Historical Details

First School Started Sept. 1886 in Lusk

Courtesy of The Lusk Herald, 08/17/1961

Mrs. O.P. Goodwin, the first school teacher in Lusk, started her term on Monday, September 6, 1886, in the tabernacle. By November, Mr. Goodwin erected a neat, comfortable school house near the Gospel tent. Mrs. Goodwin was an experienced teacher, having taught in Illinois for seven years, and in Wyoming Territory for three. Lusk was particularly fortunate in securing her services as the first teacher, according to The Lusk Herald. The attention of parents was called to the necessity of full attendance, as the amount of the Territorial appropriation for schools depended on the attendance. Sixteen pupils were enrolled.

A three-day school institute for Converse County was held in Lusk, starting August 27, 1891. A get-acquainted dance was held for the thirty teachers present, with a string band fro Fort Robinson furnishing the music. Professor Merz of the State University at Laramie served as instructor. News of this institute made the front page of The Lusk Herald, along with ads for cigars, baking powder, bulls and Mayes land bargains. When the schools opened the teachers received $50 a month, the janitor $6. Thirteen boys and thirteen girls were in school by February 1892. 

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