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101 South 8th St. - P.O. Box 370 - Newman Grove, NE 68758-0370 |
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School History When the town site of Newman Grove was laid, a log house was built on the east corner from our present Shell Creek Church by Lewis Warren, one of the first settlers. This was used rent free for the first term under the Public School System. School continued in small buildings until 1889. Then a school was built on our present site in keeping with the needs of the district, the course of study extended. In 1894, E.H. Gerhart came from Lancaster County PA, to become Superintendent of Newman Grove Schools and the following year to increase the high school from eleven grades to twelve. The first commencement was held Friday, June 5 1896, at eight p.m. at the Newman Grove Opera House with two graduates, Ida Gutru and Ita Pryor. Athletics included girls and boys basketball and track. Football was added around 1923, with Kennie Hinman as the first coach. During the early years, teams used to travel from town to town by train. In 1911, the first annual, "The Josholite," reported 66 students in the high school. Domestic science, consisting of preparing food and sewing, was added. Teas and luncheons were prepared by students inviting mothers and friends. There was also manual training, a type of carpentry, with the boys furnishing their own materials. Extra curricular activities were girls reserves, Future Teachers Club, music consisting of a men's quartet, girls and boys chorus, an acapella choir, band, and Dramatics. Later, wrestling and volleyball were added along with a Home Ec Club. School hours were 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with two study halls. There were no buses for transportation. It was the students' parents' responsibility to transport students to athletic games out of town. Many of the high school students from the country stayed in Newman Grove during the school week. During the war years students collected scrap metal for the government to recycle. A new building was dedicated September 12, 1908. The old school building had been moved to a lot on main street and our City Library occupied the first floor and, the Masonic Lodge the second floor until the building was destroyed by fire. During the years, the course of study was increased. In 1910, the following was offered: four years Latin, two years Chemistry with lab, English, History, Civil Government, two years Algebra and Normal training. In Normal training, after passing a state examination, graduates could teach in the rural school. The second Newman Grove Gymnasium was built in 1968-69 and used for basketball, also volleyball for girls and other activities. The old gym now is used for class plays, musicals and school activities. A fully equipped kitchen was installed for the school lunch program. Our Newman Grove Schools have been administered by many fine Superintendents, principals and teachers. The curriculum and extra curriculum activities are much larger, as well as teaching staff plus a non-certified staff to assist. The Newman Grove Public Schools are an important part of Newman Grove. With tax money and grants, we were able to build a new school, which was dedicated in 1998.
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About This Site |
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