The History of Caro Community Schools

For 133 years, Caro Schools have trained and educated many generations of Caro children.

The first classes in Caro were held not long after John Wllkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater. Since then, Caro education has matured, evolved and changed, adjusting to the changing needs of a changing society. 

Caro education was born in the era of quills, ink wells and slate boards and today, prospers in an era of ballpoint pens, electronics and computers. From President Lincoln to President Bush, Caro education has grown and changed, seeking in each new generation to meet the changing, growing needs of educating the community's future citizens and leaders. Future years will only accelerate change and underscore the need for learning and education.

The education of a community's children is not a single episode, but an ongoing drama . . moving from year to year, decade to decade, generation to generation . . under the guidance of many differing elected "citizen amateurs" and appointed educator professionals . serving in many differing social, economic and political climates, impelled or impeded by the fluctuating intensities of community support. So also, it has been in Caro.

As a result of sound leadership and supportive citizens, Caro education has prospered in quantity and quality generation after generation, keeping Caro Community Schools the premiere school system in the Thumb and Eastern Saginaw Valley and the envy of its contemporaries.

In the early 1850's, Caro was still called Centerville, a promising little village nestled in the still primitive forests of the Cass River valley. Children wanted to learn, but there was no school. This disturbed Caro's most civic-minded pioneer Peter D. Bush (pictured at left). Bush, who also donated his most choice village property as a site for a County Courthouse, felt the growth and progress of his adopted community demanded it have a school and education. Since no one else in town was doing anything about it, Bush decided to build and pay for it himself.

Therefore, in 1857, Bush hauled lumber from the sawmills at Wahjamega and drove his team through the still primitive countryside all the way to Pontiac to buy a suitable sized stove and buy window glass and sashings. He paid for these materials from his own resources and then put his carpentry skills to work building the school himself. He built it near the Wiley Mill, placing it near today's intersection of State and Washington Streets. The school's first teacher, and thus Caro's first teacher, was Miss Ruth Sherman. She taught Caro's first school classes in the little school during the winters of 1857-58. She was paid $2.00 a week and boarded in the homes of her pupils' parents. Sadly, Caro's first school was destroyed by fire the following spring.

Caro’s second school (1859) was located in the Universalist Church at Congress and State Streets. This church was later moved to become Tuscola County's first courthouse, later replaced by a brick courthouse and the present stone structure. Samuel Sherman, who built the church, allowed settlers to use it for school classes. A dozen students attended this school.

The following list is taken from the 1935-36 School Directory compiled by Mr. Ben H. McComb, Commissioner of Schools. Thank you to Charlotte McComb for this information.

Akron Township & Local Post Office

Cook - Akron
Demorest - Unionville
Hickory Island - Unionville
Brookston - Unionville
Santu - Unionville
Curtis - Akron
Tuttleville - Unionville
Bay Park - Unionville
Louisville - Unionville
Akron Elementary & High School
Hammond - Akron
Thomas - Unionville

Almer Township & Local Post Office 

Darbee - Caro
June - Caro
Humes - Caro
Parsell - Caro
Lewis - Caro
Pleasant Hill - Caro
Almer Center - Caro

Arbela Township 

Whitney - Vassar
Hinkley - Clio
Diamond - Millington
Gunnell - Millington
Pinkham - Millington
Wilcox - Vassar
St. Paul's Lutheran - Millington

Columbia Township 

Abke - Unionville
Columbia Corners - Unionville
Remington - Colling
Lyman - Unionville
Unionville Elementary & High School
St. Paul's Lutheran - Unionville

Dayton Township 

East Dayton - Maybille
West Dayton - Mayville
Cottage - Mayville
Maple Grove - Silverwood
Smith - Silverwood
Silverwood - Silverwood
English - Silverwood

Denmark Township 

Richville - Richville
Baker - Vassar
Garner - Vassar
VanPettin - Reese
Reese Elementary & High School
St. Michael's Lutheran - Richville
E. St. Michale's Lutheran - Vassar
N. St. Michael's Lutheran - Reese
Trinity Lutheran - Reese

Elkland Township 

Dillman - Cass City
Bird - Cass City
Winton - Cass City
Wright - Cass City
Cass City Elementary & High School
Sand Valley - Cass City

Ellington Township 

Ellington - Caro
Thane - Caro
George - Caro
Orr-Moore - Deford
Keilitz - Deford

Elmwood Township

Cedar Run - Cass City
Bingham - Cass City
Gagetown Elementary & High School
Frenchtown - Gagetown
Carolan - Gagetown
Hillside - Gagetown
Sunshine - Colling
St. Agatha's Catholic - Gagetown

