MANHATTAN PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS
The first school in what is now Manhattan was built in Moreland in 1884, that town’s first year. It stood on a lot on the north side of town that was later occupied by a house that was the residence of a man named Sig Larson. 'The school was a small frame structure.1
The second school, constructed in 1896, was used through 1913. It was a much larger, two-story frame building, located on the old Verwolf place east of town. That farm has also been known as the Elmer Parker and the Jake Voight place. The first floor of the building was used as a classroom and the second floor mostly as a community center.
Apparently, the construction was done without first arranging a means of adequate financing. At any rate, trouble commenced shortly after completion when a “Mechanic’s Lien” was filed in District Court.
The lien is interesting in that it contains the names of all parties supplying building materials, a great deal of ‘legal jargon” and a -complete list of all materials used, with their cost.
The lien was filed by J.F. Ogle and R.I. Fisher, copartners doing business as the Manhattan Fuel and Lumber Company, versus Oliver Skow, D.N. Weber and Mrs. C.A. Curtis, Trustees of School District No. 3, and W.F. Hancock, contractor and builder.
The “Bill of Goods,” more than six full pages, gave the amounts and cost of all materials used. Since there is a considerable difference between costs then and now, two of Bozeman’s present lumber yards were contacted and the following table compiled.
In 1900, the following thirty-six students were in attendance: Helen Serrette, Edith Serrette, Tommy Johnstone, Synthia Serrette, Martha Bos, Clausen Ouldhouse, Garrett Oulhouse, Grover Swetland, Josie Weber, Clausen Bos, Everett Beck, Henry Oyler, Edwin Beck, Waldo Ogle, N. C. Rogers, Cleo Martin, Fauntie Oyler, Clausen Townsend, Hannah Bos, Adolph Bos, Maud Oyler, John Hyink, Belle Lemons, Nora Small, Willie Serrette, Helen Hancock, Glen Beck, Leta Mae Skow. Bennie Oyler. Azel Serrette, Geo. Edwards, Gerrett Hyink, and Lillie Potter.
Teacher: F. A. Clothier
Manhattan Omnibus by Frank L. Niven (1989) page 214