Sauk County, Wisconsin - Chapter 11: County Schools And. Rural Clubs, 1918

Sources ok District School Support - Modern Activities - Organization of Boys' Corn Growing Contests - County Teachers' Association Organized - Contests and Field Meets - Pubucation of "Sauk County Schools" - Educational Exhibit at State Fair- Work in Agriculture Practical - Warm Lunches for Country School Children - A Rural School Survey - School District Agricultural Fairs - Farmers' Club Movement - Schools, Teachers and Salaries - Sauk County Country Clubs - Four Classes op Clubs - Develops Leadership - The Country Teacher - How One Club Was Organized - What a Minister Did - General Features of the Clubs - Significance op the Movement - Country Life Library - Federation of Country Clubs - Constitution - By-Laws - Schools and Scholars of Long Ago - A Veteran Schoolhouse.

When the county was first settled there were a few private schools and later the public school system was established. Up to 1861 there was a superintendent of schools in each township, the officer being duly elected.

At the election of 1860 (the officer taking his position in 1861) a county superintendent was elected, I. W. Morley heing the first to be chosen in Sauk County. Some years ago the election of a superintendent was changed from the fall to the spring, in order to remove, as far as possible, the office from polities. The list of superintendents who have been chosen from time to time will be found in the chapter covering the roster of county officers.

At the present time each district at the annual meeting votes the amount to be raised for school purposes. This is returned to the town clerk who embodies the amount, in the tax roll, is collected by the town treasurer and turned back to the district. Besides the money raised by the district the state gives about $2.50 per pupil as state aid and the county as much more. Besides the items mentioned the state gives special

The following activities have been inaugurated and are encouraged by the present county superintendent, Q. W. Davies, North Freedom, for the purpose of giving redirection of education to the boys and girls of the county: distributed by the county superintendent and the prizes awarded by the County Agricultural Society at its annual fair held in Baraboo. From 200 to 300 young people take part in this event each year.

Acre contests have been conducted to determine the largest yields grown by boys under eighteen years of age. Iu 1911 a yield of 103 bushels was secured and in 1912 the largest yield was 92 bushels. As a result of these contests, varieties of corn giving larger yields are being grown in the county and better methods of cultivation practiced.

All teachers in the county are members. Sectional meetings are held in different parts of the county during the winter with a general two-day meeting held near the Easter vacation. High school teachers, teachers from the county training school. a"d Lormal school teachers contribute to these meetings and bring inspirations and suggestions to our country teachers, many of whom are inexperienced and untrained.

The movement to supply better pictures and more appropriate decoration and equipment fur country schools has been fostered and developed, with the result that over $200 was raised last year to be used largely for the decoration of cur country schools. This money was raised by means of socials planned by the teachers and held usually in the schoolhouse. In this way the people have been brought together socially, they have become more interested in their school, the pupils have been trained for their part in the literary program, and the community has been broadened and benefited.

Each year the state graded schools contest for honors in athletics. Separate contests arc arranged for hoys and girls. A declamatory contest is held and banners, pennants and badges are awarded the winning schools and individuals.

Contests in spelling, arithmetic, language, sewing, cooking and corn judging, open to pupils of the country and graded school, are held at the training school each year. District and town spelling, arithmetic, and language contests are held to select contestants who shall represent the sehools of a town at the county contest.

A monthly bulletin devoted chiefly in glorifying the constructive uplift work of teachers, patrons and school officers. Announcements of institutes, conventions, examinations, and events of general school interest arc included. This is the eighth year of publication. Nine numbers of 900 copies each are mailed free to every teacher, school and county officer and interested patron. This bulletin is the clearing house of information of all educational activities within the county, and Is an important factor in stimulating school activities.

eight years exhibits have been made at the state fair. The new educational building, located at the entrance to the grounds, contains more than 2,000 square feet of wall space for the placing of maps and other drawings, with a large number of tables and display cases for sewing and other hand work. Still there is not room to display the work that comes from all parts of Wisconsin. These exhibits encourage pupils to do their best for only the !>est is sent to the state fair. In the individual entries our boys and girls have won the largest number of blue ribbons and the largest amount in cash prizes. In the display from any county, the Sauk County exhibit has always been awarded first or a high place. This is indeed no small honor for the boys and girls of Sauk County and attests in strong terms to the excellence of the work being done by our teachers.