Fairgrove Township

Moreland - Caro
Graham - Fairgrove
Perkins - Akron
Fairgrove Center - Fairgrove
Hinson - Fairgrove
Honsinger - Fairgrove
Partlo - Akron
Fairgrove Elementary & High School

Fremont Township

Mayville Elementary & High School
Turner - Mayville
Tripp - Mayville
Juniata Brick - Mayville
Frenzel - Mayville
North Grove - Mayville
Barton- Mayville

Gilford Township & Local Post Office

Hobart - Fairgrove
Battell - Fairgrove
Mitchell - Reese
Black - Reese
Ward - Reese
VanBuren - Reese
Godkin - Reese

Indianfields Township & Local Post Office

Box Alder - Caro
Carpenter - Caro
Caro Elementary & High School
Bruisee - Caro
Donaldson - Caro
Connor - Caro
Fourtowns - Caro

Juniata Township & Local Post Office

Belknap - Vassar
Rogers - Vassar
Allen - Caro
Watrousville - Watrousville
Tappan - Vassar
Rutherford - Vassar
Miller - Caro
Rowley - Vassar

Kingston Township & Local Post Office 

Beverly - Kingston
Jeffrey - Kingston
Wilmot - Wilmot
Leek - Kingston
White Creek - Kingston
Greenwood - Deford

Koylton Township & Local Post Office 

Sanson - Kingston
Maxam - Clifford
Clotheir - Marlette
Kingston Elementary & High School
McKenzie - Kingston

Millington Township 

Hopkins - Millington
Millington Elementary & High School
State Road - Millington
Green - Millington
Comstock - Millington
Murphy - Millington
Lakeview - Millington

Novesta Township 

Crawford - Cass City
Paul - Cass City
Quick - Deford
Deford - Deford
Brown - Cass City
Ferguson - Cass City

Tuscola Township & Local Post Office

Tuscola - Tuscola
Hart - Vassar
Tuscola Center - Vassar
Pinkerton - Vassar
Rice - Vassar
Hubb - Vassar
Elkhorn - Vassar
Plank Road - Vassar
St. Lorenz Lutheran - Vassar
St. Michael's Lutheran - Vassar

Vassar Township & Local Post Office 

Vassar Elementary & High School
Kilbourn - Vassar
Chadwick - Vassar
Teitzel - Vassar
Lefevre - Vassar
Wilson - Vassar
Rohur - Vassar

Watertown Township & Local Post Office

East Watertown - Mayville
Watertown Center - Millington
Fosteria Elementary & High School
Duncan - Millington
Spring Hill - Fostoria

Wells Township & Local Post Office 

Frankfort - Caro
Berry - Caro
Block - Caro
Bethel - Caro
Seelbach - Wilmot
White Star - Caro
Sand Hill - Kingston

Wisner Township

Carson - Akron
Straightneck - Akron
Quanicassee - Fairgrove
Wisner Corners - Akron
Bennett - Akron

Junior/Senior High School: The first wing of this building was started in 1954 with the building of Roland Kern Hall, named in honor of a respected, long time member and President of the Caro Board of Education. For a time, it was used as an elementary school.

In 1957, a $900,000 bond issue was passed for the building of the Junior/Senior High School on Hooper Street. Plans called for the building to include: 20 classrooms, science department, art room, home economics department, library, cafeteria, agriculture department, shop class facilities, music department, gymnasium, locker rooms & administration offices. Traffic flow was a major problem, complicated by the fact that the hillside site required a nearly 11 foot variation in floor levels from front to back. This factor dictated a plan of semi-detached wings, connected to a major corridor, "climbing the hill" and connecting the wings of the school. The General Contractor was H.G. Heineman and Son of Saginaw.

In 1964, a $275,000 addition added a guidance department, band room, classroom, multi-purpose room, language laboratory, two special education classrooms and a library addition to the Junior/Senior High School. 

Thanks to a federal E.D.A. Grant, a modern indoor pool and five classrooms were added to the school in 1978.

County Normal School - 1908 to 1951

From the Fall of 1908 until June of 1951, 874 young men and women pursued their dreams of teaching through the facility of the Tuscola County Normal. Located in small town, Caro, Michigan, "County Normal", as the students referred to it, offered an unbelievable opportunity for those who made teaching their career choice.

Requirements for admission were that the potential student had to be in the top 10% of their high school graduating class and he or she had to complete an application. In the one free year of attendance, the potential teachers earned twenty-five college credits - enough to place them in rural schools around Tuscola County. During the ensuing three years of teaching, each graduate had to earn an additional nine credits through the classes offered in Caro by the Ypsilanti County Normal School.

