongs to the Linn brothers and is used as a granary.

LONGBRAKE SCHOOL    
DISTRICT #2

[photo – The first Longbrake School. L to r: Emmett Longbrake, Delbert Longbrake, 
Orpha Longbrake (Geier) and Dorothy Longbrake (Diermier)]

     The first Longbrake School was in the front room of the home of Dillman and Mollie 
Longbrake about 31/2 miles west of Chase. Mollie was the teacher.
     Later Bauman's shack was used and this set at the Ohnemus place (small picture). In 
the picture are Emmett and Delbert Longbrake and their sisters Orpha and Dorothy.
     Next a frame schoolhouse was built northwest of Longbrake's about a mile, and a 
mile south of Bridwells. It set there for several years. Years later when there were no 
children to attend the school it was disassembled and half of it was added on to the 
White Swan School as a teacherage and half on to the Whittler School.
     Sunday School and elections were held at the Longbrake School. An article in an old 
Dupree paper states that a Parent-teacher organization was organized on January 21, 
1921 by Mrs. Bagley, Ziebach County Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Longbrake was 
elected chairman, Mrs. William Wunnecke as secretary-treasurer. A box social held that 
night netted $30. Darwin Clifton, a 1920 Dupree School graduate was then the teacher.
     Other teachers at the Longbrake School after Mollie Longbrake were: 1914 Mrs. G. L. 
Leake $45 a month; 1922 John L. Skaarhaug $100 a month; 1923 Mary Ballow  $100 a 
month; 1924 Inez Reynolds $80 a month; 1925 Sadie Hayes $90 a month; 1926 Vera 
Wince $80 a month; 1927-28 Inga Stole; 1930 Helen Johnson; 1934-35 Mildred 
Klinchuch ;$60 a month; 1936 Dagny Bjorgum $60 a month.

[photo – Pictured (in no particular order) are: Louise Budahl, Art One Skunk, Dorothy 
Diermier, Ed Diermier, Mrs. Kirschman, Mollie Longbrake, Frank Diermier, Mrs. 
Wunnecke and three children, Frank Longbrake, Art Fuller, Barbara Wunnecke, Carrie 
Fisherman, Dot Dwyer, Mable Longbrake, Martha Wunnecke, Art Bridwell, Bud 
Longbrake]

[photo – Sunday School at Longbrake School house]

MACK SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1     
by Alyce Briscoe Johnson
     The Mack School was located about one mile southwest of Joe Briscoe's ranch 
building on Briscoe land, and was built by L. A. Mack.
     Those that went to school there were: Agnes Oakes (Mrs. Mack's sister), the Mack 
children, the children of Fred West, children of the Briscoe family, Charlie Roach's 
children, the children of Charlie Knife, Victoria Short Bull, Bert and Bernard Brinkman, 
LeVay West, and Robert Thorpe.
     After the closing of the Walenta and Strong Schools, Marine Walenta, Zeta and 
Reuben Strong, and Tom Crowley's children all transferred in.
     When Eugene Smith was teacher in the Mack School, there were four Briscoe 
children taking lessons there; he taught Irene the 9th grade. Mack School was never in 
session more than eight months a year.
     The teacher in 1918-19 was Mary E. Coleman. She was only able to teach until 
Christmas of the next year, then we never resumed classes following the Christmas 
break that year.
     The only school board members I remember were Fred Bierman and Westley 
Walenta, who served for many years.
     The school ran from 1917 through 1933.

MAIN SCHOOL  DISTRICT #4  by Eva Brams
     In 1925, Claude Main, with the help of his neighbors, Joe Heimer and Andrew 
(Shorty) Gawenit, built the first Main School. It was located a few rods north of the Main 
home site.
     The first teacher at the new school was Clair Maynard. It was also his first experience 
as a teacher. He stayed on and taught three terms.
     The first students at the school were Earl (Billy) Main, Heimer boys, and Gawenit 
children.
     When the Ralph Carter family moved into the neighborhood the school was moved 
one-half mile south of the Main farm and extended ten feet long to hold the twenty-one 
students who would attend school there. Mrs. Mildred (Birkeland) Collins, Dupree, taught 
the next two terms. This building served the purpose until 1930 when a new school was 
built. Mrs. Lucille (Walters) Masur was the first teacher in the new school, staying on to 
teach three terms.
     Besides those already mentioned, others who attended the Main School were the 
children of Frank Mraz, Charlie Hersey, Dick Smith, Ed Edwards, Clarke Edwards, 
Rickles, Lawrence Fairbanks, Lawrence Woodward, and also Arlene Ewing and Frank 
Lombard.

