Fairfield School District No. 47 northwest of Holyoke was organized in 1888. In 1916, it was voted to make a joint district with Phillips and Sedgwick counties and to erect a two-room schoolhouse with a full basement. That year they also began transporting the children by bus. In 1925 another addition was built so there were three elementary classrooms upstairs and the two-year high school, an auditorium and teachers’ apartments in the basement. Restrooms were added in 1952, and a new gymnasium was built east of the schoolhouse in 1954. The district voted to close the school in 1959, and the gym and surrounding land was turned over to the Fairfield Church and the school building was sold and torn down. — Source: Phillips County Museum
Peekin’ into the Past
Five Years Ago — Oct. 8, 2015
Melissa Memorial Hospital plans to have a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the master facility building project Oct. 12 on the west side of the building near Family Practice of Holyoke.
Faye Barnhart has spent the last few months adjusting to her new role as executive director of A Caring Pregnancy Resource Center of Northeast Colorado, replacing former executive director Matt Ross.
Double W EM Favor, a cow bred, born and raised at Holyoke’s Double W Dairy, won first place in the Brown Swiss 4-year-old cow division at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 30-Oct. 4.
Ten Years Ago — Oct. 7, 2010
Colorado 4-H is excited to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. The organization began a century ago as a means to transfer new technology from the land-grant university, then known as Colorado A&M, to agricultural producers. It evolved into a program that helps young people develop important life skills through research-based experiential learning projects.
The only contested race in Phillips County on the Nov. 2 ballot is for county treasurer. Incumbent Linda Statz will be the Republican candidate and will run against unaffiliated newcomer Shari Cagle.
Twenty-Five Years Ago — Oct. 12, 1995
Former director of nursing Joyce Beckman was named administrator at Prairie Vista Care Center in Holyoke las week when Consulting, Management and Education Inc. announced its purchase of the business from Health Management Services.
Jack & Jill Grocery in Holyoke will be closing soon, announced owner Doug Schelling last week. He said he was unable to negotiate a deal on a new lease or purchase option on the building that houses the local grocery store.
A video party at HHS on Oct. 31 and a dance at Blisties on Saturday, Oct. 28, will give Holyoke junior and senior high youth something to do for Halloween. The activities are scheduled by Golden Plains Recreation Center as an annual entertainment program.
Pay for future mayors and council members was increased in action at the Oct. 3 regular meeting of Holyoke City Council. Holyoke’s mayor will now make $100 per month, and council members will make $75 per month, beginning with those that join the board next spring.
Fifty Years Ago — Oct. 8, 1970
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Millage, Holyoke, have purchased the Central Hotel building at the corner of Emerson St. and Interocean Ave. and, after extensive remodeling, will open a fabric shop on Jan. 1. 1971. The first floor of the building will house a fabric shop, and three apartments will occupy the second floor.
Dr. C.H. Guthrie, Denver, an osteopathic surgeon, was recently admitted to the medical staff of Melissa Memorial Hospital by the hospital board, upon a previous recommendation by the hospital medical staff.
Baseball fans can quit snarling now that KTVS TV, channel 3, is going to carry the World Series.
Seventy-Five Years Ago — Oct. 11, 1945
Success crowned the efforts of the program committee for Holyoke Day on Friday when a large crowd assembled at the local airport and was attentive to the entertainment provided. The crowd was estimated to exceed 1,000 people, counting those remaining in parked cars along the border of the field in position to see the air show.
Designation of Selective Service Local Board No. 57 as an official Veterans Information Center of the United States government was announced today by Henry T. Gassert, chairman of the board. The board is located in the courthouse on the top floor.