Faulk County, South Dakota - Chapter 16: Educational, 1909

It was not long that the sod shanty stood alone; for these early, persevering pioneers were of that class who had enjoyed and highly prized educational advantages. The sod school house came as an accompaniment to the humble homes that in a day sprang up over the broad prairies, so lately the home of wild beasts and wilder Indians, who roamed undisturbed over these beautiful prairies. The education of their children was among the first duties of parental life, and with food and clothing stood in equal rank, all absolutely necessary.

There were sources of worry connected with, and a part of, school life. The going to and coming from school along a dim and almost unmarked trail, the occasional predatory bands of Indians passing in close proximity, and the storm and blizzard, that left desolation and death in their train, were all to be contended with, and added much to the burden of life that bore so heavy upon these sturdy pioneers. Yet, in spite of all these, the good work went on. The school was so highly prized and its importance so fully realized, that it kept equal pace with the best efforts of pioneer life. Even those who had enjoyed few educational advantages, became interested and were anxious for their children to improve every opportunity to learn. The sod school house was soon succeeded by good, substantial frame buildings, and as early as 1886, became landmarks even in remote parts of the county, by which the location of various pioneer settlers were described.

Townships were organized for school purposes, taxes levied and good, comfortable school houses erected wherever required. From the first, Faulkton was prominent and active in the interest of education. Among the early teachers were, Mrs. McCoy, Mrs. Bissell, Mrs. Putney, Mr. Pangburn, Mrs. G. S. Staples and Mr. Coste. Rev. Mr. Curtis, Mr. George A. Morse, C. C. Moulton, J. H. Bottum, C. C. Norton, Mr. Bissell and Mr. Bryden were active supporters in all that advanced the interests of the common schools. It was not until 1900, that the present school building, suitable to accommodate all the schools in Faulkton was erected.

In 1901 the High School was organized with Prof. J. F. Armstrong, principal, and Rev. Mr. Curtis, Mrs. Frieze, lyula Pickler and Miss Coman, teachers.

In 1908 the Faulkton High School is the equal of any high school in the state, its graduates passing a creditable examination for taking a collegiate course, and of as high intellectual, social and moral standard as those with whom they associate.

The present board of education is C. C. Norton, clerk; J. H. Wallace, treasurer, and the following board of directors; F. M. Byrne, J. H. Bottum, C. C. Norton, P. H. O'Neil and Frank Turner. Prof. H. B. Callin, superintendent, with a most excellent corps of assistants, are advancing the high standard of excellence the school has already attained.

"There are one thousand six hundred and thirty-one pupils enrolled in the county and there are eighty-two school houses, valued at $56,000. There were seventyeight teachers employed, to whom $21,694 were paid for monthly wages. Each district contains a school library. The total expenditures for district schools for the year A. D., 1907, was $53,976.82."