SOURCE: Diagonal, Iowa: Centennial History p. 231. 1998.

Submission by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2010

Our family moved into the Lincoln #2 school district in December 1950. Providing my memory serves me correctly, there was 7 - 8 boys in the school: Kenneth, Alvin & Calvin Parker, Dick & Bob Hower, David Scott, Derlin Beard and Charles Justis when Ann, Leona & Cleona Stephens enrolled in December 1950. I (Ann) was in the 6th grade and Leona and Cleona were in the 3rd. The teacher was Elaine Priest-Carter. Kenneth Parker graduated from the 8th grade that spring.

The 1951-52 year, Thelma Schmitt was the teacher. Roger and Christine Francis enrolled that year. Janis Scott started Kindergarten. Calvin Parker graduated from the 8th grade.

1952-53 year, Floy Davenport was the teacher the first semester and Velma Linthicum was the teacher the second semester. Ann Stephens graduated from the 8th grade that spring.

Most of the country schools were painted white but this one had the distinction of being barn red. Thus dubbed "The Little Red School House."

We had a box supper and pie social in the fall to raise money to buy school supplies for the students.

Usually each month there was a "community night." Everyone in the community was invited. It was just a social time with refreshments of pie and sandwiches at the end of the evening.

The teacher and students were responsible for putting on the annual Christmas program. The school house was decorated and students drew names for a gift exchange. This time refreshments included home-made candies along with sandwiches.