[photo – First Main School, built a few rods north of the home in 1925, when this was 
taken. The building was replaced in 1930. Left to right: Hazel Main, Ambrose Heimer, 
Earl Main, Ida Gawenit, Andrew Gawenit, Herbert Heimer, Albert Gawenit, Freda 
Gawenit, Clair Maynard, teacher]

[photo – Main School, 1939. Back row (l to r); Edsel Carter, Herman Mraz, Helen 
Brammer, teacher, Chester Mraz, Eva Main. Front row: Richard Hersey, Darrell Mraz, 
Junior Mraz, Lova Hersey]

[photo – Main School, 1925. Left to right: Anbrose Heimer, Earl Main, Ida Gawenit, 
Andrew Gawenit, Herbert Heimer, Albert Gawenit, Freda Gawenit]

     Due to a lack of students the school was finally closed after the 1959-60 term.
     It continued to be used for holding elections and some community functions. In the 
1970's it was purchased by Chet Mraz and moved four miles north to his farm.

MUD BUTTE SCHOOL    
DISTRICT #2
     Mud Butte School was built by Hank Martens near Mud Butte about fifteen miles 
southwest of Redelm in 1920. Rudd's and Brende's were early students. There were 23 
students in this tiny building in the early 1930's.
     Mud Butte School was moved four times to accommodate the needs of the 
neighborhood. It was called "Bachman School" for four years when it was moved to 
replace the Bachman School which burned in 1940.
     The school ran a span of 48 years, the last year being 1967.
     The building is standing vacant near the Kenneth Johnson ranch on land owned by 
Albert Bachman.

NICHOLSON SCHOOL    DISTRICT #15

[photo The Ed Nicholson home. Nicholson School was named for his family]

     School was held in the Badger home and in the Brummet home before Nicholson 
School was built. This school ran from 1920 through 1931. It was located about thirteen 
miles south of Lantry.
     Students in 1921 were Dean, Dale, Paul and Ralph Badger; Lizzie and Mike Stoltz; 
Helen Nicholson; Nola, Willard and Marjorie Brummet; and Joe Seymour.
     According to a former student, the building was torn down.

OLSON SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #15
     Olson School was also known as Konkler in the early years as both families had land 
about twelve miles south of Eagle Butte, east of Highway 63.
     The school ran from 1911 until 1937. Many dances and box socials were held here.
     Students in 1921 were Lorraine, Pearl, Lydia, Eldon and Leola Libolt; Josie, Mary, 
Rosie and Cecil Zorc; Lee and Ethel Konkler; Sydney, Francis and Homer Nordvold; and 
Clarence Olson.
     Mike Libolt has converted the building to a dwelling place about two miles from its 
original site.

PIKE SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     Pike School on Leedum Pike north of the Moreau River was the last rural school to 
start in Ziebach County. It ran from 1963 through 1969. Gloria Trainer, Patty Kelly 
(Escott), Doris Bigler, Georgene Martin, Velma Foster and Mary Rogers were the 
teachers.
     Students included: Darwin, Jody, Karen and Dency Day; Connie and Claude Lowe; 
Renee Young; and Claire "Buster" Alspach.
     The Pike School building was originally Center School. Herman Roseneau bought 
and moved the building.

PLAINVIEW SCHOOL    DISTRICT #1
     When Plainview School closed its doors in 1970, it was one of the last rural schools 
in Ziebach County. It was located in the northern part of the county near the Perkins 
County line. It was called "Walenta" School part of the time.
     The first records found show the school opening in 1914 with Margaret Ryan 
teaching. The school ran through 1939, then started again in 1947 and ran another 23 
years.
     Some of the early students were from the Walenta, Finney and Crowley families.

PRAIRIE ROSE SCHOOL     DISTRICT #15
     Nellie DeJong was teacher for the four years that Prairie Rose or Briggs School is 
recorded. It ran from 1926 through 1930. It was located about 20 miles south of Eagle 
Butte and about 21/2 miles west of Highway 63.
     Students in 1927 were Marion, Flora, Bessie, Catherine and Maggie Briggs; Margaret 
and Catherine Creek; Chancy and Percy Dupris; and Francis Carlin.

