The Bend School

1891

It is not possible to learn just when the Bend School began, but it was an operating school in 1891.  The school was located on what is now the Gerald Dewey Ranch in Meade County.  The original building was located one mile west of the school site.  The red school, as it was known since it was covered with red tin, was moved in 1910 and in 1928 a new building was erected.  C. J. Risse  of Philip was the contractor and he and his wife camped there in the summer of 1928 while working on the school.
Over the years many children received a good 8th grade education.  For many years there were two or three terms each year.  Some years there was 2 month fall term, 3 month winter term, and 2 to 3 month spring, sometimes with a different teacher each term.
Wages in 1890s were $30 a month and by the early 1900s they were up to $45 and $50 per month.
Under reorganization the Bend School became a part of the Douglas School District July 1, 1968.  The school building is now located in Box Elder and serves as the Box Elder Senior Citizen Center.