AINSWORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL 
(Lila McAndrew)

     (41) School District No. 10, Ainsworth was organized August 25, 1883, E. A. Palmer was director, J. W. Alden moderator and S. G. Chaney treasurer.

     The first school in district No. 10 was held in a little log building, northwest of town, on the north bank of Bone Creek, in 1882. It was taught by Mrs. Mary Wade. Some of the pupils attending were Lettie Cheney (Mrs. J. D. Kirkpatrick), Millie Cheney (Mrs. Will Kirkpatrick), Joy and Bert Cheney, Dan and Mary Woodward, (the late Mrs. L. M. Short.)

     In 1883 school was held in a frame building where the home of Mr. Leve Lindquist now stands. The building was also used as a jail. Judge S. G. Sparks was the teacher. The names of the late James Munson and Albert Chaney were among those added to the list of pupils.

     The next year, (1884) school was held in the original Congregational church building, although the walls were not yet plastered and brown paper had to serve as a substitute. 

     Prof. A. W. Smith presided over the advanced grades who were seated with faces to the north. Mrs. O. B. Rippey taught the primary pupils whose seat faced the south, both departments being in one room. 

     In 1885 school convened in a two room frame structure, which was located across the street east of the present site of the Bell Telephone building. Prof. A. W. Smith continued as upper grade instructor and Mrs. Hattie Ray had charge of the lower grades.

     In 1886 a four-room, two story brick building was erected on the ground where the present grade building now stands. Prof. A. W. Smith continued as principal and Miss Luce taught in the lower grades. Prof. Chas. E. Holmes was the next principal, Mrs. J. Wyvel (then Miss Westover) and Miss Clyde Allen were lower (43) grade teachers. Among the teachers who followed were Mrs. Byron Chase, then known as Miss Golden, Miss Anna Wartz and Miss Lou Richmond, (the late Mrs. George Farman, Sr.) This building was wrecked as soon as school closed in the spring of 1895, and some of the material was salvaged and used in the present grade structure, in which school was opened the following fall,--only two weeks later than the usual time. 

     This building supplied the needs until 1910 when more room became necessary. At this time what is known as the Gray building was erected. Prof. W. E. Flake was the first superintendent who had charge in this building. It was about this time that the twelfth grade was added and the High School became accredited with Nebraska University. 

     In 1922 the present High School building was begun, completed in 1923, and formally dedicated October 26th of that year. This fine structure will no doubt stand for many years as a monument to the members of the board of education and loyal citizens, who at that time fought numerous legal battles with opposers, in their determination to provide adequate housing facilities for the youth of the community in a building of which that community may well be proud.

     (Having had the privilege of a very interesting interview with Mrs. Nannie Hogan, daughter of the late Mrs. Nannie Osborn, during her last visit to Ainsworth in July, 1935, a few facts of general interest, as well as some of her own pioneer experiences were recorded, chiefly for the benefit of the school children who often have need to seek information regarding the early history of the town.)--Lila McAndrew.

     (44) Mrs. Osborn and her daughter, Nannie lived at old Fort Hartsuf near the town of Ord. They became acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Tower, the latter being a sister of Mr. Ed Cook, who was foreman of the famous Cook ranch. The buildings which were erected in 1873, all built of logs, were located on the bank of Bone Creek and were the first to be erected on the site which was later to be known as the town of Ainsworth. 

     Many bones of mastadons and other prehistoric animals were found in and along the banks of the stream, hence the name Bone Creek. 

     Mr. Cook had come in 1877 and "squatted" on the claim. The cattle were owned by a syndicate but Cook was manager of the ranch. In 1879, through the influence of Mr. and Mrs. Tower, Mrs. Osborn and Nannie were persuaded to come up from Fort Hartsuff and serve meals to the cow boys on this ranch. Mr. Cook was to take care of their stock and pay them a monthly salary. Coming across country with all their worldly possessions, they were given living quarters in the north end of the log building. Mr. Cook's home, including the Post Office, was in the south end with a long hall-like room between. Mrs. Osborn was made assistant postmaster. Among the people who got mail at that time were: Gus Sissons, Stanleys, Swetts, Stockwells, Carpenders, and Fanchers. 

     A lantern was raised to the top of a high pole at the Cook ranch every night, which served as a signal of habitation to those in the vicinity. One night word was received at the ranch that "Doc" Middleton and his gang of men were coming. Cook told two cow boys to sleep one on each side of the fireplace, which was done (45) with much apprehension, and extreme tenseness prevailed in the cabin that night. When the outlaws arrived, Cook allowed them to come in. They had blankets and slept peaceably on the floor, but the two cowboys stayed on guard. In the morning the host invited them to have breakfast but the band refused the invitaion and went on to the Bassett ranch near Pine creek. (This was later known as the Kyner place.) Here they demanded breakfast. 

     Mrs. Osborn filed on a homestead, a part of which is now in the west part of Ainsworth. The original house of logs still stands on the corner of 2nd and Osborn streets, but it is now covered with cement. Nannie took a homestead farther west. Both women also filed on tree claims and preemptions.

     Mrs. Osborn had business to transact in Ord the next spring, after locating at Ainsworth, so she and Nannie hoisted the side saddles on their ponies and set out to make the trip on horseback. By dark the first night they had arrived at Dick Ray's ranch, on Gracie creek, about seventy-five miles from Ainsworth. They found no one home but in those days the latch string was always out. So they went in, made tea, prepared lunch and retired for the night. About midnight they were awakened by the clattering of horses hoofs and were not sure just who might be coming. But it proved to be Dick Ray himself and his men who were equally surprised to find horses in their barn. But when Cook's brand was discovered on the horses and the side saddles were seen on the porch, they knew who was there. On entering the house Mrs. Osborn called and made themselves known. On their way back from Ord they had to stay at this (46) ranch again and although Nannie much preferred to take care of her pony herself the men insisted on feeding it for her. But Little Charlie was not accustomed to an over indulgence of food and before the travellers had gone very far on the homeward trail the pony was sick. However they managed to get to the head of Pine Creek about dark that night but the trail could not be seen. The faithful pony had always led the way home but Little Charlie was not himself so seemed unable to pick up the trail and the two brave hearted women realized they were lost. They saw two camp fires off to the northwest but were uncertain which one they should try to reach so decided to make for Bassett's ranch. But as several attempts to find the trail which would take them there were unsuccessful, they decided to go back to a cave in the bank of a cliff of Pine creek, which had been passed some time before, and there they spent the night. Each one had a blanket so they rolled up in these and Nannie held the reins of the horses standing outside. A cold drizzling rain set in which turned to snow. Cute, the dog was left outside as guard but was later brought in to keep his mistress' feet warm. At daybreak they started out again. The only land mark visible was a lone pine tree about fifteen miles away. After traveling some distance they saw men coming who proved to be Mr. Cook and two cowboys coming to find them and who piloted them safely home. 

     Mrs. Osborn donated the lots for the Court House, also for the Congregational and Methodist churches and Mr. Cook's sisters gave $300.00 for the bell used on the Methodist church. 

     Leroy Hall owned the east part of town and donated the school house block. His home was the place which is better known as the Scattergood residence. John Sullivan located south of the tracks. Woodward's log store was built in 1880. The Orcutt hotel about where the Ford garage and Royal Theatre are now located.