Every effort is made to make the work of the school fit into the work of the home. This cannot be done from a study of some text book or bulletin on agriculture, but the pupil must be given an opportunity to apply the principles of thoughtful, scientific, businesslike farming. He must know the value of the Babcock tests and be taught to apply it. The milk sheet and scales must be common property, and the boy must be able to interpret and verify that monthly lubricator of farm comforts - the butter or cheese statement. For many years the Babcock tester has been demonstrating to our county summer schools and institutes, and now there are more than a dozen testers at work in as many schools. "We do not advocate a tester for every school and only advise its purchase when the community and the teacher arc ready to make proper use of it.

The school work in corn impels teachers to enter the fields of standing corn with their pupils and select seed corn, making a careful study of stalk and ear. This is followed by making suitable seed corn drying racks. Then in the early spring, individual ear germinating tests are performed as a part of the school work in agriculture. Let our slogan be, "The country school of today for the country life of tomorrow."

This work is in the experimental stage. It is being discussed in our teachers' meetings and is being tried in a few schools. Some schools prepare cocoa, others coffee, and some serve hot soup, while others are preparing baked potatoes, boiled rice, stewed prunes and are emphasizing the importance of certain foods and the best methods of preparing them. We have faith that the time will come when balanced rations will satisfy the appetites not only for the farmers' live stock but of the school children as well.

In co-operation with the state department of education at Madison an inventory in full of each school district was made, its social forces and assets are being considered, a map of each district is being drawn, the tides of immigration are being noted, and a thorough study and mapping ' of rural conditions is being made.

No movement started in recent years in the country schools has aroused more interest in the school and the community than has the district fair. The children select farm products, prepare school work, and make exhibits of cooking and sewing. A short program is given by the school, silk ribbons mark the winning entries, a short talk is given by an outsider, and plans are made for a bigger and better fair next year.

An effort on the part of a community to supply its own need for social enjoyment, for a better, richer, fuller country life. Ten years ago the Skillet Creek Farmers' Club of the Town of Baraboo had been recently organized. Its development is too well known to need repetition. Its name and its fame are nation wide. Through the courtesy of the newspapers, by personal interview, and by means of public addresses at institutes, conventions, and school socials, the value of such an organization in a country community has been made known.

The spirit of organization and co-operation is manifest in all parts of the county. The great nation wide country life movement finds favor with our farmers. The country school teacher in many cases, realizing her opportunity for service has become the social leader and organizer. Farmers' clubs, literary societies, and kindred social circles have increased in number to twenty-four and may be found in fifteen of the twenty-two towns in Sauk County.

In February, 1912, delegates from the rural organizations met and formed (be Sauk County Country Life Association. Two summer picnics have contributed wholesome games and recreation for the farmer and his family. The second annual meeting will be held January 17th and 18th at the courthouse. As stated in the constitution, "The object of this association shall be to encourage the formation and existence of Farmers' Clubs and kindred rural organizations, and through association meetings to promote the dissemination of knowledge, and the advancement of measures of general benefit to the rural residents of the county. We believe that through such organizations, by exchange of ideas and union

Mr. Davies is assisted in his work by Miss Essie Brooks, Reedsburg, and Miss Bessie Cole, Lodi, supervising teachers, and by Miss Valera Larson, Kilbourn, in the office. The supervising teachers visit the schools, assist the teachers with their work, giie advice, and on Saturdays assist with the teachers' meetings.

From the latest figures prepared by County Superintendent Davies the facts are deduced which exhibit the present condition of the schools and the teaching force under his jurisdiction. Thus it is learned that there are now in Sauk County 150 1-room schools, 5 graded schools with two departments, 4 graded schools with three or more departments, and 4 high schools, not including those of Baraboo and Reedsbnrg, which are in charge of city superintendents and boards of education. In the schools under Mr. Davies' supervision 208 teachers are employed to instruct 4,421 scholars (attendance). The average monthly salary of the male teacher is $96 and of the female, $53. The approximate valuation of school property, including buildings, grounds, furnishings and apparatus, is $300,000.

