Riverside School’s story stretches back more than 160 years and reflects the resilience, independence, and strong community spirit of Hagar Township.
🌲 1861 — The District Is Formed
The Riverside Hagar #6 School District was officially formed in 1861. The organizing meeting was held on March 15 in what was known as the “log school” on St. Joseph Road (now Riverside Road). While the exact location of that early schoolhouse has been lost to history, records show that six qualified voters attended the meeting. James Flood was elected moderator, William Flood assessor, and Ezekiel F. Reynolds director.
📚 Early School Years
One of the first teachers, Mary Jane McCray, taught a 26-week term and earned $2 per week. In 1864, the school year was expanded to seven months, beginning in November, pausing in the spring, and resuming in May.
🏫 1869 — A Permanent School Building
In 1869, the community decided to construct a new school building. The frame structure measured 24 by 30 feet, with ten-foot ceilings, and the school site was moved to its current location.
In 1891, the schoolhouse was raised and underpinned with brick. Later, in 1931, the Bauschkes completed remodeling of the original room and first addition at a cost of $3,800.
🚸 Growth and Expansion
As enrollment grew, the school added improvements over time:
- 1947 — Due to overcrowding, classes were temporarily held in the basement of the Methodist Church
- 1948 — A playground was added
- 1949 — A second addition brought a hallway and new restroom facilities
🚌 The 1950s — Modernization
The 1950s were a decade of exciting change:
- The district purchased its first school bus, with Wilber Fikes serving as driver for 12 years
- 1954 — The school “modernized” with the installation of its first telephone
- A driveway and sidewalk were blacktopped
- Music instruction was added to the curriculum
By 1958, overcrowding again led the Community Club (the district’s version of a PTA) to advocate for another addition. Plans were approved for two new classrooms, a corridor, and an office — funded entirely by money the School Board had carefully saved, without bonds or new taxes.
🏀 Staying Independent
Riverside Hagar #6 was one of the few rural districts that did not join the school consolidations of the 1960s. The school continued making improvements, including paving a combined tennis and basketball court that also served as an ice skating rink in winter.
🎉 Celebrations and Community
The school celebrated major milestones with large community gatherings for its 100th, 125th, and 150th anniversaries, including an Open House/Homecoming event on October 19, 2019. The Community Club continues to play an active role in school life.
💻 Into the Modern Era
In 2002, Riverside installed a computer lab, continuing its tradition of adapting to changing educational needs while maintaining its small-school, community-focused identity.