OAK CREEK PRECINCT

   The Flour Mill, located on the banks of Oak Creek in the southwest corner of Valparaiso, was in operation until World War II.

   An Ice House was popular in the early 1900's in the town of Valparaiso. Blocks of ice were taken from Oak Creek and loaded onto wagons. They were hauled to the Ice House in Valparaiso.

   Valparaiso holds an annual soup supper. It's an annual fund-raising project by all the organizations being involved.

   In 1900 the "Avalanche" was renamed the "Valparaiso Visitor" with J.N. Hemphill, publisher.

   The newspaper changed editors many times. Final publication was in 1952. Harry Parker was editor at that time.

   The "Valparaiso Hi-Lites" under editorship of Father Jerome Pokorny began in 1970 and stopped printing in 1976.

   The first school report on file is dated 1898 by J.A. White, Director and Jesse Galloway, County Superintendent. The report shows 32 children enrolled in school.

   On June 24, 1963, a flash flood washed the building onto the road. The road remained blocked for the summer as the flood also took the bridge across Oak Creek. Scrib's Movers from David City moved the school back on a new foundation closer to Oak Creek. At that time, running water, bathrooms, and an entry room were added. School began on schedule on August 26. At present there are 8 students enrolled. Robbie Chmelka, Melissa Benes, Sara Stratton, Bridget Benes, Joel Rezac, Craig Benes, Roger Benes, and Rachel Krafka. Amber Duensing moved during the year. Mrs. Rose Walla is the teacher. Board members are Johnny Hladik, Randall Stratton, and Fred Benes.

North Star School Dist. #115

   A grant in the amount of $38,000 was being used for ball park renovation at Valparaiso in the fall of 1981. These funds were from the Interior Dept. Land and Water Conservation Fund. This represented only half of the project costs. Much work was accomplished on the ball diamond during 1982. A beautiful area for use by residents is the result.

   In 1962, District #21 in Agnew joined the Valparaiso school system. Valparaiso then consolidated with the Ceresco and Raymond School districts to form Raymond Central Public School #161.

   Elementary students are still being taught at Valparaiso and Ceresco.

Valparaiso Legion Hall

   The Valparaiso American Legion Post #371 has approximately 150 members. Dennis Potter is the commander.

   The post sponsors the following activities: Christmas and Easter parties for children, Boys' and Girls' State representatives, Legion birthday party every March, college scholarships to a local student, participation in County Government Day, and Memorial Day services.

   A new Legion Hall was completed in the fall of 1972. The hall is used for Legion activities and is rented out for dances, suppers, and receptions.

   The Valley of Paradise, Unit 371 Valparaiso, American Legion Auxiliary had 23 members answering roll call in November, 1976. Helen Potter was president in 1976.

   In 1982 Janet Nelson was president of the Auxiliary. The members carry out many important projects throughout the year.

   Present president of the organization is Gwen Potter. Two of their important activities are: perform services at the Veteran's Hospital and take turns sponsoring the Senior Citizens Bingo in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso Elementary School

Ivan Nord Rural Carrier receiving Million Mile Safe-driving Plaque Award	Main Street of Valparaiso

Nelson Oil Company	Ss. Mary and Joseph's Church

Dist. #18 Mount Zion	District 112 Spring Valley

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