Remembered by the alumni, Tuscola County Normal is credited as the place where many area young men and women first tasted independence. Each year, several students found rooms in Caro where they stayed through the week while classes were in session. Educating one class of students each year, County Normal was staffed by two "Critic Teachers". These teachers reportedly put the young students through a rigorous year of learning and practice in teaching. 

The County School Commissioner of all of the rural schools and the County Normal was Ben H. McComb. Ben served in this elected position from 1907 to 1947. His duties were to make sure that each rural school and the County Normal had Teachers, a Director, a Moderator and a Treasurer. He also monitored the curriculum at the County Normal. In 1965, Caro Community Schools built an elementary building and named it after Ben H. McComb. 

The following information is taken from commencement programs provided by Charlotte McComb:

22nd Annual Tuscola County Normal Commencement

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 6, 1929

Class Officers

President: Helen Miller
Vice-President: Laurence Blackmer
Treasurer: Kathryn McLean

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Hon. Webster H. Pearce
Superintendent of Schools: M.J. Crawford
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: C.W. Clark
Secretary: Edith Quinn
Treasurer: M.G. Atwood
Trustee: A.C. Pierce
Trustee: E.J. Riley

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Ruby M. Stay
Music: Margaret Alles
Art: Lucy Brooks
Physical Training: Mildred Hutchinson

Class Roll

Eiletta Pearl Abke, Almeda D. Allen, Dorothy M. Barnes, Leila Battel, Marion Lucille Bell, Laurence B. Blackmer, Annabel E. Breinager, Irene Lucindia Bush, Alice M. Color, Lavona Mildred Duncan, Doris Madaline Durkee, Grace Lenora Harmon, Irene Grace Hutton, Irene A. Kiteley, Anita Ione Koppelberger, Margaret Ruth Martin, Kathryn McLean, Helen Kathleen Miller, Kittie Ivah Morris, Eilzabeth Nagy, Alma Mae Phelps, Mardell Norean Starr, Ethel Sarah Stock, Marjorie Helen Stout, Ida C. Thane, Rudolph F. Walk. 

23rd Annual Tuscola County Normal Commencement

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 11, 1930

Class Officers

President: Dorr Wiltse
Vice-President: Clara Ellis
Treasurer: Berneice Riley

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Hon. Webster H. Pearce
Superintendent of Schools: M.J. Crawford
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: C.W. Clark
Secretary: Edith Quinn
Treasurer: M.G. Atwood
Trustee: A.O. Purdy
Trustee: E.J. Riley

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Ruby M. Stay
Music: Signe Malen
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Mildred Hutchinson

Class Roll

Lucile Achenbach, Luverne Battel, Alice Clement, Grace Clothier, Guenevere Docherty, Clara Ellis, Ruth Fournier, Labelle Graubner, Maxine Hanna, Margaret Hickey, Leonard Hillis, Margaret Horning, Hazel Hower, Ethel Hunter, Ralston Kirk, Elizabeth Kun, Merton Luther, Vievienne McPherson, Grace Noble, Beatrice Owen, Nina Perry, Clarissa Randall, Elizabeth Rekl, Berneice Riley, Mildred Schulz, Grace Seddon, Mildred Taylor, Berneice Walker, Dorr Wiltse. 

28th Annual Tuscola County Normal Commencment

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 13, 1935

Class Officers

President: Margaret Glougie
Vice-President: Gwendolyn Ambrose
Treasurer: Ida Johengen

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Paul F. Voelker
Superintendent of Schools: Philip Koopman
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: Floyd A. Turner
Trustee: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Ruby M. Stay
Music: Reuben Hill
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Esther Middlewood

Class Roll

Gwendolyn Ambrose, Wilma Andrews, Dorothy Bell, Yvonne Bell, Veva Bradley, Marion Cody, Lucy Dosser, Genevieve Gibbs, Margaret Glougie, Maxine Horner, Barbara Howlett, Maxine Humm, Ida Johengen, Irene Kocsis, Leota Ogden, Stefana Pelica, Retta Robinson, Edward Schell, Abbie Schwaderer.

29th Annual Tuscola County Normal Commencement

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 11, 1936

Class Officers

President: Lenora Stewart
Secretary-Treasurer: Mary Bell Young

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: Philip Koopman
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: Floyd A. Turner
Trustee: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Gladys McCallum
Music: Reuben Hill
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Ruth Root

Class Roll

Barbara Breinager, Eva H. Capling, Margaret Ella Curtis, Evelyn M. Duncan, Helen W. Fournier, Aliene A. Gardner, Selma I. Koch, Gertrude N. Lewis, Beulah A. Milner, Geralding R. Most, Carl R. Safford, Margaret E. Seitz, Maxine M. Steffens, Lenora M. Stewart, Genevieve P. Taylor, Wilma Jean Wells, Josephine Wittenburg, Mary Bell Young.

30TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 10, 1937

Class Officers

President: Sarah Schell
Vice-President: Alice Garner
Secretary-Treasurer: Eunice Black

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: Philip Koopman
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Paul Petrie
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Gladys McCallum
Music: Reuben Hill
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Ruth Root

Class Roll

Charlotte Albrant, Eunice Black, Joan Colliton, Ilis Fox, Alice Garner, Lois Hitchcock, Margaret Hormel, Mildred Hover, Alice Jackson, Gladys Kincaid, Marjorie LaFave, Ella Lobdell, Mary Ruth McCloy, Jean McComb, Florence McConnell, Raiola Putnam, Marian Reavey, Anne Schell, Sarah Schell, Agatha Seurynck, Emilie Stockmeyer, Madeline Valentine.

31ST ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 9, 1938

Class Officers

President: Douglas DeVault
Vice-President: Norma Ward
Secretary-Treasurer: Mable Surine

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: Philip Koopman
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Paul Petrie
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Gladys McCallum
Music: Reuben Hill
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Frances French

Class Roll

Eloise Abke, Gweneth Bills, Viola Boettcher, Reta Boyne, Everett Brown, William Burmeister, Iola Curry, Eva Curtin, Douglas Devault, Betty Ewald, Hildegarde Felske, Dorothy Goslin, Janetta Jackson, Jessie Lounsbury, Claudia Piazza, Dorothy Rader, Leona Robinson, Mable Surine, May Surine, Mildred Stein, Kathleen Stanard, Norma Ward.

32ND ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

Methodist Episcopal Church, June 15, 1939

Class Officers

President: Raymond Manwell
Vice-President: Ruth Russell
Secretary-Treasurer: Jean Clara

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: Philip Koopman
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Paul Petrie
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Gladys McCallum
Music: Harry L. Wood
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Frances French

Class Roll

Norma Anderson, Geraldine E. Bolton, Leola F. Boyne, Elma May Bushong, Dorothea A. Clara, Jean E. Clara, Wilda Marie Collins, Lois M. Davis, Opal E. Durkee, Lucile M. Fenner, Emma V. Froede, Alma Horne, Raymond Manwell, Margaret M. Neff, Helen C. Pankratz, Grace E. Rohlfs, Ruth Russell, Wilma L. Sheardy, Maxine Sherman, Irene Susko, Leah Turner.

33RD ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 13, 1940

Class Officers

President: Edward Nutt
Vice-President: Genevieve Downing
Secretary: Nancy McCloy
Treasurer: Twila Kenney

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Robinson
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Paul Petrie
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Gladys McCallum
Music: Harry L. Wood
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Frances French

Class Roll

Mary Ayers, Edward Bilicki, Evelyn J. Childs, Lois Coan, Virginia Czernik, Genevieve C. Downing, Doris May Evans, Dorothy Freeland, Beryl Alice Hitchcock, Twila Kenney, Anna Labiak, Margie Legg, Barbara L. MacLaren, Isabel M. Manwell, Dagmar Martinek, Nancy McCloy, Edward Nutt, Iva Osburn, Mildres E. Shattuck, Glenn E. Spencer, Marie Thiel, Pearl Wilmot. 

36TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 10, 1943

Class Officers

President: Blanche Vaden
Vice-President: Ramona Lawrence
Secretary-Treasurer: Joanne Wilson

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Martin
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Lloyd Savage
Trustee: Floyd Brown

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina Perry
Music: Joseph U. Lavigne
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Beulah M. Bauman

Class Roll

Viola I Beardslee, Bonnie Jo Coan, Florence Mary Duprey, Hulda Harriet Eveland, Betty Jean Hanlin, Marion Jean Horst, Edna M. June, Wanda Joyce Karr, Leatha M. Koch, Ramona Ruth Lawrence, Eva Ellen McFarland, Clara B. Parsell, Hazel Maxine Pickert, Doris Jean Robarts, Agnes Jean Schell, Thelma Irene Sickler, Blanche E. Vaden, Arlene Lillian VanHorn, Ruth M. White, Joanne Jean Wilson, Evelyn Grace Wismer.

37TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 15, 1944

Class Officers

President: Marian Silvernail
Vice-President: Wilma Peterson
Secretary-Treasurer: Leola Childs

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Martin
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Lloyd Savage
Trustee: Reid Thurston

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina Perry
Music: Nelson Shutes
Art: Lucy A. Brooks
Physical Training: Beulah M. Bauman

Class Roll

Dorothy Virginia Beauchamp, C. Earl Champlin, Leola O. Childs, Winifred M. Hyslop, Helen May Kinney, Wilma Ruth Peterson, Dorothy Jean Schweigert, Marian B. Silvernail, Aleen Elizabeth Smith, Ida Emily Whear, Beatrice A. Wood, Florabelle M. Wright.

38TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 14, 1945

Class Officers

President: Geraldine Hoard
Vice-President: Berneice Duncan
Secretary-Treasurer: Charlotte Brinkman

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Martin
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Lloyd Savage
Trustee: Reid Thurston

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden/Nina Perry
Critic: Mabel Werth
Music: Nelson Shutes
Art: Margaret Rea
Physical Training: Beulah M. Bauman

Class Roll

Ruth Mae Barthel, Esther Louise Bauer, Florence M. Baur, Molly Beller, Margaret Alice Besky, Charlotte Marie Brinkman, Louise Mabel Campbell, Maxine G. Crosby, Berneice A. Duncan, Shirley M. Gilbirds, Orianna May Highsmith, Geraldine Rosella Hoard, Madelyn Marie Johnston, Lois Marie Kellor, Iris Kathleen Kinney, Christina C. Leiterman, Donna Aileen Terbush. 

39TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 13, 1946

Class Officers

President: Barbara J. Rae
Vice-President: Edna Godfrey
Secretary-Treasurer: Thelma Findlay

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Robinson
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Lloyd Savage
Trustee: Reid Thurston

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina McComb
Music: George V. Cripps
Art: Margaret Rea

Class Roll

Eleanor Christian, Thelma Jean Findlay, Edna Godfrey, Betty I. Hower, Barbara J. Rae, Margaret Stankula, Betty J. Vandemark, Harriet Warner, Cleo Weiler.

40TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 11, 1947

Class Officers

President: Patricia A. Bezemek
Vice-President: Mildred Cameron
Secretary-Treasurer: Amie Root

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: George Robinson
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Irl L. Baguley
Treasurer: John W. MacLachlan
Trustee: Dr. Lloyd Savage
Trustee: Reid Thurston

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina McComb
Music: George V. Cripps
Art: Margaret Rea
Physical Education: Betty Ackerman 

Class Roll

Lila Bell Ackerman, Patricia A. Bezemek, Hanna Janet Boots, Goldie Maxine Boughan, Dorothy Jean Brinkman, Mildred Mae Cameron, Theresa Irene Ezakovich, Phyllis P. Gingrich, Eleanor Ann Jones, Wanda V. Prabucki, Amie C. Root, Irene Stankula, Jean Blanche Stewart, Viola Lucille Trisch. 

41ST ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 10, 1948

Class Officers

President: Norma Louise Schank
Vice-President: Clara Jean Baldwin
Secretary-Treasurer: E. Burneice Prowse

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Eugene B. Elliott
Superintendent of Schools: Leonard D. Mills
County School Commissioner: Ben H. McComb

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Timothy C. Quinn
Treasurer: Reid Thurston
Trustee: Clayton Hamilton

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina McComb
Music: Robert V. Grindell
Art: Margaret Rea
Physical Education: Patricia L. Lewis

Class Roll

Olive E. Aiken, Clara Jean Baldwin, Donald J. Campbell, Dorothy Mae Dennis, Laura Jean Drake, Donna Irene Franzel, Marjorie Lou Ingles, Phyllis Nell Jacob, Elizabeth C. Klaus, Betty Ann Krtizman, Mary E. LeDuc, Nora Lee Mickle, Gerald E. Miller, Delbert D. Myers, E. Burniece Prowse, Cornelia Nadene Rogers, Norma Louise Schank, Lucille Esther See, Jacqueline Ann Stapleton, Harriet Jane Westover, Henrietta Zeeuw.

42ND ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 9, 1949

Class Officers

President: Leroy H. Beitz
Vice-President: Maxine Albrant
Secretary-Treasurer: Leora M. Phelps

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Lee M. Thurston
Superintendent of Schools: Leonard D. Mills
County Superintendent of Schools: J.E. Liddicoat

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Timothy C. Quinn
Treasurer: Reid Thurston
Trustee: Clayton Hamilton
Trustee: Dr. L.L. Savage 

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina McComb
Music: Robert V. Grindell
Art: Margaret Rea
Physical Education: Patricia L. Lewis

Class Roll

Maxine Corkins Albrant, Rosemary Andress, Evelyn Grace Deboult, Leroy H. Beitz, Annabelle Chamberlain, Robert C. Fuester, Mary Gaylor, Shirley Jean Hepler, Joyce Marie Kauffman, Paul Frederick Koeltzow, Sharon Elaine Kuhne, Beatrice B.E. Mitchell, Iva K. Moore, Evelyn J. Olmstead, Marian E. Pattullo, Mayme E. Pattullo, Leora M. Phelps, Norma Elaine Ruggles, Christine May Sanford, Virginia M. Seddon, Geraldine M. VanHorn, Elaine Marie Wright, Jennie Mary Zajac.