PRETTY CREEK SCHOOL     DISTRICT #9     by Glynn Hurst
     Pretty Creek School was started in 1911 and ran through 1935. The building was 
large by early day standards and was very well built.
     My three brothers and I all attended Pretty Creek School at one time or another, the 
first of which was a tar paper shack located one mile east of our place and it burned 
down. The second school house was one mile further east and it, too, was destroyed, 
but a tornado got it this time. The third school was in the former Fred Wenger home and 
was yet another mile east and south. The new building was constructed just one half 
mile north and one mile east of our place. Thus, it was now back to its original location, 
where I attended for my 7th and 8th grades with Montel Creamer and Alma Dochnahl.
     Through the years some of the students at the Pretty Creek School were the 
Docekals, Dochnahls, Holts, Serrs, Burkes, Judsons, Haskins and the Stabenals.
     Kenneth Nordby bought the building, moved it to his place about four miles north of 
Dupree, and plans to use it as a garage. 

[photo - Pretty Creek School in 1912. Jack Burke, Josie Docekal, Pete Hulth, Ada 
Jeffries, Leo Burke, Ludmilly Docekal, Esther Burke, Alice Burke, Lloyd Hurst, Gladys 
Denham, Everett Hurst and Bud Burke]

[photo – Pretty Creek School, Wallace Brams, Helen Anderson, Denver Tidball, Frank 
Lombard, Bessie Tidball, Miss Felton, teacher]

REDELM SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #6
     Redelm School started in 1911 and was in session every year for 56 years.
 An addition was built to the school and two years of high school were offered in 1921 
and 1922.
     Lewis Schetnan writes: "We moved to Redelm in 1921 so I went to school there in 
1921-22. There were two teachers, Mable Ross, grades 1-6 and Anne Holey, grades 7-
10. I was in grade 6. The following year, 1922-23, I had Anne Holey as teacher in the 7th 
grade. In 1923, the two years of high school were discontinued, so I went back into Mrs. 
Ross's room for the eighth grade, 1923-24."
     This spacious school was used for many social functions.
     The building still stands on the hill northwest of the Redelm store and is used as a 
polling place.

[photo – Redelm School Days, 1935. Hazel, Larry and Lloyd Smith, Eldora Lammers, 
Allen, Lois, Janet and Marjorie Day, Wesley and Dorothy Eaton, Joyce and Jean Tibke, 
Harold Ross, and three Callen children]

[photo – Redelm School, 1943-1944]

RIDGEVIEW SCHOOL    DISTRICT #2
     Ridgeview School started out as "Schmeltzer" in 1911. It was named for 
homesteaders near the school about seven miles northeast of Faith. Freida Kuckuk was 
the first teacher, and Floyd Heberer, another homesteader, the second. Walter Menzel, 
who also had land in the same area, taught the next three years. Ethel Williams 
(Higgins) taught the next three years.
     In 1917 the school was called "Horstmeier" for yet another family, and Emma Ulrich 
was the teacher.
     In 1920 the school was moved to a ridge a couple of miles south, hence the name 
"Ridgeview".
     The school served the community for 26 years, the last term being 1936-37. The 
school building was moved to Faith and converted to a dwelling by Mike Fischer, Sr.
     Students attending around 1930 were from the families of G. E. Delker, Capp, Ulrich, 
Shaffer and Olsen.

RIVERSIDE SCHOOL    DISTRICT #1
     A. A. Hines taught school in a small building on the Moreau River several miles west 
of Iron Lightning in 1930-31. The student body was comprised of the children of the 
McGinnis and Crane families.

ROBERTSON SCHOOL    DISTRICT #2
     Robertson School was located about seven miles south of Redelm and was probably 
the first rural school to run in Ziebach County. The neighbors, Frank Fuller, Carl Hegre, 
George Sundsrud, Wilbur Vance, Berndt Christiansons, Alvin Schuchhardt, and V. S. 
Wince, furnished Louis Robertson the materials to build the school. The school ran six or 
eight weeks in May and June of 1911.
     The first teacher was Madelyn Wallen, a homesteader in the neighborhood. Several 
other teachers were also neighborhood people. The school closed its doors in 1930. 
Vera Wince Fuller was the last teacher.
     Large crowds from the Dupree, Redelm and Arrowhead communities would attend 
the dances held there.
     The building is currently used as a granary on the Leonard Ritter place just a few 
miles from where it was built.

ROGERS SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     Rogers School, named for the Rogers family, was located approximately fourteen 
miles northwest of Isabel near the Corson County line. It was called "Pleasant Ridge" 
some years. The records, which are incomplete, show a Rogers School in 1917. It ran 
through 1932.
     It was moved and became "Hill Top" School in 1937.

