Whether you grew up in a tiny town or a bustling metropolis, schools are more or less standardized today in the way they operate. There is a set school year, teachers have to meet certain requirements, and kids are divided into classes according to age. In the early 20th century, however, Nebraska schools were a lot less structured. Some kids attended school in sod shacks while others went to classes in fine brick buildings. Some had strict daily schedules while others worked around the farm schedule. This is what school looked like more than 100 years ago in Nebraska.
- Seneca - undated. The rather large student body stands outside the frame schoolhouse to pose for a group photo.
NE State Historical Society
- Chadron - 1893. Miss Bess O’Linn was Chadron’s first kindergarten teacher.
NE State Historical Society
- Logan County - undated. The teacher at this sod schoolhouse lived there during the school year. She taught her three students Sunday School material during the week.
NE State Historical Society
- Northwestern Business College - undated. Students at the business college pose for a group photo.
NE State Historical Society
- Beatrice, Gage County - 1907. A huge stovepipe fireplace sits in the middle of the classroom to keep the students nice and toasty i the winter.
NE State Historical Society
- Cass Street School, Omaha - undated. Adults, children, immigrants, and African Americans attended night school here.
NE State Historical Society
- Frank Homestead school, ten miles from Hay Springs - undated. The students at this school only attended thee months out of the year.
NE State Historical Society
- Hamilton County - undated. This lovely single-story building housed the students of District 14.
NE State Historical Society
- Dodge County - undated. This neat frame building had a bell tower to call all of the students in for the school day.
NE State Historical Society
- Zion Lutheran Parochial School, Hampton - 1920. This photo was clearly a big deal as everyone dressed up and brought their horses and cars into the picture.
NE State Historical Society
- 10 miles north of Rushville - undated. A tiny log building provided all the space these children needed for their studies.
NE State Historical Society
- Dundy County - 1904. This sod structure was the schoolhouse for District 11 in Dundy County.
NE State Historical Society
- Cherry County - undated. A beautiful little log building with a frame roof served as the schoolhouse for District 4.
NE State Historical Society
- Cherry County - undated. This simple frame building with a water pump outside served the children in District 10.
NE State Historical Society
- Near Brule - undated. This District 19 school looks a bit like a church, and the students all look quite well-behaved.
NE State Historical Society
- Rushville School - 1885. This old photo is quite the gem. It shows students gathered around and even atop the sod-roofed log schoolhouse.
NE State Historical Society
- North School, Fremont - 1904. The pupils sit in double seats while the teacher’s desk is in the front of the one-room schoolhouse.
NE State Historical Society
- Kearney public school, 1872. This grand building is a huge difference from the tiny one-room schoolhouses elsewhere in the state.
NE State Historical Society
Wow – these schools were so different than our modern education system. Do any of you remember stories of the old schools? We’d love to hear them!
NE State Historical Society
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