Miss Ring: part 5

– by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Sources include Yesteryears and the Valley Falls New Era.

“It is said ‘Truth is Stranger Than Fiction’ ” commented Miss Lydia Maria Ring in one of her 1878 columns for the Valley Falls New Era “and we are inclined to believe it true, for in the year (1858), many events showed the truth of this. People now speak of it as ‘the year of the great flood’ and ‘ague and fever’ when referring to the incidents of early pioneer life. This year was also remarkable for its severe storms with the most terrific thunder and vivid lightnings and for their long duration often continuing many hours. . . Never shall we forget the experience of one week, every night of which there was a severe thunderstorm and during each day of the entire week the sun did not show his face. There were many other incidents and events which might be mentioned, but will pass them by and come to the one event in our Kansas experience.   

“On the first of  December we were solicited to open a select school for the accommodation of the children of the village (there being no public school established at that time). But there had been a number of good schools previous to this. We consented to accept the trust and honor bestowed, provided a suitable room or rooms could be obtained.

 “A small house owned by Dr. Northrup was thought to be ‘just the place.’ Very primitive it was, but it had one redeeming quality, a ‘tight roof.’ We took possession, fitted it with primitive benches and desks endeavoring to give it the appearance of a schoolroom as much as possible but with all we could command of fancy taste or art, it was still unlovely and could not be made to look home like. But, we adapted ourself to the situation and entered upon our task with energy and zeal,  and with an earnest desire for the success and advancement of the pupils’ committee to our charge.

“Grading classes was out of the question, not having proper tools. Discipline could be maintained even with such imperfect surroundings, but with greater labor and less good results.”

Miss Ring spent nine months in her school, profitable, she hoped to some of her pupils. She was satisfied that some of those who received their first principles in her school occupied prominent positions in life. She wrote about this time (1859), that Miss Parker came from Maine, erected a schoolhouse and opened another school.

“Soon after, we  resigned in her favor. We had a prior claim upon the pupils, but she had the schoolhouse, so the ‘Yankee School-Marms’ compromised and both well pleased.

 “The first of September 1859, left Grasshopper Falls for Leavenworth and opened a school in pleasant rooms at Seventh and Ottawa streets, was successful in securing pupils, and made an effort to be happy in our new house.”

Next, Miss Ring succumbs to the excitement of Pikes Peak Colorado Gold Fever.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open Saturday, July 24, with closing time dependent on indoor and outdoor temperatures.