Longtime Bonner County teacher captures early school memories
(Recently, I talked to Bev Wiley and she shared with me a story given to her by Thelma Linstrum in the 1980s. In today's story, Thelma gives us a picture of the local school system and of her experience as a teacher. Bev gave me permission to share the story with you that Thelma, in her own words, shared with her.)
"Because of revenue from two railroads running in the area, the Kootenai Independent School District 11 had very good schools. At that time, each district had its own funds and school board, which made decisions and provided necessary supplies. The county superintendent directed certain educational aspects of the outlying schools. Sandpoint had its own superintendent of schools.
"In 1908-1909, Kootenai School, a three-story structure, was completed and for several years it was the meeting spot for the new Kootenai Congregational Church. Three two-room schools were also built. They were located at Grouse Creek, Selle, and at Pack River where the Northside School is today. These schools went through the eight grades. Prior to this time there was a little one-room schoolhouse at a spot called Boyer where the Shingle Mill Road now joins the highway.
"In the 1950s, all districts were consolidated into Bonner County School District 82. Independent District 11 in Kootenai could offer unusual quality because of its extra funds. They had a teacher for music, art, and penmanship and outstanding classroom teachers. The three two-room schools each had a teacherage. Sometimes the teacher, using donated food, prepared a hot dish each day and carried it over to school at noon. The menu varied according to the food donations - cocoa one day - soup another.
"We high school students had to find our own way to Sandpoint. Parents might drive us until November, after which the roads were never kept open. Until about 1921, some of us rode the streetcar. When the roads were closed, we walked the railroad track to Sandpoint. Several winters Mr. Barnett, a farmer, hauled us in a covered sleigh. Later my parents bought a little Model A Ford for my sister and me to drive when the roads were passable.
"After high school, I attended Lewiston Normal School, and in 1927, I began the first of 41 years of teaching at Selle School. Louise Zastrow, was there and Tom Coble was superintendent of the Kootenai District. I taught at Lincoln School several years but only one year at Kootenai School where I had been a student. Jo Rogers taught there then and Edith Chaney was the principal. Others who taught there then were Frances Fredstrom, Charlie Stidwell, Hazel Palmer and Alta Meserve. With the exception of the Selle School, I always taught first grade. After teaching at Farmin in 1939-40, I married T.E. Linstrum and because married women were not allowed to teach I did other work.
"During World War II, I was called back to teaching. Many sailors, especially officers, at Farragut could not get housing elsewhere so many of their families lived in Sandpoint. It was hard work, but the children made good adjustment though and it was a beautiful experience to meet all the new people coming and going. I retired in 1974, after teaching more years at the Farmin and Washington School.
"My brother, Adair Hilligoss, was a band teacher at Sandpoint High School for 14 years. My sister, Lila Rosholt, and her family lived in Kootenai. Our father passed away in 1966 and our mother in 1969. I am grateful to my mother, Ada Latterell Hilligoss, for writing a journal of some of her experiences after arriving here in 1902. Her memories contributed greatly to this record of family and community history."