The uplift of the rural communities through the establishment and operations of the country or farmers' clubs is so noteworthy in Sauk County that the full text of Superintendent Davies' article on that subject, prepared about the time they were federated in the Sauk County Country Life Association is here reproduced. Although his paper was primarily a direct narrative setting forth the progress of the movement, it forcibly explained the objects of the clubs and the benefits accomplished by them - despite the statement of Mr. Davies' introduction.

"It is not the purpose of this paper," he says, "to consider the value or importance of rural social club organizations, but merely to tell the story of achievement in country club development in Sauk County, "Wisconsin, the last seven years.

"In the fall of 1905, under the leadership of William Toole, the farmers and their families living in the vicinity of Baraboo organized the Skillet Creek Farmers' Club. Its object has been to promote sociability and general prosperity among its members. Any person old enough to be interested in the meetings and young enough to enjoy them, is eligible to membership. Its work has helped to make the neighborhood noted for its homes, gardens, orchards, schools and highways. In addition to the topics relating to home, farm, and school improvement, this dub takes an active interest in other topics that affect the well-being of the community and society. The public telephone, permanent roads, local corn shows, city hospital, consolidation of schools, and improvement in the county fair arc among the enterprises that have received the active support of this club.

"A report of each meeting is sent to the local newspapers and the work of the club is made known to the residents of the county and others. Publicity by means of the newspapers has b«?en an important factor in encouraging other communities to form similar organizations. Teachers, editors, farmers, and leaders in all lines of work from within and without the county are invited to appear in the club programs.

"Rural social organizations in this county have developed along four lines, viz.: the farmers' club proper, which consists of a mixed audience; the literary society or lycenm, usually composed of the young people of a community who have been brought together through the leadership of a country teacher; ladies' societies or circles, whose work is social, literary, or benevolent; and purely social organizations of young people in the country who know how to have a good time in the right way.

"The Klover Klub of Fairfield, organized three years ago, is a literary society of about eighty members. Songs, recitations, and debates, with talks by members on subjects of local interest, constitute the usual program. These talks are valuable and interesting and help to develop the leadership essential to the best growth of a community. The hall used as a meeting place is usually crowded to its limit.

"The opportunity for leadership on the part of a country school teacher is nowhere more fully realized than in the social movement. Many communities are being changed as a result of this leadership. The Narrow '8 Prairie County Club is one of a number of societies whose existence is due primarily to the teacher. Meetings are held in the sehoolhouse. From a part of the proceeds of an entertainment given, a Babeoek milk tester was secured for the school work in agriculture. Later the farmers used the tester to determine the value of individual cows in their herds. A corn show is an annual event. Occasional lunches are served. During the summer months festivals and lawn parties are held at the farm homes.

"On one occasion the County Training School principal and the writer were speaking to an audience of parents and pupils called together on invitation of the teacher. One of the speakers discussed the value of alfalfa to the fanner and the best means of securing a crop. The other address considered means of community development and the importance of united effort. At the close of the talks one interested farmer asked, 'How may we organize a farmers' club in this neighborhood T ' The subject was further discussed, interest was manifested, and plans were laid for a permanent organization. Committees on constitution, program, and club name were appointed and the time of the next meeting fixed. The club has since been fully organized with a good membership, and meets regularly. The people felt the need of closer fellowship and welcomed an opportunity to meet and consider questions of common interest. Thus the Sauk Prairie Farmers' Club came to be.

The Choral Club of Excelsior is a body of religious young people who meet regularly for social enjoyment and training in music and singing. The minister who drives out. to hold services in the little country church is the leader and organizer. The yonng people receive musical training and have a good time together, the congregation appreciates the singing furnished at the services, and the minister sees that the results of his efforts have extended the field of his usefulness. A lecture course is held each winter at the chapel, thus another means of lirintfiiitf people to the church center has been established.

