|
In 1862 Charles Foote, who lived here acquired a strip of land from the U.S.
Government as as payment for services rendered. This land is block #6 of
Bode, Iowa. This block runs from the Leo Tofteburg home and west of the
present schoolhouse. This block went through numerous transactions.
A
building was built on the southeast corner of block by Lars J. Gangestad between
1874 and 1882. This building has been remodeled and is the home of Leo
Tofteburg. It was the only school for many years. Buhler, the former
roller-mill owner, sold this property to the district township of Delana in
1885. On Sept. 18, 1890, this property became the Independent District of
Bode, known as the public school. In this school, classes for the first 8
grades were held. Some of the teachers in this first school were Adelaide
Johnson, Marion Thomas, E. E. Rice, O. M. Hallanger and M. M. Horton.
In 1887, members of the congregations raised $1225 to build and operate the
Bode Academy, which continued to operate until 1895. The academy was sold
to the Bode Public School in 1901
Some of the academy teachers were L. O. Lillegaard, G. A. Gullixson,
Professor Wilheim Horen, Dr. Granrud, Rev. Oscar Sauer, Professor Oscar Olson,
and Adelaide Johnson.
Some of the parochial teachers were T. O. Hanson, 1884-1889; L. O.
Lillegaard, 1889-1903; G. A. Gullixson, Professor Wilhelm Horen, Dr. Granrud,
Rev. Oscar Sauer, Professor Oscar and Adelaide Johnson..
Country schools were established every 2 miles or every 4 sections within the
radius of Bode. They were known as the Zeimet school, located on the
northeast corner of Delana Twp.; the Bothne school, located on a knoll of Lotts
Creek; the Berge school, north of town; west of town was Will William's school;
southwest of town was the Faltinson school; east of town the Jensen school,
which was replaced with a modern school and is now a resident home. East
of there to hwy 169 was the Richard Fullerton, then north to the Airline school
at the intersection of 169 and 222. West toward Bode was the Chris Kinseth
school, across the road from Robert Berte farm. All these school had the 8
grades. Many immigrants from Norway attended country schools to learn the
English language, regardless of age. Several attended the second grade in
their twenties.
After the Bode Independent school was formed, these country schools were
brought into the Bode Consolidated School.
The Bode Independent School had grades up to 10th grade until 1915; in 1916,
when consolidated, it went to the 12 grades. The class of 19119 held
graduation in the old opera house. Class plays and programs were held
there, also.
Bode Academy, 1920
|
