The History of The Towanda Area Schools

"It was in 1911 that $15,000 was spent for the erection of our modern plant. Our building is constructed of pressed brick, is two stories high, and contains six recitation rooms, two spacious corridors, a laboratory, library and office room, two large play rooms in the basement, dry system closets, furnace and coal rooms. The building is heated with hot air, has fan ventilation, and is lighted with electricity. The library contains about 400 volumes, most of which have been carefully selected; the laboratory is equipped with the very best apparatus attainable, and every care has been taken to make possible the best results in education. Basketball, baseball, tennis, and field work are organized and are made a part of the regular schedule of the students.
Previous to 1911, only one year's work had been offered in the High School. At the beginning of 1911-12, two years' work was given; in 1912-14, three years' work, and not until 1913-14 was the term increased to nine months in length and four years' work offered in each of the two difference courses - College Preparatory and General, including Household Economics and Agriculture. The High School is now accredited under the Barnes Law, is approved by the State Board of Education, and participates in the country fund set apart for such schools. "
- The Towanda Chieftan, 1915
The process of evolutions shows the original two story school built in ____, which was repaired following the tornado of 1892. The temporary school of 1911 which was used while the new school was being built on the original site of the first two story school. The Towanda High School 1911 stone header can still be seen today at the original school site, in current school yard of the Towanda Intermediate School.
Previous to 1911, only one year's work had been offered in the High School. At the beginning of 1911-12, two years' work was given; in 1912-14, three years' work, and not until 1913-14 was the term increased to nine months in length and four years' work offered in each of the two difference courses - College Preparatory and General, including Household Economics and Agriculture. The High School is now accredited under the Barnes Law, is approved by the State Board of Education, and participates in the country fund set apart for such schools. "
- The Towanda Chieftan, 1915
The process of evolutions shows the original two story school built in ____, which was repaired following the tornado of 1892. The temporary school of 1911 which was used while the new school was being built on the original site of the first two story school. The Towanda High School 1911 stone header can still be seen today at the original school site, in current school yard of the Towanda Intermediate School.
This page is currently under construction as we uncover the history of the surrounding schools. This includes the areas of Benton, Potwin, Elbing, Whitewater, Towanda, Fairmount and the former towns of Midian, Palmyra, Pendell, Edgecomb, Murdock, Cariboo, Holden, Brainard, Ayr, Plum Grove, Amador, Ovo, Nellens Worth, Reddens, Murdock and Fairview.
We are asking for the publics help in assisting us in locating any artifacts, pictures or historical materials in relation to our local schools, past and present. If there are any materials in the private collections of of the community, the Towanda Area Historical Museum would consider these items a valuable addition to our museum archives. These items may include first hand stories, trophies, jerseys, pictures, clothing such as letter jackets/sweaters, vintage grade cards, books and awards. The museum is also currently gathering larger items to complete a perminate school room style exhibit. We would be honored to locate more items to fill this space, such as lockers, desks, lab chairs and equipment, chalkboards and other said items associated with a school room. Please contact the museum at [email protected] or by phone at 316-536-2500. Your help in locating any of these items would be greatly appreciated! Lets preserve our local history!!
We are asking for the publics help in assisting us in locating any artifacts, pictures or historical materials in relation to our local schools, past and present. If there are any materials in the private collections of of the community, the Towanda Area Historical Museum would consider these items a valuable addition to our museum archives. These items may include first hand stories, trophies, jerseys, pictures, clothing such as letter jackets/sweaters, vintage grade cards, books and awards. The museum is also currently gathering larger items to complete a perminate school room style exhibit. We would be honored to locate more items to fill this space, such as lockers, desks, lab chairs and equipment, chalkboards and other said items associated with a school room. Please contact the museum at [email protected] or by phone at 316-536-2500. Your help in locating any of these items would be greatly appreciated! Lets preserve our local history!!