"There are now in operation outside of village and city, twenty-five country clubs. The membership ranges from twenty-five or thirty niemhers in the smaller clubs to seventy or eighty in the larger. In some no membership fee is charged while in others annual dues of from ten to twenty-five cents are paid. Meetings arc held onec in two weeks at the members' home, in school houses, or in halls owned or used for this purpose. Three of the clubs now own buildings. In one of these oyster suppers, ice cream socials, lectures, and dances are held, and the young people find means of social enjoyment in the neighborhood. Lecture courses secured through the assistance of the University Extension Division and other agencies, arc provided. A friendly neighborhood is developed where clubs arc in operation. Neighbors soon form the habit of seeking for the good that exists in other neighbors. The County Training School has aided in every possible way .to extend the use of the schoolhouse and make it a center for the social life of the community. Occasional lunches are provided but are not made a regular feature. Special programs, plays, festivals. Fourth of July picnics, and annual banquets are held by some of the clubs.

"The Country Uifc Movement in Sauk County is not an effort from 'without to amuse or entertain the country people. It is. not a moving picture song and dance performance. It is a movement from within. A movement on the part of farm folks to provide right means of social enjoyment, a movement that develops leaders and builds up communities through social, educational and economic co-operation.

"At a recent session, the county board appropriated $25 to establish a country life library in the office of the county superintendent of schools. Books purchased from this fund, together with others now in the county superintendent's library, will be loaned to teachers and country folks who may be interested. The character of the books may be .judged by the following titles: The Rural Life Problem in the United States, Farm Boys and Girls, Chapters in Rural Progress, Co-operation Among Farmers, The Church of the Open Country, The Training of Farmers, Country Life and the Country School, School Sanitation and Decoration, Boy Life, Vocational Education, The Bird Book, Among Country Schools, Nature Study and Life, The Fat of the Land, How to Enjoy Pictures. Examining and Grading Grains, Keeping Up with Lizzie.

"In July, 1911, there assembled at Devil's Lake a large, enthusiastic, pleasure-loving crowd of country people. These were the farmers and their families who were associated with the country life organizations of Sauk County."

"The purpose of this meeting was to bring the country clubs of the county into closer fellowship through social enjoyment and outdoor recreation. The day was spent in boating, swimming, cliff climbing, picnic dinners, addresses, and field sports. The meeting was well attended and it was decided by those in charge of the day's program to call a meeting the following winter to federate the rural organizations of the county.

'This meeting was called in connection with a teachers' institute held at the Training School in Reedsburg, February 16, 17, 1912. Representatives were present from the Skillet Creek Farmers' Club, Klover Klub, Excelsior Lyceum. Skillet' Creek Bachelors' Club, Fairfield Bachelors' Club, Arachne Club. Excelsior Choral Club, and Ladies' Clubs of Delton, Fairfield, Glenville and Baraboo.

"The second annual picnic was held at Devil's Lake in July, 1912. The attendance at the annual meeting and the two summer picnics of the association have shown how very- general is the public interest in the subject of rural life organization. The summer picnics have contributed wholesome games and recreation for the farmer and his family.

"As stated in the constitution. 'The objects of this association shall be to encourage the formation and existence of Farmers' Clubs and kindred rural organizations, and through association meetings to promote the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of measures of general benefit to the rural residents of the county. We believe that through such organizations, by exchange of ideas and union of influence, the various communities of the county may be benefited materially, socially, intellectually,, and morally.'

"It will be readily understood that the scope of work of such an organization is more far-reaching than can be expressed in this brief clause of the constitution.

"All rural organizations arc invited to membership in the association and send delegates to the annual meetings. These delegates, with the officers, constitute the voting and governing body of the association, but all persons interested in rural welfare are invited to attend the meetings and take part in the discussions.

"The experience of the various rlulw now existing attests to the value of rural Organization. As stated above, it is part of the work of this association to assist in the organization of farmers' clubs as far as possible. The county superintendent of schools is secretary of the association and is in close touch with nearly all rural organizations in the county. lie knows the leaders in different clubs and communities who may be called upon to assist neighboring clubs. He speaks before these clubs and urges upon other communities the need and value of organized community effort. Thus we endeavor to make the association directly valuable to the clubs now in existence and an instrument that will encourage other communities to organize for social improvement.

