Wayside School

In 1916 Wayside was approved for a new brick one-story school with a basement and modern facilities. The space was used for community events, suppers, reunions, weddings, etc and continued to host such activities for years to come. The district was one of the wealthiest in the county with over $500,000 of taxable property.

The architect of the building was C. A. Henderson of Coffeyville. However, the school district ran into some issues with the construction contract. When bids opened up Zollars and Carson made a low bid of  $9,000, the board of education did not immediately award the contract and had to consider what to do next. But after negotiation, a bigger bid was placed of $11,375 and Zollars & Carson was given the construction contract. Wayside School contained four classrooms, heating, plumbing, and electricity. The gym itself somewhat resembles that of the one in Coyville.

The school served grades K-12, Wayside Panthers dominated basketball, spelling bees, baseball, and track. Wayside High School closed in 1968 for the same reason many others did, a decline in enrollment led to no state funding. The district consolidated with nearby Caney Valley USD 436. In 1969, local vandals caused $500 worth of damage breaking almost all of the windows on the west side of the building.

During a road trip in December 2023, I found the school’s gymnasium was just a pile of rubble. The small classroom building was still standing but in rough condition. A new for sale sign was placed by the property with the contact info of Land and Lifestyle Properties (620) 577-4487.

Gallery Below of Wayside School

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