Originally published in the North Maple Valley Living Magazine, September 2021
By JoAnne Matsumura
Maple Valley Historical Society
As early as 1919, The Seattle Star newspaper announced, “Maple Valley will have new school building for both grade and high school students.” By September 25, 1920, The Star listed the new school would have nine rooms at a cost of $47,000. There were new desks, large blackboards, and plenty of windows for added lighting.
The new school superintendent and principal, Mr. C.H. Bowman, had arrived and announced if everyone worked together in a spirit of co-operation, it could be the best year the school ever had. He asked that every student of all 12 grades be in attendance on the first day, September 6, 1921, and be punctual each following school day, as this would help towards the school’s accreditation.
Maple Valley’s first school building was built in 1880 when there became enough families with children of school age. Miss May Davis, while only age 15, was chosen suitable and was given a permit to teach. She received $12 per month, teaching in a one-room log house.
There was a time when an eighth-grade education was considered ample and gave all the necessary learning for life’s purposes.
On opening day, September 6th, there was eight teachers, 160 registered students, with 35 of those students enrolled in the high school grades. There were 19 freshman, nine sophomores, three juniors, and four seniors. There were to be additional library books, and equipment to complete the laboratories to meet the upcoming requirements.
The teachers included Principal C.H. Bowman (who taught history), Mrs. Stella Stokes, Louise Cutts, Austin D. Bond, Miss Lydia Arnold, Mrs. C.H. Bowman, Miss Winifred Privett, Miss Dorthea Johnson, and Mrs. Austin D. Bond.
Towards the end of September, Oscar Olson had the school grounds nearly ready. It was a bit later than planned because of heavy rains and hard rocky soil. Still to be determined was a water system, as the electric pump that was previously used was not satisfactory. A gravity system would also offer fire protection.
The county health department conducted an inspection on September 26th, and offered a few suggestions. As in most school districts, Maple Valley was growing and by mid-October, it was suggested that some boundaries in Squak Valley, District #114, be added to Maple Valley District #198. At that time District #198 took in over 35 square miles.
As a new school there were many new things to consider, and by mid-October the students were busy.
A new student’s association was established with James Anderson, president; Amy Donlan, vice president; Madeline Koester, secretary; and Anna Koester, treasurer.
Russell Perry was elected yell leader. Colors and motto committees were appointed. Phil Plano of the color committee provided several selections, and blue and gold were selected. “Possunt quia posse videntur” (they can because they think they can) was chosen by Amy Donlan to be their motto. Mrs. Stokes, chairman of the constitution and bylaws was chosen. Sports and other functions were not yet decided.
It didn’t take long for the school students to make the classrooms look colorful by decorating them with pictures, flowers, crepe paper curtains, and window boxes.
When it came to spelling, an excellent record was set by second graders: Mary Codiga, John Vizzare, and Buddy Berrisford. They had no misspelled words since the school opened.
Good news was pronounced on November 9, 1921, when State School Inspector Edwin Twitmyer announced, “I am glad that I found everything in such excellent condition, and I shall recommend that your school be accredited.”
A job well done by all!
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