Farragut school by lyle Latimer

The beginning of the Farragut School System was similar to that of other Fremont County town schools operational in 1995. The very first building was a cabin, or frame building, where the 3 R’s, the basics were taught to pupils of a wide range.

The first comments about settler population was found in an 1855 news item which said, “There were thirty or forty families in Fisher, Walnut and Prairie Townships.” Mention was made of a log cabin school that became Manti, taught by John Coleman in 1855: $65 annual salary. When Mormons settled the pupil roll was 175. An aunt with Illinois experience taught a set of pupils in a private home until a school located west of Manti.

The first white settler in a permanent residence was Edward Fisher. He settled on and named Fisher Creek. There was a ferry at Fisher Creek’s mouth which crossed the Nishnabotna River, making possible the Stage Service from Nebraska City to Clarinda and eastward. It also encouraged the flow of settlers.

The land northwest of Manti was low and often wet, retired Fremont County Abstractor Stewart Hall said when the “Swamp Lands” sold, the funds were reserved for new rural schools. By 1920 one room schools were within two miles, or less, of farms. The author’s parents each taught one room schools and he had all grade school programs in them thus we respected their contributions.

The 1970 Farragut Centennial emphasized that the town’s first step was August 1, 1870, when a train of the Burlington and Missouri line from Red Oak to Hamburg made a first call. Grandmother McAllister, wife of the first doctor, said when they arrived there were three saloons but no church. Will Hall, railroad section foreman, built Farragut’s first house, later known as the Larkin Miller home, now a grain bin site and end of the line in 1995.

When the town began to expand, the need for a schoolhouse was filled by moving a vacant rural school (Trullinger School) to town on the Dale Gudgel lot until the new building was done. At that time it became a church until the new Christian Church opened in 1894. Joe Coleman bought the structure to use it as part of a new farm home east of town.

The First School Operation: In 1880 the Independent District of Farragut was set off from Fisher Township at the March Township Board meeting. The board gave “Old Number 6 School” and $1500 as dower (endowment).

The new Farragut School District’s first meeting was April 10, 1880, and took steps to erect a new schoolhouse, described as “One of the best school buildings around.”

That thought and intent has been active ever since. The first building was a two-story brick 20 by 50 foot structure, contracted for $4700 to Hammond and Brown of Council Bluffs. It had a 20 x 40 floor, entrance and hallway. Four recitation benches and six seats with backs were purchased on Oct 4, 1880, at a cost of $60. The large assembly room was used for many public events. There was a principal and an assistant until 1912 when first Superintendent H. E. Dow was elected, annual wage was $1100. The first lady superintendent was Grace Clark, elected in 1918.

In 1909 an addition to accommodate larger classes was a sign of growth. The addition contained a large assembly room, recitation rooms and grade rooms.

A 1920 election provided a two-room frame building to house grades one and two for the next three years on a separate site. The passage of the 1920 election carried to consolidate the district internally. There were contracts let for school bus drivers Thomas McMahon Jr., Lester Burdick and B. G. Phillips, each to furnish a truck to transport rural children. The district furnished bus bodies; this practice continued until the WWII era when the school took over all buses and routes, plus mechanic.

Consolidation of the District: Expansion created need for more building space. In 1928 the school board petitioned to call an election for consolidation of the school district and to vote on a proposition of issuing bonds in the amount of $75,000 for purchasing a new school site and erecting a building. On March 12, 1928 it was upon and carried by a vote of 225 to 171. Nelson and McMurray, Council Bluffs, were awarded the contract. The new brick school was occupied in March 1929.

In 1963 an addition to the 1929 building was voted on and passed by one vote.
Bonds totaling $420,000 were sold by July 9, 1963 to Iowa-Des Moines Bank. The new building was in use with the start of school in August 1964. Total cost was $308,149.06. Though a slim margin favored the move, the time was right and costs were much lower than any time since. (see NOTE)

The Imogene Connection: In 1941 Chester Simmerman used his own pickup to transport high school students from Imogene to Farragut High School. Over the years an increasing number of Imogene pupils chose to attend school in Farragut and their transportation which assumed responsibility for their transportation. In 1959, with the closing of St Patrick’s Catholic School , the Imogene Public School Board combined with the Farragut School to put three elementary rooms in Imogene and other pupils in Farragut. The Imogene rooms were taught by Lela Hoy, Geraldine Laughlin, and Crystal Williamson.