43RD ANNUAL TUSCOLA COUNTY NORMAL COMMENCEMENT

First Methodist Church, June 8, 1950

Class Officers

President: Leon May Craig
Vice-President: Virginia Chambers
Secretary-Treasurer: Harold E. Huffman

County Normal Board

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Lee M. Thurston
Superintendent of Schools: Leonard D. Mills
County Superintendent of Schools: J.E. Liddicoat

Board of Education

President: Roland O. Kern
Secretary: Timothy C. Quinn
Treasurer: Reid Thurston
Trustee: Clayton Hamilton
Trustee: Dr. L.L. Savage 

Faculty

Principal: Sarah Ludden
Critic: Nina McComb
Music: Robert V. Grindell
Art: Margaret Rea
Physical Education: Patricia L. Lewis

Class Roll

Doris Jean Allen, Donna Joan Atkin, Roselyn Joyce Barber, Lucille Hope Barry, Verna J. Bogart, Grace Addie Breidenbach, Virginia May Chambers. Donna Mae Clement, Leone May Craig, Harold E. Huffman, Joan Kinney, Virginia M. Klauka, Kathleen Agnes Kroetsch, Marian Agnes Lange, Jane Anne Legg, Louise Lee Miller, John Frederick Nelsen, Eleanor T. Schumacher, Eleanor M. Schwartz, Leona Lois Strieter, Minnie Viola Tanton, Eileen Opal Vollmar, Shirley Ann Wilson, Jean Erma Wood.

TUSCOLA COUNTY 8th GRADE COMMENCEMENT

May 31, 1046
CLASS OF 1946

Commissioner:  Ben H. McComb

Akron Township

Richard Harold McCollum
Caroline M. Gangler
Frances Ann Katzinger
Clara Mermeersch
Violet Ann Kemp
Frances Mae Kindler
Carlton B. Gotham
Leota M. Thomas
Leona A. Thomas
Glen E. Schlarich

Almer Township

Daisy M. Caswell
Bernard L. McDurmon
Audrey Elaine Caswell
Virgil Paul Biddle
Omar M. Campbell
Esther Lou Fitzstephens
Robert W. Hobson
Florence D. Bucholtz
Robert Clayton Suranye
Lawrence Lee McLellan
Herbert Oliver Beecher
Elaine Joyce LaJoie
Edward John LaJoie
John Jando
Francis LaPratt
Betty M. LaPratt
Adam Timko
Robert T. Craig
Edwin Warren
Barbara Hadi

Arbela Township

Dallas Cecil Hahn
Shirley Ann Riley
Irma M. E. Rohn
Ronald Riley
Norman Jones
Jack J. Monroe
Duane Clark Wright
Max Keith Baker
Gloria Maxine Montney
Loleta Isham
Shirley Ruth Mallory
Junior Bert White
June Arlene Hoppe
Euice Helen Keinath
Melvin Ernst Petzold
Roland Oscar Petzold
Betty Laura Hoppe

Columbia Township

Mrytle Hoppe
Richard Dillon
Alvin Duane Lockwood
Nancy L. Comment
Harlan L. Bedore
JoAnn Louise Bedore
Dolores J. Rieck
Evelyn C. Gangler
Doris F. Bitzer
Alex Balzer, Jr.
Mark W. Wilkening
Sherril M. Gail
Arnold E. Schulz
Charles Hahn
Lloyd N. Pobanz

Dayton Township

Delmar Glenn Putnam
Donald D. Dost
Lois Mae Westover
Ida Schartz
Elmer Haggadone
Donald L. Fritz

Denmark Township

Carl R. Mossner
Mildred A. Talfree
Erma F. Schultz
L. Marie Shaw
Irene B. Schmandt
Arnold F. Rupprecht
Waldo E. Mossner
Gertrude A. Schoenaw
Carl E. Bauer
Eugene O. Heinlein
Jack J. Loesel
Carl F. Bierlein
Roy W. Bierlein
Melvin C. Schroeder
Reinhold F. Auernhammer
Marion A. Mossner
James A. Reif
Sally Ann Moser
Cleo Ann Wilkinson
Marie Kathryn Schaffsnitz
Gladys Martha Loesel
Frederick G. Bekemeier
Arnold Henry Bekemeier
Norma Jean Thurston
John Mayer
Wallace E. Bierlein

