Early History of the Talent School
by Elton Petri -- May 15, 1973
It is said "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge".
The fear of the Indians contributed its share in the beginning of
knowledge in the Rogue River Valley, particularly in the Talent
area. It was while the settlers were "forted up" at Fort Wagner
that the need for a school was discussed, and action taken to
establish one. Fort Wagner was located west bank of Wagner Creek
and south of Old Pacific Highway, (Talent Ave) on what was later
known as Evergreen Gardens or the W.H. Breese place. (It is now
occupied by mobile homes.)
The office of I.E.D. in Medford has nearly three pages of data
contributed by Anna Beeson Carter, daughter of Welburn Beeson; from
whose diary much information has been derived and from which we
will quote from time to time. It would seem from this data, that
the first school in the area was taught in the upper story of the
Samuel Culver house in Phoenix (Pike or Pike Town) in the winter of
1853. It is stated that this was not so, as the house had not been
built at that time. An entry in the Welburn Beeson Diary for
Christmas Day 1856 has this statement: "Culver has his large house
built up two story high, but it is not covered yet." This statement
would seem to preclude any possibility of there being any school at
that location in the winter of 1853.
Quoting from the Beeson Diary, December 15, 1853: "In the
evening of this date Father and I went to a school meeting at the
Fort. At this meeting it was decided to build a schoolhouse near a
spring on the Smith and Chase Donation Land Claims. The Rev.
Fletcher Royal is to go around with subscription papers tomorrow."
From the Beeson Diary on May 15, 1854: "I went to help raise the
schoolhouse. Father (John Beeson) hauled a load of lumber for it.
There were 13 men to help raise. We got it raised. I think it will
be ready for meeting soon." Information from the diary of Orson
Stearns is said to state that the schoolhouse was constructed of
pine logs, 16' x 32'.
Among the first pupils, were children from the Anderson and
Reams families as well as Welburn Beeson. The books were those
brought by the settlers across the plains or around the Horn. The
first teacher was Mary Hoffman. The Andersons, from which Anderson
Creek derives its name, lived west of Talent: the Reams property
adjoined the west side of the Anderson property. The Beeson claim
was south of Talent and included such places as the Holdridge,
Carter, Foss and Gleim properties. An entry on May 16, 1856 in the
Beeson Dairy may be a clue to other pupils who attended: "I went to
hunt for a cow that got out of the pasture last night, but I could
not find her. I stopped at the school ... (afternoon) I went in
swimming with Calvin Wagner, Joe and Sam Robison, Thomas Reams and
Orson Stearns in Bear Creek. The water is rather cold. It has been
a very warm day." [end page 1]
After the school was organized, it was to be known as the Vernon
school; and in the Beeson Dairy, it is frequently referred to as
the Mt. Vernon School. As to its exact location, we can not be
sure. From all information, both written and hearsay, it would seem
it stood on the West bank of Bear Creek; a short distance
downstream from where the present road crosses Bear Creek at
Suncrest and Fern Valley. Judging from a copy of an old map, it
would seem to have been in Sec. 23 of Township #38 S., Range #1
West of Willamette Meridian. There was also a cemetery quite near
the school as the Beeson Dairy frequently refers to burials taking
place there. One instance was of a man by the name of Fields, who
was killed by Indians on the Siskiyous (at the place where the
present road leaves the highway to the ski resort on Mt. Ashland)
His body was brought to the school before being removed to the
cemetery.
There seems to be no definite date available as to when the
Vernon or Mt. Vernon School met for the first time. It is known
that the settlers were interested in more than just education in
the three "R"s for their children. Long before the schoolhouse was
completed, they were planning the religious training of their
children as well. From the Beeson Dairy, we have these entries: May
21, 1854, "On this date the first Sunday School was organized.
Father went to a meeting at Mr Rockefeller's, Rev. Fletcher Royal
preached. He organized a Sunday School. If the new schoolhouse is
finished, it will commence Sunday." June 11, 1854; "Sunday, Father
and I attended Sunday School at the new schoolhouse. Mr.
Rockefeller was elected superintendent. There were quite a number
for the first Sunday School in the Rogue River Valley." Thus the
fourth "R" entered into the life of the community.
