Early History of the Westby High School

 by A.L.G.

Mr. Tooley says: “The greatest difficulty in writing history lies in the fact that someone else was present when the event occurred.” The difficulty in writing this sketch lies in the fact that the majority of those who will read it passed through the experiences personally.

Architectural Firm of Parkinson & Dockendorff's sketch of Westby School House

At the opening of the school year of nineteen hundred and ten the remains of the old graded school were scattered between the old and the new building. The latter was not completely furnished. Labor conditions upon the railroads had delayed the shipment of the furniture, and it was Wednesday noon before the school could be gathered for preliminary organization. Under the efficient guidance of Miss. Polley, the organization of the first eight grades was quickly reestablished, and by the following Monday these grades were working as efficiently as if they were back in the old building. But, the organization of the ninth grade was not as quickly accomplished. The status of the grade was not clearly defined. No one knew whether Westby would establish a high school the following year, or whether the graduates would be compelled to go elsewhere to complete their education. After a long series of conferences, the course of study was adopted. In so doing, it was assumed that the graduates would form a nucleus around which the high school should be organized the following year. With the end in view, every effort was put forth throughout the year to make the grade one which would help build up a high school which would be a credit to the community.

As the year progressed, the movement for the high school grew. The seemingly popular demand for a township high school lost favor when the state department ruled that the graded school and the high school could not be conducted under the supervision of the same man—and the demand for a local high school increased. The July school meeting pass the resolution to establish such a school by practically an unanimous vote.

The work of organization began at once. This work was greatly hampered by the fact that the district had filed to decide whether the high school eventually should become an Agricultural high school or a regular Free High school The local demand for both made it necessary to consider the course of study with both ends in view. A course was finally adopted which it was hoped would meet both demands. But, such a plan was futile, and in the following May it was definitely decide that the Westby High school should be a Free High school and that the first graduating class should enter the University in full and regular standing.

The unexpected enrollment at the opening of the school year in nineteen hundred and eleven taxed the provisions made for the high school to the utmost. The Freshman class numbered thirty-seven, and the Sophomore class thirteen. Only the rugged strength of Miss. Mossey and her willingness to work made it possible to accomplish the work during the first semester. With the opening of the second semester, relief came when Miss. Howard was added to the faculty and an opportunity was given to gather up some of the ends left loose during the first semester. Other important factors entered in to make the second year’s work a success in spite of the difficulties which presented themselves. The willingness with which the children went about their work, the hearty cooperation of practically the entire community, the loyal and unqualified support of the school board and the generous provisions made by the school district for school supplies lightened the work materially.

The internal growth of the school, together with the organization, had likewise had its beginning. Basketball had been started with great success the first year and less the second. Through the generosity of the business men, the library had been enlarged in a substantial manner. Several pictures of real merit had been hung upon the walls. The boys of the school had set the trees and shrubs upon the campus, and the social activities of the school had been organized through the two successful class functions of the two classes. The piano fund created by Miss, Polley had been increased and the organizations connected with the school had been placed upon a paying basis. But, the big work was left to do, the careful organization and the building up of the school remained untouched. These are the problems which have confronted and which will confront Mr. Weiland and his faithful assistants. The recognition given them by the University is indicative of their success, and there is every reason to believe that their efforts in the future will be crowned likewise.