Welton Consolidated School

This is an article from the Clinton Avertiser, November 1920

WELTON SCHOOL ONE OF FINEST IN THE STATE
(This is the fourth of a series of special articles on Clinton county's consolidated schools.)

After observing the progress of the Delmar Consolidated school for three years and having several students from their township attending school in that place the people of Welton township began to consider the possibility of a similar school of their own. Consequently after discussing the matter privately and in public meetings it was decided to circulate petitions in order to discover the sentiment of the people in the district. As a result an election was called September 15, 1919 for 21 1/2 sections of territory in the township, leaving four sections in the northeast corner and six and one-half section in the southwest corner of the township to remain unconsolidated. The four northeast sections were later joined to the consolidated district by petition and concurrent action of the two school boards. The vote gave a comfortable majority in favor of the consolidation and the present board of directors was then elected. They are Warren Walrod, president; Herman Christiansen, secretary; F. L. Beal, treasurer; Fred Maltas, W. J. Loofboro, M. L. Crowley and Louis Toedt.

The necessity for a new building being apparent, $100,000 bonds were authorized and the electors of the district were permitted to vote on the location of the building. The site most favored was immediately south of the town of Welton on the east side of the road. The new building is now in the process of erection and when completed the entire plant and equipment will cost in the neighborhood of $90,00. The building will face the Davenport-Maquoketa road and the covered driveway will be at the south entrance of the building. The building will have a capacity of 250 scholars and will have all of the conveniences now considered necessary for a modern school building. The five-acre plot on which the building is located will afford ample room for play ground, athletic field and agricultural plots.

No effort has been made to conduct a central school as it was decided not to transport any children before the building is completed the schools are being conducted as formerly with the exception that ninth and tenth grade classes are being conducted in temporary quarters in the town of Welton by Miss Dorotha Wood. The plan is to begin school next fall with eleven grades and carry out a full consolidation program. From present indications it would seem that there are unlimited possibilities for a successful consolidated school at Welton.