East Lone Butte School Remembered

At one time, country schools dotted the landscape of Richland County. Now, only one, Brorson School, remains active. With just one teacher, and students from 1st -8th grade, the country school was the hub of the community. For many immigrant kids, it was their introduction to English; for those who attended, the memories never die. Brothers and sisters, friends and foes were all in the same room, doing their best to get along and learn their lessons.

Most of the old country schools have either been sold and moved or have gradually sunken into the earth, leaving no evidence that they ever existed.

East Lone Butte School in the Girard community operated continuously from 1915-1966 when there were no longer enough students to justify it being open. At that time, Ken Simonsen and Amy Daniels graduated from 8th grade, Becky Daniels was the only 7th grader, Judy Simonsen and Rachel Daniels were in 4th grade and Myrna Salsbury was in 2nd grade. After their country school closed, the students were bused to Fairview to continue their education. The last teacher at East Lone Butte was Carol Faaborg who got married during Christmas break and took the last name of Krieg.

Having seen signs in other areas, and wanting to make sure that the school was remembered, alumni Judy Simonsen Jones contacted the Lambert School and arranged to have a metal sign made in their shop class. Along with Jones, the Bud and Laura Daniels girls; Amy, Becky and Rachel, helped pay for the beautifully crafted sign.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, members of the community gathered to erect the sign at the site of the school. Ron Kopp, Luke Proulx and Larry Simonsen placed the sign, with moral support from Linda Simonsen, Becky Daniels, Kelly and Judy Jones.

Thanks to all their efforts, the site of East Lone Butte School can be visited for generations to come, sparking memories and conversations of times gone by.