ROSENE SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #3
     Rosene was known as "Barr School" until it was moved in the summer of 1923. The 
first records show that school was in session in 1914-15 with Ethel Goen as teacher.
     Rosene was moved twice. The school burned in the early 1950's and a new one was 
built by Olaf Anderson. The name, location and building changed but it always served 
the same general neighborhood about six miles south of Lantry. Mildred Collins was the 
last teacher in 1966-67.

[photo – Rosene School in 1931. Dorothy Rosene, Sylvester Schad, Alberta Rosene, 
Floyd Schad, Tom Tracy, Lester Schad, Margaret Volk and Josephine Tracy] 

[photo – Rosene School in 1927. Top row: Donald Schad, Mercedes Tracy, Rose Tracy, 
Dorothea Woodward. Row 2: John Yusko, Lawrence Woodward, Josephine Tracy, 
Alberta Rosene. Seated: Floyd Schad, Tom Tracy, Beverly Woodward and Lester 
Schad]

SAGE BRUSH SCHOOL    DISTRICT #1
     Sage Brush School was located about ten miles northeast of Faith. It ran from 1912 
through 1938. Estelline Ziegel (Capp) was the last teacher. The families attending in 
1915 were Street, Bachar, Braukman. There were sixteen students in 1920. They were 
Marion, Ruth, Charlotte and George Shaffer; Evelyn and Estelline Ziegel; Evelyn, Maye 
and Harry Street; Harry and Lewis Bachar; Joseph Fischer; Roosevelt, Jay and Frank 
Hines; and Raymond Passolt. Isabel Welfl was the teacher.

SCIFORD SCHOOL  DISTRICT #15
     The Marsdens and Scifords were neighbors about ten miles south of Eagle Butte in 
1911. The school was called Marsden some years. It opened its doors in 1911 and 
closed them in 1953. R. O. Birkeland uses the building for a carpentry shop in Dupree.
     Students in 1920 were Myrtle, Clarence, Alma, Alta and Gertrude Sciford; Clifford, 
Charlotte, Elmer and Bethel Jensen; Ellis and Lulu Fisher; Edith and Margaret Lynch; 
and Edith Wood.
     Laura Ernst (Libolt) taught in 1931. Her students were Harvey and Florence Martin; 
Betty and Helen Eidson; and Lambert Alwin.

SINKEY SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #3
     The first record of Sinkey School was in 1917 when Merle Sinkey McBride was 
teacher. It was located ten miles south of Lantry. Patty Hinzman was the last teacher in 
1957.
     The building was moved and used for Church and Sunday School near the Wall 
ranch, where it still sets.
     Students in 1917 were Leona Sprague; Myrtle and Raymond Sever; Margie, Ethel, 
Robert and Floyd Farrell; Clarence and Herman Hageman; and Arthur Sinkey.

[photo – Sinkey School at its new location near Wall's. Used for church and Sunday 
School]

SOLIDAY SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #3
     Soliday School, named for a homesteader, was built on the Sanborn quarter 
southeast of Lantry in 1911. Moody Drummond was the first teacher.
     Students in 1915-16 were Lurinda, Verena, Carmen and Orville Lemke; Frank, Zelma 
and Aletha Davis; Clarence, Alice and Myrtle Olsen; Neal, Margaret and Evelyn 
Brownlow; George Miller, and Lee Sever.
     The school was moved several times but always served the same neighborhood. Its 
present location is about four miles west of its original site.
     School was held each year from 1911 through 1946. It was closed until 1954 when it 
ran another ten years.
     The school burned just before Christmas in 1955, so the Christmas program was held 
in Lantry School. The school year was finished in a bunkhouse on the Archie McLellan 
place. Alvin Denton built a new school which was ready for use in October, 1956.
     The school bell rang for the last time in the spring of 1975. This was one of the 
longest running rural schools in the county.
     The school is located one half mile north of Archie McLellan's and is used as a polling 
place.

[photo – Early Soliday School. Standing: Emma Yusko, Alice Olsen, Inez Horton, 
Carmine Lemke, Evelyn Brownlow, Frances Yusko, Myrtle Olsen. Seated: Orville 
Lemke, Willard Brummet, Bertha Horton and Nola Brummet]

[photo – One of the last pictures taken of the Soliday School. Left to right: Cherry Parker, 
John D. Lemke, Sharon McLellan, Vicki Parker, Marian McLellan, James Lemke, 
Clayton Lemke and Pam McLellan, In the back are Doris Bigler (teacher) and Maurice 
Lemke]

