Dick Bennett, Hudson, and Dean Bennett, Luck, attended school at Clay Corner.

Photo courtesy of Julie Huebel

Those who attended Fargo School in the town of River Falls included (front, from left): Ann (Dopkins) Jensen, River Falls; Duane Dopkins, Tennessee; Gloria (Marsh) Stockwell, Beldenville; Darlene Rhy, River Falls; and Gail (Nelson) Otterness, Amery; (back) John Enney, Maiden Rock, Nancy (Marsh) Robine, McAllen, Texas; and Les Waxon, River Falls.

Photo courtesy of Julie Huebel

Reunion attendees representing Gertrude School were (front, from left): Noreen (Bergseng) Falde, Spring Valley; Sandy (Nelson) Littrell, Spring Valley; Gail (Nelson) Otterness, Amery; (back) Ellden Herman, River Falls; Dean Bergseng, River Falls; Ross Nelson, Bloomer; Larry Borgerson, River Falls; Steve Nelson, Eau Claire; and Gregory Nelson, Spring Valley.

Photo courtesy of Julie Huebel

The lone reunion attendee from Willow Hill in St. Croix County was Gene Larson of River Falls.

Photo courtesy of Julie Huebel

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People who attended Gertrude, Fargo, Clay Corner, Herum and Willow Hill country schools were invited to a country school reunion Sunday, July 16 at Rush River Lutheran Church pavilion. The event, headed by Dean Bergseng and Noreen Falde, saw about 25 people attend for an afternoon of reminiscing.

Fargo School (joint district #3) was located in Section 24 of River Falls Township at County Road W and 770^th Avenue. The building was replaced in 1914 and appears to have been turned into a house that still stands on the site, according to the Pierce County Historical Association.

Clay Corner School (district #8) was located in Section 18 of Martell Township. It was one of the later country schools to form in 1896; it closed in 1957. The building is no longer standing, but the swing set has been restored by the current owner and is still at the site.

Gertrude School (district #5) was located in Section 1 of River Falls Township. It closed in 1960. The building is no longer on the site. It’s unclear whether it was torn down or moved.

Willow Hill was located across the border into St. Croix County. Herum School (district #4), which no one represented at the reunion, was located in Section 8 of Martell Township. It was named after the Herum family who lived in the area. A log school opened in 1865 or 1866 with a frame building following in 1876. The school closed in 1957. The building was sold and moved to New Centerville in St. Croix County, where it was converted into a home by B. Chapin.

The Pierce County Historical Association is currently collecting country school photos, records, and memories in preparation for a book on Pierce County country schools, which will also include country schools in St. Croix and Dunn counties that funneled up into Pierce County high schools. Please contact Julie Huebel at jhuebel@piercecountyhistorical.org if you have information.