A multi-level brick high school building sits surrounded by trees in this 6-1/2" x 3-1/2" black and white photograph. Written on the photograph is: Modern High School at Fairmont Neb.
The school purchased a half block of land east of the old school ground for $40.00 in June 1907, and in April 1908, a petition was presented to the board bearing 229 legal signatures for a special election. The election held May 11th favored issuance of bonds for new building by a vote of 333 yes to 81 no. One hundred seventy-five women voted. The number of students in the district at this time was 329. There were 8 teachers with a total salary of $4,750. The formal laying of the cornerstone was March 12, 1909. Classes began in the building on September 20, 1909. The cost to build the school was about $33,000, plus $3,500 to equip it and finish the grounds. The dedication was held on March 11, 1910. Board of education: President, S.F Ashby; Secretary, C.A.E. Holmes; Treasurer, Lemuel Brown; Vice Presidents, W.W. Kemp; C.W. Dumond; J.B. Stephenson and Superintendent W.G. Brooks.
Fairmont Public Library/Fillmore County Historical Society
