Compiled by Sharon Tarr, Spooner Historian

Education was an important consideration in early Spooner.  According to Mattie TOZER, the first school, with nine students, was held at the SCRIBNER house and was taught by Suzie SCRIBNER.

In 1884 or 1885 a board shanty, 14' X 16' or 20' in size, bacame the first schoolhouse.  It was located on what is now the south side of Elm Street in the 200 block.  Prior to 1900 there were very few houses or buildings in that area. 

By 1886 a better school was needed and the school board which consisted of Frank JACKLE, Sr., William BUSCH, and Andrew RYAN, soon had plans underway.  A half block was donated by the Omaha Railroad Company for the school grounds.  This was a two-room school building.

In 1892 a four-room school was built on the site of the present Spooner Area Civic Center.  This site would be used for a school grounds for many years to come.  In 1895 a small building was constructed for the primary school.  This latter building was used for a library in later years, after having been moved to the site across the street. 

The teaching of high school courses began in 1903, adding one year of study at a time.  Prior to that time those who wished to attend high school had to travel to Rice Lake.  The Superintendent's notes in the 19 August 1904 Spooner Advocate read: "School Clerk J. T. MURPHY received this week from the state superintendent, C. P. CARY, the certificate of organzation for our high school.  Professor SKEELS and the school board will at once arrange a four year course of study to submit to the state superintendent for his approval."  The high school building, completed in 1905, was constructed on land donated by George V. SIEGNER.

In 1923 better facilities for elementary classes were proved when the Hammill School, named after Frank HAMMILL, was built.  Part of the earlier school building was incorporated into the new building, so that some of the previous structure formed the south-east part of the Hammill building.  This school was in use until the 1980's when a new elementary school was built on County Rd. K, north of Spooner.