After the schoolhouse was completed, it was used for many
purposes. Among the unusual, was the Singing School that met there.
Something, which people of this day and age, hear little of. From
the Beeson Dairy of June 25, 1854; "Quarterly meeting today and
tomorrow, 25th & 26th of June, 1854. A great many present. The
house was full and many outside. Mr Wilbur preached assisted by Mr
Hoxie and Mr Taylor." (The first quarterly meeting in Jacksonville
was held September 24, 1854, in the new church in Jacksonville)
Another meeting held in the building that was not a credit to the
community, was one at which the above mentioned (Rev.) Mr. Taylor
presided. This meeting was referred to as a "Protest Meeting" by
Welburn Beeson. At this meeting, action was taken that caused
Welburn's father to slip away in the dead of night. He went to Fort
Lane and was given a military escort out of the valley. The meeting
"protested" the speaking and writing by John Beeson, defending the
Indian cause. Rather ironic, that a man who was so influential in
having the building erected should find himself the victim of
action taken therein.
There seems to be no record as to how long the Vernon School
existed as such. It is known that about 1856 a school was built on
Wagner Creek. It was no doubt the one which was sometimes referred
to as the George Lynch School and sometimes as the South School. A
school was later built approximately in the N.E. corner of the
Everett Beeson field on Wagner Creek Road. It was sometimes
referred to as the North Wagner Creek School. In later [end page 2]
years when the school ceased to be, the building was removed to the
Talent Orchard Co. west of Talent. The South School which was
District #56 remained until it consolidated with the Phoenix
District in July of 1951. A third school was built in the central
part of Talent and now used as the City Hall. Students from this school
wishing to complete high school had to go elsewhere, usually to
Ashland to complete their training. Following the construction of
the present brick building in 1911, a four-year high school was
instituted.
The Anderson Creek School District #72 was split off the Talent
School District in 1892. It was first situated about a mile and a
half up Anderson Creek from the first fork in the road. At that
time a sawmill stood on a flat between the present road and the
creek. One of the mill shacks was renovated for
the schoolhouse.
Its first teacher was Grant Rawlings, who later-became County
Recorder, the first ever elected on a Populist ticket. The Populist
Party was a political group which was somewhat meteoric in life, in
that it flourished quite effectively for a few years and then died
out completely. (At this same time Welburn Beeson Jr. became Deputy
Assessor as he was an effective worker for the Populist Party.)
District #8 was another school which few people knew existed in
this day. This District consolidated with Talent on January 16,
1948. It was commonly referred to as the Windy Point School. It was
first located on or near the old Ben Sheldon place, east of Talent
on Kenutchen Creek and later removed to Windy Point. From Archie
Ferns we learned that he and his brothers and sisters attended this
school. His brothers, Charles and Mark also attended school in
Talent. From Frank Davis of Ashland, we obtained the information
that the school was correctly named for the building was frequently
warped by the wind which blew with such force that if the door was
open, it was almost impossible to close, if closed it could
scarcely be opened. From out of somewhere we had heard that
Clarence Lane of Ashland attended there when a boy. It is entirely
possible that among the students, could have been Jim Briner, uncle
of Everett and Ellis Beeson, and Sylvester ("Ves") Patterson. It is
known that these two attended the same school and were boyhood
playmates and they did live in that area, as the Pattersons were
large property owners in the district. Bert Bell also attended.
In about 1911 or 1912 the district was divided into Valley View
and Vern Valley. Among the early high school students to attend at
Talent were the three older Stratton children from Valley View. The
old Windy Point School building may be seen standing in a pasture
across the Suncrest Road from the Ivan Olson home, having been
removed from Windy Point. It is now being used as a shed and barn.
[end page 3]
In 1949-50 the white building to the East was built and is now
Talent Jr. High, was completed during the school year 1954-55; the
high school moved to the new facility, leaving the original
building (brick) to grades four through eight. During this time Roy
Parr was Talent School Superintendent. He served in this capacity
for about 27 years, ending his superintendency in 1960 when Talent
and Phoenix Districts consolidated. At this time E. R. James became
the superintendent of the district. The high school moved to
Phoenix and all 7th and 8th graders of the district took over the
former Talent High School. Elementary principals serving during
this time were Loran Casebier, Bruce Hitt, & R.E. (Gene)
Farthing.