STAR PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2  by Lavonne Butler
     The Star Prairie School was located about seven miles straight south of Redelm in 
Ziebach County. The school room was 16' x 16' a rod square. Most country school 
rooms were near this size with or without a mud or coat room. Students had to carry 
their lunch bucket and carry their drinking water. Students walked or rode horseback to 
school. Outdoor buildings included a toilet for boys and one for girls and a barn for the 
horses. Some of the students that attended the Star Prairie School were from the 
following families:  Ole Tandbergs, Ludwig Graslie, Barney Lannen, Lloyd Teller, Hjlmar 
Ringsby, Bendingsbo, Jordahl, Musgrave, Evans, Melland, Martin, Butler, Wince, 
Ronnings and Fred Bitters.
     Some of the teachers were: Elfina and Mildred Birkeland, Inez Horton, Ross Wince, 
Norms Larson, Nellie DeJong, Vivian Olson, Helen Johnson, Mercedes Tracy, and 
Leona Johnson.
     Sunday School and Church services were held here for several years.
     The school was running in 1918 and continued to run through 1947.

[photo – Star Prairie School, 1939-40. High school students: A. Graslie, Hazel Ringsby, 
Freda Martin; Leona Johnson, teacher; Louis, Josephine and Della Martin, Louis and 
Carol Graslie]

[photo – The last day of school at the Star Prairie School for the 1932-33 term. Back 
row(l to r): Teacher, Norma Larson, Eleanor Ringsby and Victor Ringsby. Middle row: 
Martin Ronning, Orville Graslie and Lavonne Graslie. Front row: Josephine Martin, 
Mildred Ronning, Hazel Ringsby, Sylvia Ronning and Freda Martin]

STRONG SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #1
     The Strong family lived about five miles west of Thunder Butte near the Perkins 
County line. The first record of the Strong School was in 1921 when Nettle Njos was 
teacher. She bearded at the Gerard home. 
     In 1923-24 the students were Zeta and Reuben Strong, Marine Walenta and Celestial 
Gerard. Finneys, Tates and Grayrocks also attended this school.
     The Strong School was operational until 1927-28. Students then attended Mack or 
Plainview (Walenta) School after the closing of Strong School.

SUNNYBROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT #3  by Hazel Z. Schwink
     Sunnybrook School came into existence in 1928, when there were enough students 
in the neighborhood to justify its existence. Those students were: Delma and Fern 
Serres; Dorothy and George Herren; James and Donagene Zimmerman; Virgil Wall; 
Vernon and Warren Winters; Margaret Holmes and Lorraine Eddy.
     Our teachers were: Norma Cutter Ernst, Elfina Birkeland Njos, Arle Woodward 
Badger, Geraldine Burke, Mildred Birkeland Collins, Mrs. Elizabeth Leach, and L. Montel 
Creamer, all of whom, except Geraldine Burke, were either from Dewey or Ziebach 
Counties.
     The building burned in the summer of 1943 and was replaced by the Gage School 
building.
     Sunnybrook continued in operation until 1966. The school building now stands vacant 
near the Wall ranch south of Dupree.

[photo – Sunnybrook School]

TIDBALL SCHOOL   DISTRICT #1
     Classes in the Tidball School were first held in the home of Denver Tidball on their 
Moreau River ranch about four miles west of Highway 63 in 1920-21. The teacher, Cora 
Broulette, also boarded with the family.
     In 1921-22 the Denver Tidball children attended the Hannaman School. Ray 
Haberman, who was herding sheep for Tidball's, would sometimes take the children to 
school in a covered wagon.
     A building was moved to about a mile north of the Tidball ranch and school was held 
there through the 1930-31 school term.
     The building was later moved in 1934 and became the Liebelt School.

TIP TOP SCHOOL  DISTRICT #10
     Tip Top School was located in the northwest corner of Ziebach County on Highway 
20 about two miles from the Perkins County line.
     School was first held in a tar paper shack until a school was built in 1922 or 1923. 
This was one of the most modern and well built schools in the county, even having a 
basement with a furnace in it.
     The first record of the school which could be found was for 1920. It ran in Ziebach 
County through 1954.
     The building was sold and moved to Corson County where it continued to be used for 
a school.

[photo – Tip Top School, being moved to Corson County]

UNTERSEHER SCHOOL     DISTRICT #1
     The first records of Unterseher School were in 1917 with Sarah Unterseher as 
teacher.
     Students in 1922 were from the Unterseher, Reiswig, King and Smith families.
     Unterseher School was located on Leedum Pike north of the Moreau River and was 
operational until 1933.

