The first public school classes were held in Mandan's first City Hall which was located in the 200 block of Anhurst Avenue (today's First Avenue NW).
The first schoolhouse was constructed in the Fall 1881 on the southeast corner of Wright Avenue (today's First Avenue NE) and Second Street NE. Completed in 1882, the cost of the building was over $4000 (estimate $90,000 in 2011). Built "in the approved modern style, is of two stories with a belfry and bell, and has large and commodious hall and stairway. The interior is supplied with the best style of desks and blackboards." The school was initially divided into two grades and in 1883 both grades were full.
First school directors were Daniel Flynn, Dr. Henry W. Coe, treasurer, and Frank J. Mead. They approved a 26x30 foot addition was built at a cost of $2000 with $1600 in furniture. By 1884, the school was serving 60 pupils and the course of study covered six years.
Exerpt from 1883 Stoner Birdseye View of Mandan
The second schoolhouse was opened on the west side of town in 1890 near Mitchell Avenue (today's Eighth Avenue NW) and Main Street.
In April 1909, the East End school house was moved by William Huff to "Dogtown" and placed on the curve in the road leading to the Heart River Bridge (NOTE: the original Heart River Bridge was .
A new building will be erected in the east end of town but in the interim the school is holding session at the City Hall. - April 1909 Mandan Pioneer as retold in Diane Holts Column Mandan News page 5
Last Thursday evening the school board held a meeting at the High School and after much discussion, instructed C. A. Bloom to prepare plans for a new two-story and basement school house to be erected in the east end of town. The school will be of brick and will contain four recitation rooms and an office. Estimates will be received as soon as the plans are completed and approved. It is thought that the new building will cost $15,ooo including plumbing and heating apparatus. - 26 February 1910 Mandan Pioneer as retold in Diane Holts Column Mandan News page 5
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