Group publishes 'dream book' on Lake County schools
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POLSON — “Lake County School History, Volume 1” has been a labor of love as will Volume 2. The book has required the hard work of many people and lots of time. Joyce Decker Wegner, who was the Lake County superintendent of schools for many years, is one of the co-authors and tireless workers behind the book. Wegner has spent 13 years on the book, pretty much full time since January 2010.
In the foreword, Wegner explained how the idea formed.
“Elected Lake County superintendent in 1990, I first saw the numerous documents recording the history of county public schools on file, which began a history teacher’s dream to weave that history together … someday when I had time.”
Wegner started doing research when she was asked to speak to a group of Lake County retired teachers about the history of one-and-two-room schoolhouses.
Soon Wegner asked the public to share their stories and photos about country schools.
“You have the stories, I have the documents,” Wegner said.
The public responded and Wegner and fellow history enthusiasts formed the Lake County Country School Historians. The group’s three goals were to:
• develop a picture display (story boards were completed by Polson’s Diamond Jubilee in 1998)
• do a book
• interact with curriculum, schools and community, (which has gone on since day one, Wegner said.)
With publication of the book by Stoneydale Press, the group has met its goals, but it’s continuing on with Volume 2.
The group morphed into the Flathead Reservation Area Historical Society in 2000, but a committee remained to continue working towards publication.
As for the difference between Volumes 1 and 2, Wegner said Lake County was formed in 1923 from parts of both Flathead and Missoula Counties.
The schools in the Missoula County portion of Lake County will be featured in Volume 1 while the Flathead County schools will be in Volume 2. According to Wegner, most of the vintage pictures of school buildings used in displays in the Lake County Courthouse as well as the book were taken from a Flathead Indian Agency report that came out in 1935.
One interesting fact Wegner noted was that historian Betty Brill, now deceased, was the daughter of a sub Indian agent. Brill provided lots of interesting memorabilia, photographs and even a journal.
After homesteaders came and claimed land, the fall season came and they realized there were no schools. So the farmers and ranchers asked the county for a school. The county supplied the teacher’s salary, Wegner explained, and some supplies.
“But the people had to build the schools,” Wegner added.
Many more interesting stories, maps and photographs are printed in “Lake County School History, Volume 1.” The books are on sale for $29.95, and all money will go to the Flathead Reservation Area Historical Society, a non-profit organization.
People who purchase two or more books will pay $25 per book. The book can be mailed for $29.95 plus $5 packing and shipping. Please call 754-3156 to order a copy.
The books will be available on the following dates, mostly in schools:
Monday, Oct. 25, Lake County Courthouse, pick up prepaid book orders and mailings 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lake County Superintendent Gale Decker’s Office and in the main lobby
Tuesday, Oct. 26, Ronan Performing Arts Commons, 1 to 7:30 p.m. Ronan Band Concert will play from 7 to 8:30 p.m., photo op with Ronan Superintendent Andy Holmlund
Thursday, Oct. 28, Dixon Senior Center luncheon, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., photo op with Dixon Principal Mark Faroni
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29 and 30, Festival of the Book, Missoula, Joyce Decker Wegner will sign and sell copies from Stoneydale Press table
Thursday, Nov. 4, Charlo multipurpose lobby while Health Fair is inside, 1 to 7:30 p.m. (Parent teacher conferences are in the school so there are no classes.) Photo op with Superintendent Paul Jenkins
Monday, Nov. 10, Arlee new commons area, 1 to 7:30 p.m. while the Missoula Children’s Theater play is inside, photo op with superintendent John J. Miller
St. Ignatius signing and sale will be in early November. The date will be announced during the next week.