Ellington Township

Esther Satchell
Frances Joan English
Otto G. Prast
Edward Harold Findlay
Gerald Babcock
George Lee Sleight

Elmwood Township

Donald Leo Rushlo
June Laura Stevens
Mildred Irene Hartley
Ruth Arleen Ewald
Emaline Joyce Bullis
Catherine Baker
Adam P. Leiterman

Fairgrove Township

Helen Kish
Mary Rose Kish
Rose Mary Kubick
Marian Pike
Melvin S. Balzer
Beverly Vollmer
Leonard G. Russell
Donna Lou Rae
Lorraine Van Steenkisti
Catherine Ann Nellett
Joan Cartwright
Edward Crosby
Ann Beller

Femont Township

Frances Uhl
Mary K. Monroe
Mary Katherine Buhl
Joseph Szcygiel
Jean M. Plumb
Edward Nowak
Frieda M. Haskins
Georgina A. Buhl
Agnes Gonwicha
Charlotte F. Roth

Gilford Township

Freda Karr
Marian R. Stewart
Duane Schlicht
Addie Jean Benson
Evelyn R. Stoffel
Floyd A. Redwanz
Peter T. Parrent
Veronica Parrent
Vergil Richard
Joe Castello
Dorothy Margaret Williams
Gilbert Fox
Bertha Keyes
Kay Dawn Findlay
Raymond W. Zissler
Esther M. Helmreich
Walter N. Obertein
Cleo Elaine Webb
Arlene Spiekerman
Mary Ellen Fischer

Idianfields Township

Frances Maxine Hutchinson
Donald A. Davis
Elsie Joey Israel
Ray Robert Forner
Isabelle Jean Green
William Ezakovich
Leona D. Drews
Annie Ezakovich

Juniata Township

Clarence Milliken
Clare Milliken
Doris Loretta Little
Peggy Spencer
Deloris F. Threehouse
Norma F. Spencer
Darrel Carlisle
Lee H. Exckelson
Naomi Ann Briggs

Kingston Township

Doris Franklin
Gerald Blesczak
Eva Bastian
Madeline Kay Francis
Irene J. Dudek
Beverly Ann Evans
Barbara Ann Wade
JoAnn McLaren
Thomas Roland Eastman
Van W. Burmeister

Koylton Township

Andrew Polishuk

Millington Township

JoAnn Humphreys
Billy Carll
Donald L. Mercer
Colleen Chatters
Lois Mercer
Clara King
Richard M. Dilleree
Donna M. Shamel
Floyd T. Nunn
Ardath Smith
Edna Kurpsel
Violet McNeil
Joyce Green
David Ingram
Richard D. Balcer

Novesta Township

Mary Jane Lessman
Melvina Chase
Carl Palmateer
Naomi Dalton
Stephen Demick
Lena May Newton
Keith Sadler
Walter Rayl
Paul Greenleaf
Virginia Newton
Naomi Crisan
Norbert Kapala
Arthur Glass

Tuscola Township

Shirley Ann Sohn
Wiltha Joanne Wescoat
Bernard William Barkley
Phyllis Blackmore
Westley Wayne Baker
Wilfred Kenneth Arnold
Ruth Marie Turner
Raymond George Bergdolt
Harry Veitengruber
Howard Maurer
Gilbert List

Vassar Township

Helen F. Hauger
Delphine A. Legue
Julia Hunt
Sheldon Blackmer
Donna Mae Colosky
Ralph Kazmerski
Cecil John Soucey

Watertown Township

Ethel Joan Breinager
Mary Wanita Barton
Bernard J. Waterman
Charlene Sweet
Twila June Waterman
Donna Jean Leix
Shirley Ann Nowland
Mable L. Howay
Robert Weinzierl
Edmond Stephens
Gilbert Seddon
Della Mae Wellington
Wayne Lloyd Burns
Donald Frederick Kowitz
Robert Norman Barnard

Wells Township

Richard L. Thorp
Loretta L. Trisch
Ruth Bertha Schilk
Melvin A. Hergenreder
Nelson A. Carpenter
Ford Earl Putnam
Melfred Knight
Virginia E. Vandemark
Virgil Vandemark
Dale L. Reynolds
Kenneth Lee Tousley
Elaine Pelkey
Walter Socha

Wisner Township

Jack Brinkman
Gene G. Winters
James E. Stein
Richard J. Crete
Robert F. Long
Kathleen Marie Schulte
Joyce Virginia Thompson
Donald Eugene Mowry
Dorothy Ann Duke
Beatrice Marie Hovey
Jane Carol Crosby

 

In the early 1920’s, Caro’s Schools had outgrown classroom space. At that time, the School Board tried to pass a $200,000 bond issue to build a new high school. It was turned down by voters several times and the Board, having no alternative, kept the issue on the ballot. On the day of the election which finally approved the issue, children were released from school carrying placards in street parades pleading for passage of the issue. Polls opened at 4:30 pm and this time, the bond issue passed by a wide 500-143 margin.

