History of Tuscola District - Independent

In light of the hardships and self, denials of the early settlers of our district to give the children the best educational advantages possible, we should indeed have an appreciation of our school as if is today. In the year 1889 or thereabouts, thanks to the efforts of such men as Messrs. J.L. Graham (Tuscola), Tom Fisher (Oklahoma), B.C. Gaither (Merkel) Thomas Knaus (deceased), C. P. Booker (Tuscola), and Dr. O.V. Cash (San Benito), sufficient funds were donated by prospective patrons for the erection of a one-room building. It stood near the mountain in the western part of the valley, on land now owner by Mr. O. G. Brow. The furniture of this first school was, of course, very simple a teacher's desk, a long writing table across the back room and a long bench without a back. Mr. Spence was the first teacher, he was followed by Mr. Duncan. At this time the school was in session from three to five months with some thirty or forty pupils in regular attendance - rather an unusual number, considering the conditions of the times. About 1896, since the eastern part of the valley had been rapidly settled and Tuscola was growing into a town, it seemed wise to move the schoolhouse nearer the center of the district; Mr. J. L. Graham generously donated land for both a church and a school, which were located at what is now known "Old Tuscola," near the residence of Mr. J L. Standard. Two teachers were employed this time, but need was evident very soon for another; in 1900, largely through public subscriptions; it was possible for the district to erect a two story frame building and employ three teachers. The first of these three were Messes Allison and Luther Fuller, and Miss Ollie Crofton (now Mrs. Ollie Graham). Under such conditions as these the school continued to grow and improve for about eleven years. About 1912 the Santa Fe and Abilene & Southern Railroads were built through the valley; the people of Tuscola naturally moved their town to the junction of these roads, in the center of a fertile region an ideal location. All concerned at this time felt that the old building was inadequate for the demands of the rapidly developing community. Accordingly bonds were voted to the amount of seven thousand dollars. The Santa Fe Railroad donated five hundred dollars in cash district the choice of two blocks of land for the new site. The splendid building now in use was erected; it has four large classrooms and an auditorium and is modern and well-equipped in every way. The first teachers in the new building were Mr. W. A. Franklin, Misses Mamie Nabours, Lilly Edins, and Belle Jones. Much progress was made in the literary work at this time; public speaking was encouraged; Mrs. Howard Humphrey was teacher of expression; thanks to her efforts and those of the good teachers, Cranford Hardin and Clifford Casey won first place in the debating contest in 1914 and Earnest Cunningham won in declamation. In 1915, basketball was introduced into the school; in 1918, under the good coaching of Messrs. A.J. Jones and Dean Robinson, the Senior won first place in the county contest and were awarded the loving cup.

The first graduating class, consisting of seven boys, was presented in 1917. The commencement exercises at that time are still remembered. The following year four boys and one girl completed work offered; in 1919, a large class graduated with much credit to all concerned; the next year Mr. Dean Robinson was again at the head of the school and presented a class of seven. For the past two years, Mr. E.H. Boulter has been head of the school; under the administration most satisfactory work has been done and good behavior is much in evidence. - the "trouble makers" have been record makers. two most worthy classes have been graduated these two years, consisting respectively of seven girls and two boys and seven girls and seven boys, the last being second in size to Abilene only in the county. This year class of sixteen graduated from Grammar School also.

Tuscola is the only district in the county maintaining two schools, Tuscola and Mt. View, the latter having been built in 1918 at a cost of two thousand dollars. This present school year there have been enrolled in this district to hundred pupils, fifty-six whom are doing high school work. The dollar tax voted last summer has made it possible for the district to have this year the best school in its history, having had a most efficient corps of teachers - Mr. E.H. Boulter, Mr. Charles LaMotte, Mrs. Kate Ceausseaux, Miss Lottie Everitt, Miss Belle Jones. Particular mention should be made to the splendid cooperation of the patrons of the school. With the same teachers retained for the next year, and the same cooperation assured, the prospect for Tuscola is indeed promising.

Class Roll

166 pupils