LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Philo Hawes's Home School In the winter of 1868-69, 6 students were taught in the home of Philo Hawes. This was the beginning of public education in Luverne. Blacksmith School The first public school was conducted in 1870-71 in a sod blacksmith shop on a farm one mile east of the town. 1st School District On February 16, 1871, District No. 2, the Luverne School District, was formed. Warren Street School In 1872 lumber was hauled in from Worthington, and an official school was built on Warren Street. The first term in this new school commenced in April 1873 with 25 students in attendance. The building was two stories tall and was 22x38 feet in size. The upstairs was not used for school so it was leased to the county for offices. A party of grain haulers camped in the building over night and it is believed that they were responsible for a fire which destroyed the building. Main Street School Another school was built on Main Street to replace the building that was destroyed by fire. It was located between Cedar and McKenzie streets. Before it was even completed it was judged to be to small. School was held in church basements and any other available buildings to help the growing student population. Central Building In 1883 school was held in a brand new school on Luverne Street. Within 3 years it also was to small and an addition was needed to make it bigger. This school building was called Central School.