In 1872, the settlers of Todd County who were in what is now the line between Moran and Staples townships organized the 36th school district in the county. School was first held in the Cass home. In 1880 a log schoolhouse was built.

In 1900, a new site was purchased in Staples Township about a half mile north of the log schoolhouse. The new school building was built of boards or what is known as a frame. It was a typical one room school.

The district was consolidated in 1915, and a new large brick building was erected. This school had two rooms with the first four grades in the north room and fifth through eighth grade in the south room. The classrooms were located on the second floor, along with a library and two cloak rooms. The first floor had a kitchen-dining room, recreational hall, restrooms and furnaces.

The schoolhouse was the center of the social life of the community. The Farm Bureau meetings would pack the school house with debates and contests of all kinds. Many weddings, baby showers and 4-H activities have been held there, even a few family reunions.

District 36 closed its doors in 1967, with the students in the area riding the buses to the elementary school in Staples.

Some families who attended the school are: Ward, Alger, Miller, Mc- Gillvary, Gateson, Furman, Chenoweth, Gross, Rupprecht, Rutledges, Morse, Burno, Aldrich, Hagenson, Dezell, Trask, Gorder, Morris, Bristlin, Palava, Brada, Passon, lWeishella, Grossman, Blacan, Soper, Williams, Hayden, Grove, Lambert, Ticky, Hirschey, Schmidt, Reger, Bratsch, Hyndman, Harrison, Reyer, Heldman, Marcel, Robinson, Ringler, Sams, Franks, Dennison.

Picnics were always a tradition in the district. July 9, 2011, a “District 36 Picnic” will be held at noon at the Pine Grove Park in Staples. All former students and their families are invited to attend.

If you have memories or pictures you would like to share or have any questions, contact Sherry Miller Frisk at 815-222-6735 or email sherryfrisk@hotmail. com. More information will be forth coming in the Staples World throughout the year.