A History of the Rural Schools of Rock County, Wisconsin: Townships of Janesville, Johnstown, and LaPrairie
Kidder, Clark
Synopsis "A History of the Rural Schools of Rock County, Wisconsin: Townships of Janesville, Johnstown, and LaPrairie"
Many generations of Wisconsinites were educated in one-room country schools and have fond memories of an era in education now quickly fading into the attic of American history. These schools were not without their limitations and lack of amenities, but they accomplished their mission nonetheless. Rock County contained over 150 of them at one time. These schools were gathering places for everything from community clubs and church meetings to holiday and political events. They were a part of the very fabric of the community, bringing together neighbors who otherwise would rarely see each other.The advent of a statewide road system, which made it possible for schools to consolidate and facilitate the transfer of students to larger, more modern schools, spelled the end for the one-room school era. With all their drawbacks, these quaint little schools contributed their part to the social and economic development of our state.Included in this book are written histories of the school buildings, memories of pupils and teachers, as well as lists of students, teachers, and board members associated with each school. Also included are various photos of students, teachers, interiors and exteriors of the schools. A history of the Rock County Normal School is included, which includes a list of teachers who graduated from the school during its operation.This book is a must have for historians studying early education in Rock County, the state of Wisconsin, or the Midwest in general. Genealogists will discover a gold mine of information about their family members and ancestors with over 13,000 names indexed and over 1,000 photos in the six volumes.This volume (Volume Three) includes these schools: Schools in Janesville Township: Possibly Anderson School?Austin SchoolBurdick SchoolCrystal Springs SchoolFollansbee SchoolLeyden SchoolMount Pleasant SchoolRiverside School (aka Rock River School)Schools in Johnstown Township: Bevens SchoolJohnstown Center SchoolJohnstown School (aka Old Johnstown School)Maple Corners SchoolPlainview School)Rock Prairie School (aka Babcock School)Utters Corners SchoolWehler School)Schools in LaPrairie Township: Belding SchoolCreek Side SchoolFinch SchoolGravel Hill SchoolHugunin SchoolKemmerer SchoolMaple View SchoolSherman SchoolTurk SchoolVan Allen SchoolWoodman School
