08/27/2026
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Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some cherished moments from our community's history! Each week, on Thursday, we are going to "throw it back" and share a piece of our community history with you.
Clear Lake has experienced the start of the school year. Young people attending school has happened for decades. Let's first take a quick look back at some of the individuals who taught in our community. Young Elizabeth Gardner (daughter of Rowland Gardner who had moved from his land near Clear Lake to Spirit Lake where he was killed by a band of Sioux Indians in 1957) held class in the log cabin of Joseph Hewitt in 1855. Not only was she the first teacher in Clear Lake, but also in Cerro Gordo County. She had 17 students in her classroom. The 1882 edition of History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo Counties mentions that a Mrs. Stiler taught in Clear Lake after Elizabeth married and moved to Mason City.
Ruben Humphreyville signed a contract with the local "school board of trustees" on Dec. 14, 1857. He was paid a salary of $30.00 a month for a period of 3 and a half months. He taught in a schoolhouse that was 12 feet by 12 feet. This building was used for several years. It should be noted that during this time in history, it was common to hold classes only when classes did not conflict with planting and harvest times on the farm. Clear Lake's next teacher of record was Sarah Tompkins who signed her contract on June 1, 1858, and agreed to teach for a 12-week term. Her salary was $4.00 per week. Another teacher in 1858 was A.E. Howard who taught in Clear Lake for 4 months at a salary of $25.00 per month.
The years of 1859 through 1872 saw numerous teachers instructing youngsters for several terms at our school. It is important to keep in mind that several rural schools existed in Cerro Gordo County at this time and were not within the corporate limits of any specific community. Township schools were located within the boundaries of each individual township. This independent school district, overseen by the Township Trustees, would be divided into sub-districts within the township providing a school that was within walking distance for children spread out across the 36-square miles of Iowa land. The standard walking distance for students was 1 to 2 miles, one way.
By 1874, Clear Lake split from the Township school model and organized its own independent school district with Professor D.A. Ham in charge. This brought together students from both Lake and Clear Lake Townships. The original 26 square foot wooden structure used as a school by Mr. Humphreyville, was no longer a sufficient size and a new building was constructed in 1869. This school was located near the Methodist-Episcopal Church which was on the corner of State St. (1st Ave N & N 5th St). As Clear Lake's population grew, there was a need to build yet another school. In 1872 an L-shaped, 2-story wooden building was constructed at the corner of Benton St (2nd Ave N & N 5th St). This building was used until 1890 when a larger brick school building was constructed on the hill at N 8th St and Division St (7th Ave N). At this time period the enrollment in Clear Lake school was 400 students.
This building was used until it was destroyed by a fire in 1912. Classes were held at the Methodist-Episcopal and Congregational churches until the new school building was constructed and opened in 1915. Unfortunately, this 3-story building also fell prey to fire in 1990 after it had served first as a K-12 building and then an intermediate school when the high school was built in the early 1950s. Once again, fire claimed another Clear Lake school building in 1975 when the old high school then the junior high school, was destroyed by fire on a school day. Thankfully there were no injuries, but the building was a total loss. This entire block is now home to Central Gardens and Garden View Apartments.
The photos included are from the joint website of the Clear Lake Historical Society and Clear Lake Public Library History Room. These photos and other photos of Clear Lake's schools can be found at clearlakeiahistory.org.
You will also find more stories and photos about Clear Lake Community Schools over the years on the website. Enjoy and share your memories.