VAN DUSEN SCHOOL    DISTRICT #5
     Van Dusen School was located about four miles south of Highway 20 on Leedum 
Pike. It was about a mile east of the road in the late 1920's.
     The school was called "Bagley" the first two years, 1921 and 1922. John Comstock 
was the first teacher and Nettle Njos the second. The school ran until 1954. Students in 
the 1922 class were from the families of Van Dusen, Alspach, Small, Rosander and 
Reuschling.
     The building belongs to Harold Viet and is located near his home.

WALKUP SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #4
     In 1915-16 and 1916-17, Leo Echelbarger taught Walkup School, which was located 
about six miles northwest of Dupree and named for Walkup who had land in that area.
     Students were Lawrence, Lois and Holly Taylor; Howard and Daisy Petersen; Darwin 
Clifton, Howard and Morris Connely.
     Records are incomplete so it is unknown if the school ran more than two years.
     The Lone Tree School was later moved to this neighborhood.

WHITE SWAN SCHOOL     DISTRICT #2
     Lumber to build the White Swan School was hauled from Redelm in 1922 by Mr. and 
Mrs. Floyd Frame. A wheel came off one of the wagons near Barney Lannens. The 
Lannens invited them to spend the night and loaned them a wheel so they could finish 
their trip.
     The school was built about twenty miles south of Redelm. In 1943 it was moved to 
the west side of Cherry Creek road just south of Clifton Birkeland's. Families attending at 
this location were W. C. "Casey", Lewis "Cully" and Donald Miller, Ed Diermier, Carl 
Johnson and Clifton Birkeland families.
     In 1964 the school was moved back "home" to a site east of Freeman's. Families 
attending school were Pard and Jack Freeman, Troy Trent and George Herren's.
     Carol Frame Johnson, who had attended this school through all eight grades, was the 
last one to teach it in 1972-73.
     School was held in this building a total of 48 years.
     The building sets vacant on the place where school was last held.

[photo – White Swan School. Back row: Lewie Miller, Eliza Miller, Serene Graslie, 
Maggie Miller, Carol Johnson, Fern Birkeland and Carol Graslie, teacher. Front row: 
John Birkeland, Jerry Miller, Russell Birkeland, Bob Miller, Ronnie Diermier, Gary 
Birkeland, Ann Miller, Shirley Diermier, and Richard Diermier. 1948-49]

[photo – White Swan School, about 1925. L to r: Tom Frame, Wallace Frame, Marcella 
Swan, Carol Frame, Matilda Swan, Jack Sharpe, Harold Sharpe]

WHITTIER SCHOOL   DISTRICT #2
     Whittler School was built in 1911 about ten miles southwest of Dupree and named for 
a homesteader. It ran all but four years for 49 years. 1960 was the last school term. It 
was moved several times. Many people still remember the dances held in this building.
     This school building now belongs to Pat Marple and is located two miles west of his 
farm home.

[photo – Whittier School Picnic. Standing: Inez Miller, Everett Miller, Mable Lee, Mrs. 
Andy Lee, Maggie Miller, Jesse Miller and Guy Kaufman. Kneeling: Lucille Miller. Sitting 
on ground: Olive Lee, Jane Miller, Jim Miller, Harold Miller and Margaret Miller. 1917]

[photo – Whittier School. Cora Wince, teacher. Back row: Inez Miller, Mary Pidcock, Guy 
Kaufman, Elsie Diermier, Ed Diermier. Second row: Hattie Hanson, Jim Pidcock, Olga 
Lee, Ted Lee, Jim Miller and Lucille Miller. Front row: Harold Miller, Margaret Miller and 
Olive Lee. 1915-1916]

WILSON SCHOOL -- DISTRICT #5
     Wilson School was located about four miles south and two miles west of Highway 65 
coming south from Isabel. It started in the homestead shack of Miss Wilson. 1915 is the 
first year that Wilson is listed on the official records. The school was in operation until 
1956.
     Students attending this school in its early years were from the England, Boldt, Norton, 
Alspach, Tapley, Wenzel and Rest families.

[photo – Christmas Program in a rural school. Wilson School, 1955]

[photo of school building, caption reads – Wilson School, Sybil Pogany, teacher, 1955-
56]

WINKLEMAN SCHOOL    DISTRICT #1
     Winkleman School, southeast of Glad Valley, has a twenty year history from 1927 to 
1947.
     Students in 1931 were Walter, Ruth, Ida and Albert Roseneau; Nora and Lester 
Matter; Mary and Caroline Jacobs; Ruth Kincaid; Patricia King and Albert Winkleman.
     The building was sold to the Glad Valley Fire Department.

