As the annual Papinville Picnic is set for this Saturday, here's another story from the area
We are not sure the year Prairie school was established. We could not find any records, but it is estimated in the early 1880’s. The earliest records we found was 1919.
Teacher records showed that the longest term for a teacher that taught in Prairie City was Pearle Kemper. She taught for 10 years, along with the next was Pauline (Bell) Bradley). The one good thing we found was that the four schools in Prairie township had an abundance of very dedication teachers.
The teachers not only recorded their grades at school, they had to record other activities that was held at school such as : Church, Sunday school, church programs, 4-H meetings and programs held at the school (Christmas Thanksgiving and Easter) . Many people mention the pie and box suppers they had to raise money for books for the library.
The four schools would get together several times during the year and have spelling, math and geography, plus sports baseball and races competitions. For the students eight grade graduation they all came to the Methodist church in Papinville.
In 1952 the Papinville school consolidated with Prairie City school. The Seelinger and Happy Hill schools were moved and attached to the Prairie City school. Seelinger building was added on the east. Happy Hill was not in the Prairie township but the school was added to the west side. All four schools were going to Prairie City . The three combined builds were used from 1954 to 1958.In 1958 all student ‘s in Prairie township were bussed to Rich Hill.
Rural education started at Papinville and ended in Prairie City. The Papinville, Mission Branch, Seelinger and Prairie City schools served teachers, parents, students and communities well. May they always remain treasured memory.
Hope to see you at the picnic on September 27th. All pass students need to sign in at 3:00.. we are having recognition of teachers and students at 3:30. If you are entering the pie contest have your pies at the museum, plus if you would like to bring a cake for the cake walk have them here by 2:00. Make sure they are in disposable containers. Fried fish and pulled pork with all the sides will be served at 5:30. We hope that we will have many alumni from the four schools. Remember this picnic is not just for students of the pass, but also for family that had somebody of their family that attended one of the schools. Bring children to come see what a country school looked like and visit the nice museum.
The quilt drawing will be at 4:00 and the painting that Tom Attenburg painted of the school will be auction off after the pie auction. 50-50 drawing will be after the painting is auction. Come out and have an eventful day. We pray that the weather will be beautiful. This is the last of the school stories. Hope to see you on September 27. Music starts at 1:30. Don’t forget your lawn chairs. Hope you have enjoyed the stories. Submitted by Phyllis Stewart (Activity Director)