It was an era of readin', writin' and arithmetic, and that was sufficient to carry 98 percent of the citizens through life. The first actual high school was built in 1904 and graduated 18. Union School as seen in this circa 1910 picture had a unique design that used angular wings in the rear to allow light and air circulation. Built before the turn of the 20th century, the imposing old structure fell to the wreckers about 1932. It was replaced by Fruth School, which is also now gone.
Students have it pretty easy nowadays.
I have heard old-timers tell of walking to Union School in the snow from the West Side. Write a letter to the editor .