Later, as the school population continued to increase, the
building south of the primary building was added. Henry Pete was
superintendent and George Zickefoose was principal.
The original brick structure continued to be used as classrooms
for grades five and six & for the Library, lunch room, resource
program, special services, furnace room, and storage for all six
grades.
During the present school year, 1972-73, the brick building was
declared unsafe for school use. Double sessions were instituted for
levels one through four in the primary building, and the fifth and
sixth levels utilized the newest building. Upon passage of bond
issue to build a new structure, mobile classrooms were moved in and
full day sessions were resumed in January, 1973. Hot lunches were
served in the gym. The original brick building was last used for
classrooms during the superintendency of Anthony Scafani and the
principalship of William (Bill) Rupp. The last weekend of May,
1973, an [sic] All students that attended any of the Talent Schools held
a reunion, with a dance held in the old gym that evening. There
were a great many former students attended along with Gene
Farthing. A good time was had by all and renewed friendship of
years past...
UP TO DATE DATA: [by Wilda Schmelzer-1985]
The move from the mobile units to the "round building" was
made in October, 1974. The Media Center (Library) is located in the
center of the building with eight classrooms around it. Music and
Art room were on each side of the building. The office, staff room,
and work room on the other side. Joe Funderburg was the
principal.
After Henry Pete left, Anthony Scafani became the
superintendent until he retired in the Spring of 1978. William
(Bill) Force was the next and he left in July, 1980. Harlan
Mayfield was our vice superintendent and became superintendent
until he retired in July, 1985. Joe Diamond succeeded him.
William (Bill) Rupp became Principal of Talent Elementary
after George Zickefoose in July, 1971 to July, 1973; Joe Funderberg
July, 1973 to July, 1976; George Johns July, 1976 to July, 1981 (he
was also Parade Marshall for the Talent Harvest in September,
1981); Steven Trout July, 1981 to July, 1983; William (Bill) Rupp
returned July, 1983 to July, 1985; Roland W. (Bill) Mayer July,
1985 to ---. [end page 4]
SCHOOL HISTORY ..... from THE LOOKOUT .... 1938 Annual
A few high school subjects were taught in the old school
building which is now the Talent City Hall, but a regular high
school was not established until the new school was built in 1911.
J.B. Coleman was chairman of the school board and Welburn Beeson
and G.A. Morris also was board members when the new school house
was erected. The money for building the school was raised by
selling bonds. F.C. Smith was the principal when the school opened
in the fall of 1911. At first the freshman and sophomore classes
were taught and the juniors & seniors were sent to Ashland.
The first year there were just two pupils in high school and the
second year there were three. F.C. Smith was principal for two
years. In 1913 a vote was taken as to whether to teach four years
of high school, and the majority thought that it would be best.
G.W. Ager, who had been principal in 1910, returned in 1913 and
stayed four years. He was followed by P.L. Spencer in 1917. H.C.
Baughman came in 1918, but he died in the middle of the term and
G.R. Robinson picked it up in January, 1919. He finished that term
and the next. In 1920 and '21, H.B. Jewett was principal. E.E.
Evans started in 1922 and stayed three years. While L.P. Miller was
principal in 1927, '28 & '29, the high school students went out
among the people of the community and got donations to build the
gymnasium. The boys built all of it except the roof. Following
Miller came C.R. Bowman, principal in 1930 & '31, and in 1932,
R.H. Southwick, N.B. Ashcraft, who has been here five successful
years.
In the 27 years of the history of Talent high school the
enrollment has grown from two pupils to approximately 60 pupils.
Talent high has won many trophies in sports and athletics and has
been, indeed a successful school.
HISTORY OF TALENT HIGH SCHOOL .... from THE BULLDOG ..... 1948
Annual
The Talent School Building was built in 1911, a two year high
school was established in 1915, and approximately two years later,
a four year high school. The first graduating class consisted of
one student, Mrs Everett Bailey (nee Maude Rice). This was in
1919.
