History Of Rural Schools

In 1869, Clitherall, Minnesota won the distinction of becoming Otter Tail County School District No. 1, even though a petition had gone out from St. Olaf Township dated eleven days earlier. However, St. Olaf got the next three districts, with southwest Sverdrup, now Underwood, being organized as District No. 5.

The number of schools throughout Otter Tail County became prevalent due to the strong agricultural nature of the area’s settlement. The total school districts in Otter Tail County numbered 289.

Schools were in session twice a year, during winter and summer. In spring and fall children were needed at home to help with the planting and harvesting of crops.

A Teacher’s Life

Teachers looking for work in various schools in the county took a qualifying examination given by the county superintendent. Teachers’ salaries ranged from $15 per month with board, to $25 per month and an extra $1.50 per week to pay for board. Men’s wages were generally about 30 percent higher than those of female teachers. Often the teacher “boarded around,” spending a week or more at the home of one of the pupils, then going to another.

Barnhard School, Sverdrup Township

School District No. 182 was organized on January 3, 1884. During the first year, classes were conducted in John Randall’s log house. A one-room schoolhouse was built on this site in 1885. Later the building was moved across the road onto the Tingvold Church property, where it was used as the community’s first church, then as a kitchen and dining hall.

In 1939 the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the two-story structure that still stands today. Made of concrete and fieldstone, a construction material found locally, it cost $24,800. The school was named after William Barnhard, who once lived near this site and was one of the founders of the district.

Designed by architect E.O. Broaten in the Art Moderne style, the new building was a great improvement over the district’s previous schools. It had electric lights, plumbing, a kitchen, electric stove and refrigerator, and an auditorium.

Barnhard Changes Hands

The old Barnhard School and 1.5 acres of land were purchased for $5,000 on May 27, 1987, from the Underwood School District by a group of artists. The artists’ goal was to preserve the building, open it for public use and educational purposes, including workshops for area artists. However, after financial struggles, the arts group finally had to close the center.

In 1999, the Otter Tail County Historical Society gained ownership of the Barnhard School when the building was generously donated by the Community Arts Center organization. Since there were no resources available for renovating the building, it was sold to a buyer who promised to keep the exterior in its original condition since the Barnhard School is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Stagecoach Driver

The first school in Fergus Falls was part of a stable near Central Dam. This particular facility didn’t last long, since the odor and the flies were unbearable. To make matters worse, the teacher, a married woman, ran off with a stage driver.

Teacher With a Gun

A young woman applied for a teaching job but the school board was skeptical about hiring her because she was small in stature. The woman assured them they needn’t worry. On the first day of school she placed a revolver on her desk and warned the students, some of whom were almost grown men, that she didn’t want any trouble. If anyone doubted her ability to use the gun, they were soon convinced. She would ride to and from her boarding house on a bicycle, and if she saw a squirrel in a tree, she’d stop, aim, shoot — and down toppled the unfortunate squirrel. Her classes were noted for their perfect discipline.