A petition was submitted to the Board of Education which read:  "Frank E. Schall - Superintendent of the Caro Schools for fourteen years beginning in 1910.  Not in the history of Caro has any other person held that position for so many years and the case is more remarkable because of the undoubted fact that he has steadily grown in the esteem of the people.  Laboring under difficulties which the public was slow to realize, his management of the schools produced results of a high order, the graduates attaining creditable standing among those schools possessing far better equipment.

Without complaint, he labored unceasingly for the improvement of conditions when the prospects of success were most disheartening; hoping against hope that people might come to see the necessity for a new building.  Then, when the preliminary battle was won and contracts had been set for the construction of the schoolhouse of his dreams, it is pitiful to know that he will be unable to actively supervise the work.

An educator of acknowledged attainments, diplomatic in his management of difficult situations, successful in the guidance of teachers and pupils under his control, and above all a Christian gentleman exercising enabling influence upon all with whom he came in contact, it should be a satisfaction for him to be assured that he has fought a good fight, has attained a notable victory, and that Caro people recognize in him the highest type of citizenship.

We, the undersigned residents and taxpayers of Caro Community School district, feeling that outstanding citizens of the community and outstanding officials and workers of the school district should not be forgotten by future generations, hereby petition the Board of Education of Caro Community Schools to take steps to have the district's school building which is located on East Frank Street, Caro, and which was erected in 1924, named "The Frank E. Schall School", in recognition of the fine teacher, scholar and gentleman who was Caro's Superintendent of Schools from 1910 until 1924.

The memory of this kindly, hard-working, intelligent, influential and upright man should be perpetuated in the community".

Superintendent Frank E. Schall, a popular school chief who held the post longer than any other Superintendent, had struggled to get the needed school built. He became terminally ill, but was able to lay the cornerstone from his wheelchair. He never saw the completion of the school he had worked so hard to bring into existence. 

In the early 1980’s, there was a mood to raze Schall school and build a new facility. At the time, a Schall Study Committee said, “While it would be nice to have a new school building, we feel that Schall School is structurally sound and could be renovated to meet district needs for another 15-20 years.” The School Board agreed and a program of renovation was approved including energy conservation. New windows were installed, the building was tuck-pointed and decorator panels were added to complete the exterior updating making this school one of Caro’s most elegant public buildings. Once interior upgrading was completed, Schall School was able to extend its usable life.

 

The white metal buildings, referred to as the Schall Annex, were erected in 1948-49 with Earl DeBeaubian as the builder. The structure and site costs were $125,000. They were built as temporary classrooms in post World War II and were to be used only about five years. However, 40 years later, the Annex still housed some 200 students.

These buildings were condemned in 1988 by the State Fire Marshall forcing the district to rent classroom space in the Sacred Heart Parish Center, a former Catholic Parochial School, located at the corner of Frank Street & Hooper Street.

 

 

 

THE THIRD SCHOOL: Caro's third school, the first built by the organized school district (Indianfields #3) was completed December 17, 1863. William A. Sherman built it at a cost of $284 and it was located on what now is the Schall Elementary school grounds.

THE FOURTH SCHOOL: After organization of the Union School District, (which succeeded the primary district Indianfields #3 and brought K-12 education to Caro), a building was constructed on Sherman Street and used mainly for primary grades. It was located on the site where the Schall Elementary Annex was located (currently the staff parking area at Schall Elementary School).

THE FIFTH SCHOOL: In September, 1868, at a cost of $4,000, a fifth school was completed by Peter D Bush, located at the corner of Burnside and Frank Street. The two-story, 40 x 60 foot building was torn down for the building of the present Schall Elementary School.

THE SIXTH SCHOOL: This school was built on the Union (now Schall) school grounds. It was a brick structure and was torn down when the temporary Schall Annex was built. 

THE SEVENTH SCHOOL: In 1887, the former brick high school was built on the Union (now Schall) school grounds, facing Frank Street. This was a two story structure with a shop classroom in the basement. After the Schall School was built, a wing was built on the old high school to the Schall School to connect the two buildings. The school was then used as an elementary school and razed in 1953.

THE ANNA BLACK SCHOOL: In about 1911, the school district purchased the old Atwood/Himmelhoch home at the corner of Pearl and Burnside Streets to house students. It was named in honor of an early teacher, Anna Black. This school was later sold to the village to be used as a hospital until opening of the present hospital on Hooper Street.