NEGenWeb Project

PLATTE COUNTY, NEBRASKA SCHOOLS
LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP

NOTE: Approximate locations of the Lost Creek Township school districts can be found on the standard township map. Lost Creek Township is located in Township 18 North, Range 2 West (T18N, R2W). Section numbers (S) are given as a reference point only and are as found in the 1899 Atlas. In some cases, the buildings were moved or a new building constructed nearby which may have resulted in the school locating in a different section.
According to the History of Platte County, Nebraska by Margaret Curry (1950), "Land for the first school in the township was leased by Robert Nicholson and Ansel Wright; Joseph Watts built the building in 1871. This building served until 1918, when the present structure was erected. The schoolhouse was located on the old Indian trail between the homes of two friendly tribes, the Pawnees and the Omahas. Frequently the Indians as they passed along the trail, would stop to peek through the windows of homes or, in winter, step inside to sit by the fire. Dana Magoon was the first teacher and members of the school board were: Robert Nicholson, John Sacrider and Joseph Watts." Note: District No. 11 appears to be the oldest school in Lost Creek Township, but I believe she may have been referring to District No. 20.
District No. 11 (S26, T18N, R2W) - On November 13, 1869, the District was comprised of all of T18, 19, and 20 of R2W, and T17 of R2W (north of the Loup river)

Index of names - Thank you, Shirley Martys, for indexing the names from the booklet, "School District #11, Platte County, NE, History" dated July 1990

History - Additional information found on the history of District No. 11.

According to the March 5, 1886 Columbus Democrat, during February there were 36 pupils enrolled with an average daily attendance of 32. Geo. Harman, Teacher.

Early teacher: A. E. Hoare (1901/1902)

Early board members:

Dissolved July 1, 1969 and became a part of District No. 24.

District No. 17 (S5, T18N, R2W) - On December 24, 1887 land was detached and attached to District No. 14.

Early teacher: Miss Marion Lamb (1901/1902)

Early board members:

District No. 17 was dissolved June 1, 1985 (joined No. 24)

District No. 20 (S20, T18N, R2W) - "Wattsville" was organized January 10, 1872.

Early teacher: J. R. Lake (1901/1902)

Early board members:

District was dissolved February 1, 1973

District No. 24 (S13, T18N, R2W) - was formed about April 6, 1872 out of part of District No. 11. To view a picture of the school, click here.

Early teachers:

Early board members:

The District merged with Lakeview High School as a Class III District on June 1, 1997.

St. Joseph School - located in Platte Center (1885 - 1968)

Plans were made to open a school in Platte Center on September 7, 1885 with about forty pupils. The combination building consisted of two classrooms, with the church above the classrooms, while the other part of the building served as the Sisters' apartments.

School children pictured in 1910 as they posed in front of the first church and school were: Teddy Macken, Maurice Langan, Irvin Cronin, Leo Kaipust, Leo Bogus, Clarence Greisen, Lester Gruenther, Alfred Gossman, Ray Hanson, Mark Schilz, Ralph Bruckner, Jim McGuane, Vera Foreman, Mary Szostak, Mary Gossman, Alice Hanzel, Margaret Schumacher, Madeline Schumacher, Everett Dress, Francis Burke, Frank Szostak, Charlie Kaipust, Tom Hanzel, Hilger Schilz, Charlie Soulliere, Frank Zabawa, Leo Hamling, Leo Erschabek, Vesta Cronin, Maude Langan, Sara Carrig, Margaret Langan, Mary Reilly, Mary McGuane, Alice Purchal, Inez Wilson, Mary Gronenthal, Mary Carrig, Vistoria Szostak, Leona Gruenther, Ethelreda Mottles and Tom Bogus. See photo at: St. Joseph.

The new school built in 1912 consisted of a basement which housed a small kitchen, furnace room, coal room and several small rooms to the east. A hast was to the west under the classrooms. This area served as a winter chapel for many years. The first floor had two large classrooms with cloakrooms. In the convent to the east, there was a north entry, Sisters Chapel, sitting room, kitchen, pantry, dining room and linen closet. The second floor also had two large classrooms to the west, a restroom, library-study and three bedrooms in the Sisters' quarters. The third floor was an area for boarding students.

Tragedy struck Platte Center Thursday evening October 29, 1914 about 7:45 when several boys and one grown person were buried under tons of dirt in a cave which the boys had built in the bank in the dry part of Elm Creek, south of the business part of town. Earl Burke, who was only slightly covered near the entrance, escaped with painful but not serious injuries. Clarence Greisen was breathing when he was taken out but died shortly after being rescued. Mr. E.H. Walters was recovered next, near where Clarence was found. Mr. Walters escaped death, although badly injured. He had been making suggestions to the boys about bracing and boarding up the cave. Jerome Macken was the last to be taken out. His neck being broken there was no chance of his surviving.

Both boys were the youngest in their families and students of St. Joseph School. Clarence, son of Mr. & Mrs. Hilger Greisen, was buried in St. Anthony cemetery. Jerome, son of Mr. & Mrs. D.V. Macken, was buried at St. Patrick cemetery.

In 1915 the course of studies included grades one to ten with an enrollment of approximately 110 pupils.

A picture of Solemn Communion taken in approximately 1916, lists the following: Ed Schumacher, John E. Soulliere, Father Liborius, Margaret Mary Reilly, Mary Soulliere, Morris Langan, Irvin Cronin, Frank Szostak, Leo Erschabek, Charlie Kaipust, Vera Foreman, Ethelreda Mottles, Violinda Liebig, Frank Zabawa, Leo Bogus, Leo Hamling, Hilger Schuliz, Ann Vauchaski, Maude Langan, and Margaret Schumacher. See photo at: St. Joseph.

In 1933 the enrollment was 140 pupils with eight twelfth grade graduates. The last St. Joseph High School graduation took place on May 29, 1934.

The decision was made May 15, 1968 by the School Board and pastor to close St. Joseph School permanently. The building housed District 24 until 1976 when District 24 built a new school. The building was demolished in 1978 with the exception of the bell which now stands on the northwest corner of the Church lot.

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