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The purpose of a Wisconsin Folk School is to give
part time instructions to the boys of high school age who for some
reason or other are not attending school. As the future of this
community depends upon its agriculture, it was the purpose of our Folk
School to give instructions in the use of modern methods in
agriculture.
At the first meeting, about twenty boys reported
and this number steadily increased until we had thirty five enrolled.
This was more than we could handle and we were forced to turn several
applicants away. The classes were held every Saturday night for a
period of fourteen weeks, with instructions in agriculture, farm
arithmetic and everyday science.
Each evening was divided into four periods.
During the first period, Mr. Ehle taught Farm Arithmetic, during the
second period Mr. Clanton taught Everyday Science, and during the
third period the boys received instructions in Modern Agriculture from
Mr. Jacobson, the country agent. The last period was spent in the
gymnasium, where basket-ball teams were organized and a lively
tournament was held. Four teams were entered in the tournament. The
boys that played on the winning team was: Andrew Barnoski, Melvin
Warren, Ludwig Strumreiter, Fay Cory and William Fleischmann.
At the last session of the school a delicious
banquet was served by the High School Girls. Speeches were given by
Mr. Becker, Agriculture instructor in the Phillips High School, Mr.
Parker, Superintendent of the Phillips Public Schools, Mr. Jacobeck of
Phillips and Mr. Jacobon, Price County Agent.
That the school was a success is illustrated by
the enthusiasm which was accompanied the large attendance at every
meeting. This is the first Wisconsin Folk School to be held in Price
County and one of the very few in Northern Wisconsin. So successful
was this school, that it was watched with interest by people
throughout the state. We were requested by the leading newspapers of
the state to send in a story of the school, including subjects taught
and methods used. Articles and pictures appeared in the Superior
Telegram, Milwaukee Journal and the Wisconsin Journal of Education.
We are pleased to say that the Folk School was a big success, thanks
to Mr. Jacobson. (This was the forerunner of the modern-day
vocational school, and it started right here in Fifield!) |
