As Skagit County began to become populated in the late `1800’s, and as the logging industry, farming communities etc. began to prosper, the desire for schools for the children began to become important. Lake Cavanaugh prior to the logging industry arrival had its own one room schoolhouse here, which eventually moved to Finn Settlement area. I would like to suggest if you have not already, secure yourself a copy of the book “Alpine on the Lake” written by our local lake resident Allan Wenzel - the book spends a bit of time showing you pictures and information regarding schools here at Lake Cavanaugh and Finn Settlement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Below you will see a picture I have included of the one room schoolhouses supported by the English Logging company in the 1920’s with their students and teacher, here at Lake Cavanaugh.
When you consider the times, and if you read back through all the stories regarding English logging company and how they treated their employees, Ed English (owner) was quite the progressive person, he took care of his employees and their families – just consider (1920’s and he is supporting a school for his employee’s children). There are countless stories of Ed English taking care of his employees – including the time he was kidnapped by an employee cuffed and held for ransom. The kidnapper was apprehended, but Ed English thought he meant well, did not press charges and continued to employ the person.
The one room schoolhouse was created by residents’ desire for educating their children, they would assess via a tax (local voted) and the money collected was used typically only for materials and teacher wages, and the citizens themselves would construct a schoolhouse. Sometimes bonds were issued to what was labeled at the time to “New York” parties and they would pay as much as 9% interest. The local community would hire a teacher for as many months of the year possible under local financial conditions – which typically meant a 3—4-month annual term at a wage typically around $40.00 per month.
Kids would walk to school; residents considered a 3-mile range as reachable. Kids walked through woods, good and bad roads and when the weather and conditions just got too bad, school was suspended until the weather improved.
The typical school had eight grades with one teacher; there was a recitation bench in front of the teacher’s desk to which groups of children came in turn while the rest were supposed to be studying. There were typically no books, some paper texts that were shared, and maps and charts were very rare. Most children learned from an elder child as well, and each took responsibilities, such as carrying in wood, stoking the stove, ringing the bell, and bringing in a pail of water that everyone drank from.
As the county grew, in the early 1920’s the decline of the country’s schoolhouse to a more regionalized larger school system began. The State of Washington was concerned that the one room schoolhouse may not be able keep up to standards. An attempt was made to define standards, and the concept of instituting standardized examinations at the end of the 8th grade began and continued until the great depression. (Sounds like the WASUL of today – history repeats itself again). The State also began to certify teachers as well, however the supply / demand imbalance for teachers allowed anyone that wanted to give a try at teaching a chance.
As secondary schools (high schools) began to arrive and there was a desire for certain children to progress past 8th grade, the local communities were surprised to see how well the 1 room schoolhouse children faired when they arrived at high school in comparison to the city kids of Mt. Vernon that had more formal and longer annual terms of primary education.
One of the great examples and one of the most famous Skagit County residents - attended a 1 room schoolhouse in Blanchard WA. – which is about 5 miles north of Burlington on Chuckanut Drive. His name - Edward R Murrow - The pioneering broadcaster of WWII and earlier television as well as mentor to Walter Cronkite. See pictures below.
The one room schoolhouse, though gone in most places we live today, they continued on in many rural areas up into the mid 1900’s and did well, as our home schoolers thrive today.
Data various sources, including - Skagit Settlers – Trials and Triumphs 1890-1920.