We are uncertain about the year the school was built and established. The earliest we found was 1888 and the teacher was William T. Moore. At that time he received $40.00 a month with duties also being caretaker of the school (janitors and some times they cooked a pan of soup or beans on the coal stove). By 1943 the salaries got up to $75.00 a month. Most of the teachers lived in one of the neighbor’s homes close to the school.
School terms were seven months until 1930's (October-Ending in April). The year had two terms. The year was made up into two terms ( winter was five months and spring two months ending in April). It was believed that this way the boys could help with planting and harvesting. Many students did not go to high school because of bus service or they would have to live in Rich Hill with a relative or friend.
This was taken from the School Board Record Books: (The District7 in Prairie Township was formed in1921.) The children were divided into classes as follows:7th and 8th grade—Class A, 5th and 6th—Class B, 3rd and 4th—Class C and 1st and 2nd—Class D.
The Mission Branch school set on the north side of the road about one mile east of N Highway going north. The school was closed in 1954 and the students were transported to Prairie School. Shortly after the school closed Dwight Terry purchased the school and moved it approximately one-quarter of a mile north. It still stands on the property that is now owned by the Goosen family.
Next week the story will be about Seelinger School. I am just putting highlights about the schools in the news paper and on the radio. Our school history book is more detailed with information, pictures and list of teachers, student’s and school board members. We spent many hours going through old records at the Rich Hill School. We found that the students not only received grades at school, but grades at home also were given. We have many interesting things in the school history book.
If you haven’t been to Papinville to see our town sign you need to make a trip out to see it. People who live in this community are very proud of our little community. Things are being done to make the school yard pretty for the picnic and a project for the cemetery is in the plans. Come out to the picnic and hear about the future plans for the Historic and Cemetery Association. A quilt has been made to raffle off and a painting of the school will be auction off during the pie auction. Mark Sept. 27 on your calendar starting at 1:30. Until next week.
Submitted by Phyllis Stewart Activity Director
