DEDICATION OF THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Elaborate arrangements were made for the dedication of the new building that included the cooperation of the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce and many of its members.

April 4, 1923, was the date set for the evening occasion, that included speeches by Governor Joseph M. Dixon, President Alfred Atkinson of Montana State College, State Superintendent of Schools May Trumper, and Charles Brannon, President of the University of Montana.

The Manhattan Committee in charge of the arrangements included Harry Altenbrand, president of the Commercial Club; J.W. Black, Mayor of Manhattan; Professor Wyatt, Superintendent of Manhattan Schools; George M. Lewis, President of the School Board; and Martin Jacoby. Arrangements were made “to have all the county superintendents of schools in the state present, as this occasion had been arranged to meet with their convenience. . . .” At that time, the superintendents were attending their annual two-week institute being held in Bozeman that year. Transportation from Bozeman for the superintendents was provided in the private cars of the members of the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce.

Note:

The Rocky Mountain American—March 22, 1923, page 1, col. 5

From Manhattan Omnibus by Frank L. Niven (1989) page 217

THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL’S FIRST FACULTY

The new school opened September 17, 1923, with the school board feeling that the faculty chosen that year was the best all-around group of teachers ever employed by the district. The members of the faculty were as follows:

• “Geo. Kildow, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Washington State College —Mathematics and Science (including chemistry).
• “Mary V. Harris, A.B., Grinnell College —Public Speaking, Debate and Dramatics. Miss Harris is a specialist in this line of English work.
• “Clayton Harrington, A.B., Montana State College — History and English. Mr. Harrington is a fine musician and is anxious to start musical organization.
• “Chive Cox, Montana State College—Home Economics. She will handle swimming and gymnastics for girls.
• “Homer Rice, A.B., Spokane University—Latin, Athletic Coach and principal of grade building.
• “Marion J. Russell, A.B., Montana State College, University of Michigan —Commercial.
• “Marie Badgley, Montana State University—Music in both schools.
• “Ruth J. Fausett, Montana State Normal—Journalism and Librarian.
• “Howard J. Clemmons, Bachelor of Science, Iowa State College—Agriculture.

Notes:

          The Rocky Mountain American – August 30, 1923, page 1, col. 6

From Manhattan Omnibus by Frank L. Niven (1989) page 217

OTHER NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES

The old brick grade school, first used in 1914, was torn down in 1970 and replaced with the single-story elementary school now in use.

Another new addition was completed in June, 1986, and placed in use that fall. The one and one-half million-dollar structure, approved by the voters in 1984, has 24,000 square feet of floor space, containing a multi-purpose room, cafeteria, girls volleyball facility and seven class rooms used primarily by junior high students.

Notes:

      Manhattan Area History-1986, page 36

From Manhattan Omnibus by Frank L. Niven (1989) page 218