By KAREN MADORIN
A new century prompted continued development for nation, state, region, and schools. Keeping up with the times, Ellis citizens adapted and steadily promoted education in their community.
The 1901 school year introduced new staff. C.A. Strong served as principal, while Misses McCracken, McGee, Walker, and Harris filled teaching positions. A 15-mill levy funded a 9-month school year. Their first challenge was an expensive state-mandated change of text books. Back-ordered books lead to a multi-week school postponement.
While several districts started school anyway, Ellis complied with the ordinance. Board notes indicate the expense was great.
To promote graduation, the class of 1901 was asked to organize the Ellis Alumni Association, which still exists. According to Maxine Bradbury, the Association held their first observance in 1902, initiating three precedents the group followed for many years: the senior class presented a program for alumni members, the organization presented a five-dollar award to the valedictorian, and they held a baseball game between the alumni and seniors the afternoon of their observances.
At some point in 1903, community members settled their differences and passed a bond election to add on to the existing stone building. The school board advertised for bidders to furnish labor and material to build a four-room addition. Because of delays, the addition was not completed until the fall 1904 term. The board also upgraded the original building by installing a heating plant. The type of fuel used was not mentioned.
By 1904, staff included Superintendent B.E. Ford, Miss Dale, Professor Griggs, Miss Samuels, Miss Jackson, Miss McClure, and Miss Harry. A new course of high school study was introduced.
•First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
•Algebra Algebra/Arithmetic Algebra Geometry
•German German (Caesar) English English Literature
•English American History/Civics German (Virgil) English History
•Physical Geography Botany Greek History/Roman History Zoology
In 1905, rumors ran rampant prior to the annual school board meeting because the newspaper editor had commented on reports “circulated that there would be only an eight-month term and that the high school would be done away with.” As a result, supporters of both the 9-month term and high school attended to ensure the board made no such changes.
Members voted a 17-mill levy for school purposes and an additional 2-mills to pay for the addition and the heating plant. Later, the board voted to renovate the original schoolhouse.
By 1905, academics constituted only part of the curriculum. Baseball games between classes became a popular part of the program. By 1907, the tax levy had risen to 25-mills, and debate had become an active part of course work.
Because Ellis was a railroad town, teams traveled by train to surrounding towns on the UPRR line to debate topics such as “Be it resolved that immigration to the United States from Asia, Eastern, and Southern Europe should be further restricted by a tax of $100 per emigrant and an educational test.”
Those first five years of the new century reflect multitudinous changes in Ellis schools. The community and region faced similar challenges. Immigration had brought new cultures and ideas to the table. Technology changed every day, complicating and easing residents’ lives. Despite the trials they faced, Ellis and surrounding towns assured their children educations that prepared them for their futures.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.