"Article 2. The object of this association shall be to encourage the formation and existence of farmers' clubs and kindred rural organizations and through, association meetings to promote dissemination of knowledge, and the advancement of measures of general benefit to the rural residents of the county, for we believe that through such organizations, by exchange of ideas and union of influence, the various communities of the county may be benefited, materially, socially, intellectually, and morally.

"Article 3. Any rural society in the county may become a member of this association on application to the Secretary and the payment of annual dues of one dollar for each society. Each society shall be represented in this association by one delegate for each ten members or major part thereof. These delegates with the officers shall constitute the association.

"Article 4. The officers shaU consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one director from each class of societies as follows: Farmers' clubs, literary societies, bachelors' clubs, women's clubs, local old settlers' clubs, co-operative organizations, teachers' associations, and country church societies. The directors shall be chosen from their own class of societies by their respective divisions.

"Article 5. The annual meeting for the election of officers and transaction of other business shall he held at such time and place as shall he chosen by the executive committee.

"Article 6. The officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting, and must be members in good standing of some society which is a part of this association, and may or may not be delegates to the annual meeting.

"Article 7. The officers of this association shall during the term of office be ex-officio members and be entitled to all the rights and privileges of delegates. The officers shall constitute an executive committee.

"1 - The executive committee shall prepare programs for the annual meetings, annual picnic and other meetings which may be held, and have general management of the affairs of the association.

"2 - The President shail preside over all meetings when present and be the executive officer of the executive committee. He shall fill vacancies of offices when such occur between times of annual meetings, and deliver an address at the annual meeting.

"4 - The Secretary shall keep records of all meetings, and with the President sign all orders and attend to the correspondence of the association.

''5 - The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the association, pay bills on orders from the President and the Secretary, and make a report to each annual meeting.

"6 - It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the association to assist those desiring to organize societies by furnishing names of suitable persons to help in such organization work. The actual expenses of speaker or organizer shall be paid by those who accept the service.

"7 - Honorary life members may be added to the roll of membership in the following manner: All names of candidates must be submitted to a committee of five to be appointed by the President. The name, if reported favorably, shall be subject to the indorsement of the association. Not more than two life members shall be chosen at any one annual meeting.

"8 - The officers of this association shall assume the duties of their respective offices immediately upon the close of each annual meeting.

"9 - This constitution or accompanying by-laws may be amended at. any annual meeting of the association by a two-thirds vote of the members present arid voting."

Mrs. Fannie J. Ilackett, an old-time teacher, read a paper before an old settlers' meeting held at North Freedom, several years ago, but she dealt with school matters so long past that her pictures are just as timely now as they were then. She said "By request of the committee I will try to give some idea of what we 'old settlers' proper had to contend with, compared to what you of to-day have. One thing I am sure of, and that is, instead of autos we rode behind oxen hitched to some conveyance by just a yoke consisting of a bow of hickory wood put through holes in a large stick of wood ; take out the bow, get the yoke over the head of the ox, then put it through the two holes in the yoke, put in the bow key, and then 'Haw, Bright,' 'gee, Buck!' Without a thing to restrain them in any way if they took a notion to run away, as they did with Tim Hackett once upon a time when he was trying to get a load of wheat to market, Baraboo being our nearest in those days. They went straight for the river - wheat, man and all - and having no box on, as we often went in those days, the wheat slid into the river and he fished with boat and boat-hook until the next day to get it on terra firma again.

