Highland School Dist. No.16

The building I now know to be Highland School District No. 16, gave me a run for my money to research. While the date of this building being built isn’t exactly certain the school district dates back to the 1890s.

The Yake family seemed to be predominantly involved on the school board and as students. Ruby, Cecil and Edna Yake all attended this school until graduation. Their father James Yake served as the director and later his wife Flora served.

Attendance never really got above 15 pupils. There are rural schools, and then there are ones like Highland that are deep in the country and only serve a few students at a time. Grades A and Grades B were taught here, probably only until present-day 8th grade.

A superintendent’s visit in 1921 noted 12 students all busy, happy and active in learning. Miss Anna Hayden was the teacher. During this time a small barn and playground equipment were in the process of being constructed. The school was said to have a pump near the house and flag pole in the front yard. All of which has since been removed.

Based on aerial views of the school I believe it was abandoned around 1960, maybe a few years before. Everything on the property was probably auctioned off including the building. It has since deteriorated greatly and is at risk of falling in on itself.

Gallery Below of Highland School Dist. No.16

If you wish to support our current and future work, please consider making a donation or purchasing one of our many books. Any and all donations are appreciated.

Donate to our cause Check out our books!