The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1907-01-19
KxERcnEs TOOK PLACE IN THE ASsD6BLY NEW
BUILDING FRIDAY AFTERNOON ocLocK-THEn WAS
A LARGE ATTENDANCE.
INTERESTING HISTORY OF L'ANsE SCHOOL
Beginning Buldin6 Of ThrtyIive Years Ago.
Up Costly Commodious Brick


for educational work. AS a rule the
instruction and general un nwaver'
ing aim OF this institution was pro.
gressiye in the fullest sense.
Measured by its fruits L'Anse
High School shines in resplenden,
rays. It's students. living and dead,
scattered broadcast over the land,
are worthy monuments Of its utility
and noble work.
A Bit Of Early History.
As has been stated in the preface
OF this article, the first school oI
which this village could boast was
established in 1871. This build
ing was three story structure
which was purchased at Hancock
by Capt. James Bendry, and re-
moved from its site in that present
busy city to the lake shore and load
ed upon q scow and towed to
L'Anse. Upon its arrival it. was
re-erected on plot of ground near
the residence now occupied by
Andrew Johnson. This common
place, yet valuable structure, served
not only as seat OF the earliest
education, but also was used for
some time rs the Court House for
Baraga county, where justice was
dealt out in early times.
The school at that time consisted
OF but merely handful OF pupils,
but as is the case so often repeated
in history, those we're the days
when every second OF school life was
well worth its weight in gold, and
at no time was an opportunity lost
in the ardent search for education,
which was then considered to have
been brought to their very doors.
As has also been stated, one soil.
tary teacher was there as faculty
aud guiding star, and doubtless il
will be with many pleasant thoughts
on the part of the students OF the
early day that the name of James
Corgan will be recalled.
Thus did L Anse High School
originate and developed and become
local power, and thus from this
commonplace structure did it send
it's representatives throughout the
land, to bear its name. extend its
reputation, and in diverse lines OF
achievement to illustrate the value
OF its careful and thorough training.
The Second School Building.
In the year OF 1872 it. became ap-
parent that the one room school was
insufficient to cope with the de-
mands Of the times, and that more
and better rooms we're needed. 1t
is notable fact that while the popu-
lation was sparse and settlers were
few, q trustworthy chronicler tells
Us that the local board conceived the
idea OF purchasing plot OF ground
and thereupon erect school house
that would NEE. the growing de-
mand. In lieu of this, birth was
given during the aboye mentioned
year, to the famous 81" shaped,
one story, two roomed building, so
dear TO the hearts Of many, and even
today Familiarity known as the
Little Red School House" Herein
and with the inevitable birch rod
presided those worthy forerunners
OF the present day, namely: Thomas,
Buck. Rosenberg, Hayden, Burk-
head. Atwood. BilIings and McCleI-
Ian, who were at that time directed
in their undertakings by q noble
board OF education comprised Of men
Of which but few have lived to see
the growth and advancement OF
their early endeavors. This board
which even today Is looked upon as
the Rodfathers Of the educational
10 L'Anse, was COM
posed Of those energetic pioneers
e. L. Mason, J. Q. McKernan, J. @.
Barnard. James Scott, J. 3. Smith