"And our buildings of that day were just like the buildings of to-day. with a little variation. T well remember the school house that I taught my first school in. It was situated about where Conrad Egerer's barn stands to-day, surrounded by such heavy timber that the sun never reached us. It had been built for a resident of some pioneer, and had a large fireplace on the inside and the chimney on the outside. No road to get to it - just a path through the heavy woods, aud more than once in my travels to and from have I had to stand and wait while a monster rattler crossed my path before proceeding on my way, for 1 was too cowardly to attack him, not knowing which would come out victorious; aud in those days, fifty years ago, they were plenty, as well as many kinds of wild animals which arc to-day extinct in this locality. At that time I had to make a trip across the river to a man who lived on what is known as the Pfaff farm, to get my certificate; thence to 'Big John' Dickie's, on the grounds near where the Kgerer Brothers' mansion now stands (Dickie lived in one just like it, only a little different) to get my contract ; and then when my w ork was done, go up to the farm now known as the Rick farm and draw the immense sum of .$12.00 per month. Little Jimmie Dickie, of Barahoo, and brother, David, were two of my pupils. Jim Carpenter and brother. Will, and six little Harseims wended their way to my school room.

"But the poser of the whole business was when William and Parshall Haekett first came to school. The scholars would say, 'When is Sam coming?' 'Oh, when he pets the crops in,' they would answer. It would run along a day or two, (hen 'When is Frank coming?' 'Oh, when they get the corn planted.' And again someone would be inquiring, 'When is Curb coming?' Oh well, I thought, after a time I will have three more scholars, a little older, and it will give me something to do. But lo and behold, when the mystery was solved they were all merged under one cognomen - Samuel Franklin Curbu Hackett - and he never came at all. So I think he never got through his work, but I have always thought that if he had, he would have been a better scholar and a better man ; but he is so well known, we will let that go, as it is too late to remodel him.

' ' But in those days there was no scrambling for prominence of one above the other, or one trying to outdo the other. Wc were seemingly all more on equal terms, and all friendly and neighborly ; ever ready to land a helping hand whenever needed, without stopping to ask Is there a couple of dollars in it for me? I was getting $3.00 per week and paying $1.50 for board at Mary Carpenter's and it would doubly discount any $4.00 board of the present day in my estimation. When I think of those freshly picked wild red raspberries, covered with thick sweet cream and sugar, and then a plate of those cream biscuits, such as she knew how to make, I can taste them yet.

"My next school was in a building near the old Schram mill bridge, with a row of windows on one side, of 7 by 9 glass, a desk built against the wall and a seat made out of a slab with legs driven in - much nicer and handier than you have it now. Such little boys as Sammy McCoy, James and John Sproul were among the number of scholars. At this time horcsback riding was it ; reason why. no roads. I well remember riding up the Hill settlement road while in construction. A gang of men were opening a rnad just wide enough for teams to pass, huge trees lying in every conceivable position, hut with a horse I could pick my way between. Methinks I hear some of you say 'quite a difference.' But as the world moves wc must move with it, until wc move off the stage. And I do think that if it were not for these old settlers' meetings, such as we are holding here today, wc would soon forget many familiar faces that we meet here every year, and I hope this will continue as long as one of the old-timers are left to come together. And then, fifty years hence, whoever meets will say of to-day. How much more comfort we took in our day than at the present!"

A primitive log schoolhouse was erected in 1861, in District No. 8, Town of Winfield, about eight miles north of Rcedsburg near the county line. The first teacher in the building was Miss Kate Kivel of Winfield, and Miss Emma Isenberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Iscnberg of Bar- , aboo, was in charge when this article was written. The names of the first pupils who attended the school are Michael, Timothy and FJlen Foley; James, Kate and Ellen Fitzgerald: Arinccnt, Ellen, Tinney, and John Casey; Tim Kelly; Mary A. Byrne, Margaret Scannell, Patrick Scannell, Daniel and Kate Casey.

of Morrill, Wisconsin, also attended there. Among those who became teachers are Ellen Fitzgerald, Mary Casey, Johanna Casey and John Stearns. The one who kindly furnished the information for this article says that the hnilding in all its simplicity never turned out a criminal.

hnilding several times says that the woodehucks are in the habit of poking their noses through the crevices in the floor much to the amusement of the ohservers. The old landmark will soon be replaced by a new building.

The present school officers are Timothy Kelly, clerk; John Conway, treasurer ; and Lucus Knpsic, director. The pupils in the school at the present time are Joseph, Hester, Mercedes and Rush Kelly, Frank Byrnes, John Kupsic, August Riskie, Dave Conway and Ernest Mills.