Minutes from Butler School District

History - Lyons

Minutes of Butler School District

A perusal of the minute book of School District #12 of Butler and Savannah gives a good picture of the growth and development of the school. Here are some interesting highlights from the minutes of the Butler School...

In January 1838, it was "resolved that the District purchase 9 square rods of ground from Peter Weatherwax for a site for a school house for which we agree to pay two ($2.00)." Also "resolved that we raise by tax the sume of two hundred (200) dollars to build a school house in this district."

In February of the same year at a special meeting it was "resolved that the vote passed at the last meeting to raise $200 dollars to build a school house be reconsidered." Vote passed. Also "resolved that the sum of 225 dollars be raise to build a school house." Vote passed.

At the annual meeting in September 1838 it was "resolved that we raise the sum of one hundred and twelve dollars and fifty cents for finishing the school house. Also the sum of twenty three dollars and three cents to pay for the site for the house and purchase stove and pipe, pail, broom, cup, etc." It was also "resolved that each inhabitant of this district furnish one half a cord of bark or wood stove length for each scholar sent to school and that said wood be delivered on or before the first day of January. And in the case of failure to deliver the wood by that time, the sum of seven shillings per cord shall be collected." Note: It was not until 1848 that this practice was abandoned and the trustees were ordered to levy a tax for the purchase of fuel - usually 12 to 15 dollars.

In September of 1839, it was resolved to raise six dollars and seventy five cents to make up the sum of $10 for the purchase of a library.

At a special meeting held on November 16 of the same year, it was resolved that we raise $5 to make up the sum of $15 for the purchase of library and that the said money be collected from the inhabitants of this district in equal porportions to each scholar between five and sixteen years of age.

At another special meeting held April 27, 1842, it was resolved to authorize the trustees to purchase Stevens Incidents of Travel in Central America - Yucatan or Syria and in case this can not be obtained to purchase such other books as they think best.

In September of 1842 it was resolved that two thirds of the public money be appropriated for winter school and one third for the ensuing summer school.

In 1845 it was resolved that the trustees be authorized to cause a Back house to be built and collect sufficient money of the taxable inhabitants to pay for same.

In 1846 the question of an addition to the school house was raised and trustees were authorized to raise the sum of three hundred dollars for this purpose.

In 1851 they voted to raise $3.50 for a clock and also to raise by tax $20 for the purpose of building a woodhouse (8x12).

Taken from Odds and Ends of Wayne County History in the
Wayne County Historical Society Archives.

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