     Four schools are not listed individually. In 1911 Edna Place (Pesicka) taught the 
Birkenholtz children in their home north of Dupree. She bearded with the family.
     An Esther Lowe taught "Lowe" School in 1912-13. There was a Lowe homestead four 
miles west and eleven miles south of Eagle Butte between the Hoxing and Isberg 
Schools. There is no other clue as to its whereabouts.
     Miss M. L. Peterson taught a Fowler School in the Chase vicinity in 1917-18. There 
was a Fowler family southeast of Dupree not far from the Alfred Herren place.
     In 1924-25 Margaret DuSelle (Leake) taught a Chicoine School. The Phillip Chicoines 
lived in the Rattlesnake Butte area.
     This completes the rural schools in Ziebach County for which records have been 
found.

[photo – The Fox Ridge School in 1915, north of Highway 212, west of Eagle Butte in 
Dewey County. Dorothy Sage, Susie Cutter*, Chelsae Thomas, Mildred Cutter*, Fern 
Schwartz, Norma Cutter*, Mrs. Edna Drummond*, Mr. Moody Drummond*, Mabel 
Cutter*, William Cutter.  * indicates that they at some time taught in Ziebach County]

     The Young Citizens League organizations in the elementary schools of South Dakota 
gave many people their first training in Parliamentary Procedure. Conducting a Y.C.L. 
meeting was a practical learning experience.
     The Y.C.L. had a code of ethics, posted on the walls of every classroom. Their 
objectives were to teach Patriotism, Duty, Courtesy, Good Health, Sportsmanship, Truth 
and Reliability.
     Each school or class room had a chapter through which many worthwhile projects 
were undertaken.
     In 1935 "The Voice of the Y.C.L." was published.
     It was a book of poetry written by grade students in the state.
     Many Ziebach County poets had selections in this book. Others are included here 
because they capture so well the mood of the Dirty 30's.

THE DISCOURAGED FARMERS     Beryl Goodwin, McCook County
Oh, you discontented people,
That live in this fair land;
Why not take what you've got coming 
And do the best you can?

You've had a lot of money,
In the days that have gone by;
But you've opened up your pocketbooks 
And let the greenbacks fly.

Some flew into automobiles, 
Some into high priced land, 
Some flew into thoroughbred stock, 
But they flew to beat the band.

We've all been a bit discouraged,
In late years it's been so dry;
Some have cranked up their "tin Lizzies" 
And bid the state goodby.

Others have enough backbone 
To tough it out and stay, 
And cut the old cornfodder, 
And make believe it's hay.

The farmers worked like slaves this year 
The grasshoppers rose at dawn,
And ate the heads right off the grain, 
Like "depression" wasn't on.

We know this land is fertile 
So dry away your tear
If we just get some water 
WE'LL have a crop NEXT YEAR!


THE PLACE I LIVE   William Ramsay, Meade County
The place I live is in the west.
It isn't a place -- it's just a nest 
Where the sage and spiny cactus grows 
And it hasn't rained since no one knows. 
Where the dirt blows thick like a breath from hell;
And we don't have a thing but a long dry spell
Where the thistles are wild, and the grass is dry,
And only a hot sun is in the sky.

THE DUST STORM Loren Fitch, Shannon County
I sure despise this horrid dust,
The way it blows all day,
It seems like quitting work we must, 
But teacher said, "No Sir! that won't pay''.

The whirling dust swings round the room, 
It almost blinds our eyes.
It drifts our paper over soon,
As on our desk it lies.

These fields about, once grew some grain, 
But now the wind piles up the soil. 
Here's hoping soon we'll get some rain 
That the farmer may reap the effect of his toil.

SOUTH DAKOTA    Joseph Flesher, Gregory County
South Dakota, the Sunshine State! 
Where the wind blows with a steady rate, 
And the thistles roll across the plains. 
I wonder why it seldom rains.

Whenever it rains it soon gets dry 
Then the wind and dust go sailing by. 
It finds its way through all the cracks 
And all through the day it seldom slacks.

People talk of moving away:
Then comes a very pleasant day 
And they think they will not go 
Until once more the wind does blow.


OUR PLAY-HOUSE    Mary Libolt, Ziebach County    Olson School
We used to have a playhouse, Jack and I, 
When the warm summers days were here; 
But if you'd see it now, I bet you'd cry, 
For it is crumbling and looking so queer, 
It's only a tumble-down, rickety shack, 
Down by the hen-house and the old grain stack.

But, oh, look at its roof so ripped and torn,
Our little stove all covered with rust, 
Its once tinted walls are sagging and worn;
The chickens come in through the panelless door
To scratch and to peck on the dust covered floor.

