Yoe Elementary
The education system serving Yoe has taken dramatic changes over the years. In 1968 the school building that held so many memories for people no longer served as a school, but as a vacant building later turned into apartments. Today the building serves as a home to many people and a second and third floor has been added. Children who live in Yoe are transported by bus to surround schools.
"The reason for the establishment of the school was because the children of Yoe had no place to go to school, and there was no transportation for them", stated Fred Wilt. "The children would have to walk to and from school."
"The schools used to be a one room school house, no water, outhouses, and woodstoves. There was one teacher for all grades, but when I came to Yoe Elementary it was much nicer, and the people were much friendlier," recalled Effie Smith.
"There were 25-30 kids per class room and 90-100 kids through out the school. The teachers back then were more interested in each individual student. They knew their families, and were interested in the child as a person as well as a student", replied Dottie Gallagher.
"My favorite teacher was Mrs. Emenheiser. The one thing I remember her telling me was never put anything on top of my bible. It's the most important book, and I am still careful to listen to her teaching today", pronounced Mrs. Gallagher.
"The principal at the time was Russel Grove. He was principal in 1923 so he had to serve at least thirty years".
"The subjects taught were reading, writing, arithmetic, penmanship, history, geography, health, art, and music. For lunch we packed or walked home, and for recess we would look for lucky stones in the back of the school", exclaimed Mrs. Gallagher.
"The teachers were very strict and punishment was to. They were allowed to hit and spank if punishment was needed. I remember one teacher who threw erasers at children when they misbehaved. She once broke my sisters glasses", recalled Mrs. Smith.
"The only activities available to participate in were gym", said Mrs. Gallagher.
"My favorite memory is of the boys and girls who tried to push over the outhouses outside the school". recalled Mrs. Smith.
"The most vivid memory that still hangs in my mind are the air raid drills when we would crawl under the desks and the teachers would pull down the blinds", exclaimes Mrs. Gallagher.
Yoe Elementary changed many peoples lives, and built many memories that will never be forgotten. Throughout their lives people will never forget the things they learned or discovered there.
