By KAREN MADORIN
Education progressed in Ellis as well as in thriving towns across northwest Kansas. Established and incoming settlers had every reason to be optimistic about their communities.
In time for the Ellis 1882 Fall term, builders completed the stone school house on the south hill. CQ Bullock, Mrs. Bullock, and an unnamed teacher taught 167 students. According to the August 12 Ellis Weekly Headlight, the male teacher received $80 per month salary while the female instructors received $42.50. Keep in mind teachers saved a portion of their wages to tide them over during the unpaid summer months.
The September 2 Headlight optimistically shared that “Every available house in town is occupied for the coming winter by people from the surrounding country who wish to send their children to school.” By November, more than 200 pupils attended classes. Despite the large enrollment and enthusiasm for the school, the board closed the term early in May due to lack of funds. Based on history, it would be interesting to learn if the nation-wide economic crisis of 1882 -1885 relating to railroad companies impacted this decision.
Regarding economic matters, the fall term of 1883 began with an increased levy of 8 and 3/10th mills to pay the salaries of Mr. Bullock, Mrs. Bullock, Miss Call, and Miss Paul. Lee’s DryGoods and the drugstore sold school supplies to students.
Research revealed little information regarding how boards hired teachers. However, the newspaper in March advertised that teacher examinations were given at the school house in Hays. It makes one think a certification standard existed.
1884, the faculty turned over completely when the board hired Professor Hertzel, Miss Sheperd, Miss Mary Winters and Miss Cynthia Winters to teach the 1884-85 term. Townspeople absorbed a 16 and ¼ mill levy to support salaries and expenses. Again, it would be interesting to know if national economic issues triggered this mill increase. Apparently, taxpayers could afford it.
In September of 1885, a local poet shared a poem about fall term happenings in the building on the hill.
The Ellis Schools
Oh! The Ellis schoolhouse
Beneath the towering hill,
Where scholars from far and near,
Come to obtain their skill.
While visiting there the other day,
I am happy for to tell—
That the pupils called upon,
Accomplished their parts well.
With a well-experienced teacher,
That strives in every plan,
To help them with the lessons,
And learn them all he can.
We thank the good professor,
For receiving us so kind,
And will make another call some day
Providing he don’t mind.
— P.J.M.
By February of 1885, readers of the Headlight learned that the legislature required teachers to pass an exam in physiology, hygiene, and the effects of narcotics on the human system. One assumes Ellis teachers passed as L.H. Boyd, County School Superintendent, officially visited and announced he was pleased with the management of the school.
Clearly, the school on the hill in Ellis continued to thrive with community support. It’s daunting to think four instructors taught over 200 students. It’s also interesting to learn that country residents rented houses in town during the school year so their children could obtain an education. This early support of education continues today.
Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.