With dolls and toys such fun had we; 
The days were long and filled with song; 
No school work there, but clubs, and games, and tea;
Scrubbing and mending, baby chick tending
Our own little play-house, the center of all,
Was built so well, it lasted till fall.

WHY I SAY "AIN'T" AND "YAH" Cloyse Herren, Ziebach County  Sunnybrook School
Out in old Dakota
Where the wind is wild and rough, 
We are just little children
They tell you that we are tough.

Out in old Dakota
We have a school you see,
And in this school we have a rule 
That seems to bother me.

This rule is a correction in grammer 
We all say "yah" and "ain't" 
And when the teacher hears us, 
She almost has to faint.

Of these we formed a habit 
I have used them every day 
And now I'm supposed to stop it 
And I don't know what to say.

The whole world seems to use it. 
Even if it's Dutch
And that is the very reason
I say "yah" and "ain't" so much.

SOUTH DAKOTA     Doris E. Jeffries, Ziebach County  Dupree School
There's a calling in the prairies,
In the hills and sunlit air;
There's a dancing, quivering liveness 
That you've simply got to share.

If you look upon those hilltops 
And you think that you can see 
Some brave chief or warrior old 
On his races, wild and free,

If an ancient broken arrow
Brings you thoughts of former years, 
Of the pioneers who came here, 
Of their hardships, joys and fears,

If the shrieking of the blizzard, 
On the winter nights so cold, 
Takes you back to early days, 
With the pioneers of old.

If the beauty of the sunset 
Calls you onward to the west, 
With a flash and flare of color 
That refuse to let you rest,

If the calm dark sky of evening 
Sprinkled o'er with starry light
Fills your heart with deep contentment 
As it darkens into night.

If you can feel all these things 
You'll love them all'the best 
And your heart's in South Dakota 
The Dakota of the West.


THE SCHOOL HOUSE DANCE        
The little white school house, during the week, 
Was filled with students -- some bold, some meek;
With desks and seats in an orderly row 
Lessons were plied to help their minds grow. 
When Friday night came, the desks so neat, 
Were pushed back to make room for dancing feet.
The teacher's desk in a corner stood
And the kids piled the woodbox high with wood.
Comes Saturday night, with lamps a-light 
To welcome the crowd in out of the night. 
Horses and buggies and sometimes a car 
Brought the whole family from miles a-far; 
With a pie or a box, sandwiches and cake, 
The ladies had worked so hard to make.
The ladies were dressed in their Sunday best, 
The men all decked out with a tie and a vest! 
The music came -- a guitar and a fiddle 
To play and sing "A Hey Diddle Diddle!" 
Babies were laid on a pile of coats
While Mom and Dad danced to Mairzy Doats! 
There was laughter and talk and fun for all 
Both within and without the schoolhouse hall 
As the men sneaked out for 'a sip of booze' 
It was guaranteed to throttle the blues 
The ladies pursed their mouths in disdain, 
To them drinkin' hooch was an evil sin! 
But that's soon forgotten as violins play, 
With their feet a-stompin', they dip and sway 
To waltzes and polkas and the old square dance,
And everyone there begins to prance 
It's the allemande left and the do-se-do, 
Swing your partners to the Heel and Toe! 
Even the kids were having their fun
As they learned to dance, or play and run. 
The roof starts to jiggle, the floor was a-shake, 
But they stomped and they danced with hardly a break.
When midnight came, there was a welcome respite,
As they stopped to rest, and to eat a bite. 
They passed the hat, the music to pay, 
Then danced some more till the break of day. 
There was usually a scuffle during the night, 
And the men all rushed out to see the fight! 
How it all started, no one could tell,
But they fought and fought like the demons of hell!
Then "Home Sweet Home'' the fiddles would sing,
And it's time to go home, they've had their fling,
Then cowboy and sheepherder, farmer and all 
Are taking their ladies home from the ball. 
When finally they laid their heads to their rest, 
They dreamed of the dancers they liked the best.
While the little white school house, all clean and neat,
Awaits next Monday's throng of little feet.
                 Eva Henderson -- Miller

[photo – Bert Bailey making music. He and his wife played many schoolhouse dances]

THISTLES      Thistles grow in our gardens 
And in our fields of hay, 
They choke out all of our plants 
And take the moisture away.

When winter comes they turn dark brown 
And their stickers feel like a thorn 
But the cattle have to eat them,
For there is no grass nor corn.
     Gertrude Hutter, Meade County