The present Rock River Valley School stands on the exact site of the first school in the district. Early settlers took advantage of the agricultural opportunities offered in the surrounding area and consequently there was a very large population. A need for a school was felt, and all were in favor of a building to meet their needs. The first school was built more than 100 years ago. It was a very small building; built of roughly hewn boards; and was bricked on the inside and plastered between the bricks. The hard benches were just planks and because there were not sufficient seats for all at the table, those reading would sit on benches near the windows, while those who wrote were granted the privilege of sitting at the table.
A box type stove was used in the early days. About 3 cord of wood were used each year and the cost never exceeding $12.00 in all.
There was no provision made for light. On dark days the children read as much as possible. The school day was the same length as our present day namely 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4 o'clock.
During these early years there were no grade levels, only upper, middle, and lower form. A child went to school until he completed the upper form or was obliged by circumstances to withdraw from school. Children enrolled at the age of four and some attended until they were 20. The boys vey seldom attend regularly during the spring term, but went during the fall or winter term. The srping term was 2 or 3 months long, the winter one being of about 4 months in length.
During the early years only reading, writing, arithmetic, and spelling were taught. Later Geography was added and at still a later date language and history
The district in the early years was known as District Number 5, Town of Milford. In 1871, it became a joint district adding land in Range 14, Town of Aztalan. The portion had belonged to District Number 6, (Tyler School). This fact is recorded in an old record book in the presence of the officers of both school district and the official of both townships.
About 1880, the old school no longer met the needs of the community. A larger school was needed to accommodate the increased enrollment.
In May of 1881, the old school was sold at an auction for $5 and the stove for $1.50. During that summer, the new school was built of 2 thicknesses of brick. These were purchased from Kemmeter's Brickyard, Jefferson, for $87 for 15,000 brick. The rate was $5.80 a thousand. Today, at present prices of $70, a thousand, these would cost $1050.
The parade of teachers had indeed marched on. With this year, the school has employed 49 teachers. Only 2 men have seen duty here, each for 2 years. Up to 1907, the school terms varied but 7 months was the average school year. From 1907 to the present, the school term became 9 months in length.
The entire community was predominantly German, so in the early years, all classes were taught in German. But around 1907, the children were using English exclusively. The parents felt that the Germans should not be forgotten, and consequently, the board hiring a teacher requested her to teach German. 2 half days a week. German readers were furnished and the children were taught to read, write, and carry on a correspondence. However, the teacher was not to receive any extra wages for this service.
From the beginning of the school to the present date, many improvements were made both to the exterior and interior of the building, and with the addition of electric lights, dark days do not bother.
Although many changes took place from year to year, some of the old settlers, children, and grandchildren still live in the neighborhood and can recall many events told by their forefathers. The oldest living person at present who attended the 1st school lives at Lake Mills and is now 94 years old.
Education marches on, but no one can take away the fond memories of long ago.
--By Mrs. Rose Thelke, Teacher