The Riverton Connection: In 1964 Riverton consolidated with the Farragut School. Some elementary rooms were retained in Riverton, and Farragut altered their elementary grades and sent students in grade level 1, 2 and 3 to Riverton. Students in Kindergarten, grade levels 4 through 12 attended class in Farragut.

The Locust Grove Connection: Locust Grove Township is unique and as they say, “10 miles from everywhere,”. They had their own playground grove where in the past the adults had both men and women’s ball team schedules. They staged their own July 4^th celebration on the playground and were blessed with access to four rural churches. Naturally they were interested when Farragut started busing rural youth and in a few years many enrolled in the Farragut School.

The above connections are an important part of the total Farragut School. Each sector contributes to positive conditions within the total machine. After the students become acquainted and at ease, many new friendships and new respects grow.

One older man made fine behind the scenes contributions and the 1965 Yearbook was dedicated to Fred Long. He retired as School Board Secretary after 45 years, 1922-1965. He was an example of public servants who do much which many miss.

An example of the preceding statement was the tireless cheerleader sponsor , Helen Limbacher. She was a master English teacher and librarian, plus sponsor of any club or event needing faculty help. The school library is named in her memory, this dedication acknowledged by granddaughter, Ericka Limbacher, at her graduation ceremony in 1992.

Another example of behind-the-scenes work was demonstrated in the thirties by a faculty group. They gave two plays and insisted profits to a fund ear marked as “Help for the Needy”, a group easily found in depression years.

A single event enjoyed by many was a first Alumni Banquet held December 27, 1940. The guest speaker was well known leader C. C. Buerkens. The Alumni Banquet is now held the fourth Saturday of June in the school concourse.

Farragut Superintendents: All superintendents in order of service years include: H. E. Dow; A. B. Ward; S. L. Miller; Harry Winstrom; Grace Clark; E. W. Thornton; E. Claire Henderson; L. R. Kilzer; C. C. Buerkens; Russell Polton; Ted Reith; G. C. Leuhrs; W. A. Scott; Paul Gates; Orin C. Mann; F. M. Herring; Leo Humphry; and currently Jack Hoenshel.

In 1947, using a school priority claim at the disposal of a POW Camp building in Clarinda, we had a fine start on a new Vocational Agriculture building for $86. Disassembly, moving of material, and reassembly was completed by Orlan Gilbert and crew. The first shop assignment for the students was to build needed tables for the classroom. The east section of the building was reserved for Vocational Homemaking. Total cost of this building project was $48,000.

Harold Penwell was the first Vocational Agriculture instructor.

In December 1941, the Stoney Point Chapter of the Future Farmers of America was organized with forty members. Stoney Point is a hill north of Farragut, and also the name of Admiral David Farragut’s Tennessee boyhood home.

When the H & K Chevrolet garage was acquired, all shop classes were centered there to provide multi-class sharing of all power equipment. The former POW building is now a multi-storage center. The new location is named the Penwell Building in honor of the man, affectionately and widely known as “HEP” or Harold E. Penwell.

The Athletic Field, a combined football, baseball and track facility on the south end of main street, is called Hackett Field, honoring Lester Dale Hackett who from 1941 to 1977 worked hard and successfully with the boys’ sports programs. One of his unique and talented assistants was Charles Steinhoff.

Plummer Gymnasium honors Leon Plummer whose years as Farragut girls’ coach were highly successful, especially 1971’s win of the State Basketball Crown. One of his able assistants was Max Livingston.

A successful school program depends upon a variety of conditions which result in a blend of happenings producing success for the total population served. First, Farragut has a solid financial foundation as there is a strong agricultural community from border to border among the combinations of regions served. The patrons expect to get their satisfaction by giving whole-heartedly in time and support as needed.

