While researching a general topic of education in Sherburne County,
a greater understanding of the architecture of schoolhouses emerged. By this I suggest that searching for details
of the large, brick, near-monumental schools in Sherburne County reveals an
interesting pattern.
The best known of the large schools in Sherburne County
resides in Elk River. In 1883, fire
destroyed the Elk River school. A fire
resistant, brick building replaced the destroyed structure. A two-story edifice, a school for all grades
opened its doors. This building is the
first of the large, semi-permanent edifices that pre-dates education reform and
expands the possibilities for education in Sherburne County.
 |
| First brick schoolhouse in Elk River pre-1900 |
The first graduating class of this new Elk River school
matriculated in 1888. Eleven years
later, in 1899 the state of Minnesota advanced education in Sherburne County. That year, the School Law passed through the legislature
requiring school attendance for all children between the ages of 8 and 16. The law seemed less than stringent, as the
required attendance demanded only 12 weeks per year, and at least six
consecutive weeks. Yet, failure to comply
with the law could result in fines up to $20.
With the passage of the School Law, attendance in Sherburne County
schools increased dramatically. And the
demand for larger schools increased. In
1903, Big Lake opened the doors for its well-known school. In less than a year, newspapers rated the Big
Lake School as one of the best in the area.
In January 1904, the school claimed an enrollment of over one hundred
students.
 |
| Becker school circa 1916 |
Becker soon joined the movement towards larger, and better
schools. In January 1906, the two-story,
brick school building opened for students.
The school offered classes from grade one to twelve. Before long student needs out-grew the
building. The teaching staff continued
to grow and by 1916, attendance demanded additions made to the building.
Beginning in the 1890s and continuing into the early 1900s, interest
in education grew and enrollment in schools increased dramatically. Discussions over increasing the number of
school districts and the availability of educational resources seemed common
topics. Yet, the enhanced,
semi-permanent, brick, school buildings
in the larger communities of Sherburne County suggests the importance of education
in the county grew significantly during this time.