Another activity which was very popular for a few years was the
county track meet which was held at Talent. Competitors from all
over the county would be at Talent for this field day. There were
hot dog and lemonade stands just like the old time county fairs and
everyone had just as much fun.
In 1917 Talent was outstanding, having won two cups in track.
These meets were discontinued at Talent about 1926, a few years
after a track field was established at the Fair Grounds near
Medford. [end page 5]
The first Talent Annual was started in 1938. It was called the
LOOKOUT. The next year the name of the annual was changed to THE
TALENT and last year it was again changed by an amendment to the
constitution. This time it was called THE BULLDOG. There have been
many changes and improvements from time to time until the annual
has become one of the most important features of the school
year.
The school gymnasium was started in 1929 by the student, body
and was finished later by the district. In the last few years there
have been many improvements to the gym including enlarged seating
capacity, rest rooms, a storage room and a music room.
Talent High was the first "B" school in Jackson County to start
school carnivals. Since then others have followed the lead, but in
our opinion anyway, we think we have had the most successful ones.
The net proceeds from the annual carnivals have gone into the
student body funds and have helped buy many of the things which
have improved Talent High from year to year.
In 1939 six-man football was started as a competitive sport.
Here also Talent was first and had a good following of all the
other "B" class schools in Jackson County. We have had our share of
defeats and victories, ranging from a very poor team to winning the
county football championships in 1943, 1944 & 1945. Football
has been a favorite sport with many of the students and
towns-people and the competition between the schools has been sharp
and educating in sportmanship.
Talent was the only "B" school in Oregon to have a lighted
football field up until last year; now there is one other located
near Portland. This field was built and paid for by the student
body out of funds raised by the students through contributions and
school activities. The fence around the field was also built and
paid for by the students.
Basketball is another sport to which Talent High has devoted
much time and energy. We have had some excellent players who have
contributed much to the winning of county championships in 1921,
1922, 1933 & 1943.
Here, also we would like to say something about Talent Yell
Leaders. They have been many and of varied types, but always they
have done their best to give the ball teams the much needed boost
in moral.
The school colors were changed in 1940 from orange and black to
burnt orange and black because of the difficulty in obtaining
good-looking athletic equipment in the proper colors. Burnt orange
was more vivid, quite an improvement, and has since become
well-known as Talent's colors. [end page 6]
The insignia of the school was also changed in 1939 from
"Hornets" to "Bulldogs", and it is doubtful now if very many people
recall that we were once "Hornets".
In 1939 Talent High had many innovations ... among these were
the organization of a school band and orchestra, and girl's drill
team with majorettes, girls' & boys' glee clubs, and the
production of Talent's first operetta. Up until this time class
plays had been given each year... then however, they were changed
to "all-school" productions.
There was a general rearrangement in 1940 of the administration
of Talent High. Up until this time there had been no constitution
for the school. A constitution was adopted by the student body and
an active student council was also established and a few years
later the office of Business Manager was created. The Business
Managers are the financial managers for the school, and their job
entails a lot of hard work and great responsibility.
In 1940, 1941 and 1942, the student body sponsored "Home
Comings" for the alumni which consisted of a banquet, dance and
lots of fun. This event was discontinued because of such a rapid
increase in the number of alumni and no increase in the school
funds.
Another thing Talent has of which to be proud is the record of
its girls. Besides winning the County Basketball Championship in
1925, Talent girls were for years acclaimed to be the best groomed
and nicest looking girls in the surrounding territory.
Talent has also prides itself in being able to place its girls
in the business world thoroughly trained and fully capable of
holding responsible positions. There have also been many
certificates and awards won in our commercial department, and in
1947 we won national honors in the International Commercial
Contests.
Graduates from Talent High have attended universities and
colleges all up and down the coast. Most of them are successful
businessmen or farmers, with a few in the lumber and fruit
industries. Talent High can always be proud of the men and women
who have passed through her portals. They are good substantial
citizens who would do credit to any educational institution.
Those people who have attended Talent High will, we know, always
have a "warm spot" in their hearts for her, and it is not without
regret that we merge with Phoenix, although we know it is probably
educationally sound. It was then known as District #4.
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