It has been said that Imogene, Riverton and Farragut are all “… right in the of a corn field.” The towns do not resent that, but they each also survived changes that could have brushed them away. Each is unique and proud and plan continued existence and expect the same of their school.

With all of the above working, the school employees at all levels have produced for years and should continue the practice during the tomorrows yet to be served.

Source: “Thumbprints in Time” – Fremont County, Iowa 1996

NOTE: The election for this ballot issue was held on May 3, 1962. The closeness of the vote led to a legal challenge which lasted until May 7, 1963 when the Supreme Court of Iowa in Frakes v. Farragut Community School District, ruled in favor of the Farragut Community School District. The court records reveal that 752 ballots were counted with 455 (60.5%) in favor and 297 (39.5%) against. The 60% threshold for passage required 452 votes in favor. (information by Dwight Durfey - FHS ’71)

Latimer, Lyle Barrett - son of Hugh and Irene (McAllister) Latimer was born June 15, 1917, near Northboro, Iowa, and passed away December 2, 2006, in Clarinda, Iowa.

Growing up near Northboro, Lyle graduated from the Northboro High School and earned an A.B. degree from Tarkio College in 1939, a Master’s of Science degree from Drake University in 1946 and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Nebraska in 1964.

From 1942 to 1945 Lyle served his country during World War II. He served as a tail gunner on a B-24 with the 44th Bombardment Group of the Army Air Corps, taking part in thirty-one combat missions, including the D-Day attacks, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four clusters.

On June 2, 1946, Lyle was united in marriage to Harriette Elaine Roscoe, his bride of sixty years. To this union four children, Gary, Mary, Sherry and Larry were born.
From 1939 to 1966 Mr. Latimer was employed as a teacher and principal at Farragut Community Schools in Farragut, Iowa. He was an education field supervisor for Western Illinois University from 1966 to 1968; coordinator of special services for the Council Bluffs Community Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa from 1968 to 1973; director of special education, Area 15, Ottumwa, Iowa office from 1973 to 1978; staff psychologist at Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, Vinton, Iowa from 1978 to 1979; and an education administrator at the Glenwood State Hospital School in Glenwood, Iowa from 1979 until his retirement in 1982.

While active in the Iowa State Education Association, Mr. Latimer served on the State Board of Directors, as well as at the county, district and national levels. He was a life member of the Education Association. His most prized achievement was being named to the Honor Roll of Iowa Educators by the members of the Farragut school staff, thus having his name listed at the Iowa State Education Association’s Salisbury House, State Headquarters Building in Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Latimer was also a member of the Congregational Church in Farragut.

Survivors include his wife, Harriette of Shenandoah; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Janet Latimer of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Jerry Holbrook of Tucson, Arizona; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Paul Honnold of Clarinda, Iowa; and son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Deborah Latimer of Topeka, Kansas. Also surviving are grandsons, Douglas Latimer of Minneapolis Minnesota, Jason Latimer of Lincoln, Brad Honnold of Clarinda, Iowa, Brian Honnold of New Orleans, Louisiana, and B.J. Honnold of Ames, Iowa; and a great granddaughter, Ali Honnold of Malvern, Iowa. Others include a brother, Eugene Latimer of Indianola, Iowa; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen Laughlin of Lincoln and Mildred and Richard Greedy of Wenatchee, Washington; plus several nieces, nephews

Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa.

Lyle Barrett Latimer was a WWII B-17 tail gunner in the 8th Air Force, 2nd Air Division. He is documented in 2ndADA-Newsletters/1989-Fall.pdf as a crew member with navigator H.P. "Whitey" Ahlstedt.

Key Details Regarding Lyle B. Latimer:

Role: Tail Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress, 2nd Air Division.
Affiliation: 2nd Air Division Association (often associated with B-24s, but he is noted as a tail gunner in 2ndADA-Newsletters/1989-Fall.pdf).
Associations: He was associated with the crew including radioman Baker and navigator H.P. "Whitey" Ahlstedt.
Post-War: He contributed to association records and mentioned the passing of his co-pilot, Dixon "Mac" McEver, in 1991.