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The very first school in the town of Castana was in a large building built by Mr. J. B. P. Day in the fall of 1888 at a cost of $4,000.00. The downstairs was used for school and the upstairs for a hall. This building was known as "Hokomok Hall" in later years. The last classes held for school children was about 1896. However, for many years after this Hokomok Hall was used for graduation and commencement ceremonies.
The Castana Normal School Building was erected in 1897, at a cost of $12,000.00. This was used for all grades and also Normal Training and graduate work in several fields. Some graduate classes attended school here during the summer months.
The following is quoted from the Castana Times 1898:
The Castana Normal School is a source of special pride to every citizen of Castana. The aim of the school is to offer to every young man and woman in this part of the state an opportunity of obtaining a liberal education, and to equip them for active service in business, in teaching or for special courses in any profession. A student can graduate in the Commercial Course Department in about eight months. Tuition and board will not exceed $3.50 per week. This school is fine for preparatory work.
The building was used for all classes, from Kindergarten through 11th grade until 1905, then the first 12th grade graduated in 1907. The first graduation we have a record of is 1899.
Now a bit about the fine building: It is a three story frame structure, which stands on a brick and stone foundation. It contains all the modern improvements and conveniences that go to make a schoolroom comfortable and pleasant. It is heated by the best system of heating combined steam and hot air. Each room is provided with radiators and to prevent ventilating through the windows a radiator is placed underneath the building which connects with a duct leading to the rooms above, thus the air is heated before entering the building.
The School Board in this 1898 paper is listed as follows: E. Wesser, President; S. L. Willits, Secretary; J. M. Elliott, E. J. Norcross and W. T. Day, Directors. This building was used for classes until the new building was completed in 1936. There was an addition built on to the east side of the Normal School building in the summer of 1911, thus adding several large rooms.
URL: www.maple-valley.k12.ia.us /htmlpages/mvsd/history/mvhistc2.html -- Revised: 19 May 2001
Copyright © 1997-2001 -- Author: Steven Stodola -- Revised: Andy Benson
