Williams School (Alamo Township, Mich.)
Biography
Though the first school's existance is unknown, the board began to raise funds for the second in September 1880. They purchased a site ten rods square from Garret VanArsdale and began building in late 1888 and was likely finished by fall of 1882 because the old school house and stove were sold in September. They added a well in 1898; a year later they fenced the east and north sides of the school. The second building was used until 1942 or ’43, after which it remained vacant until it was converted to a church in 1958. From a 1952 tuition bill, it appears that the district sent its few remaining pupils to district #2 Fr. in Otsego Township, Allegan County, although how long that arrangement lasted is not known.
Despite the somewhat shabby condition of some of the furnishings, the school was doing some things right. Mary Ensfield, who was the superintendent of Kalamazoo County schools, commented in her fall 1925 visit that “I find many evidences of interest in school and health on the part of teacher, pupils, and board, parents and community. The building is very neat and clean… the hot noon lunch equipment is one of the best in the county. …the teacher is giving splendid instruction and order is fine. Congratulations.”
For a full account of the school and a list of teachers, see the webpage available by the Kalamazoo Public Library.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Alamo Township Schools Collection
This collection is composed of eighteen ledgers, documents, and photographs from Alamo Township schools from 1879 to 1954.
The ledgers and documents contained within this collection are linked to several schools throughout the township such as Tamarack, Hackley, Oak Grove, and Williams School. The ledgers contain material such as teacher contracts, student grades, and student attendance records.