Turner County Fair
In the late 1960's the state legislature passed laws that provided for consolidation of schools in South Dakota. Within a few years, most schools in the state had consolidated. The "little one room schoolhouse" which had long been an American institution rapidly began to vanish. Those that remained were required that they operate as a satellite of a larger school district that provided both elementary and secondary education. So a few rural schools have survived in more remote regions of our state. However, by the early 70's all the country schools in Turner County had been closed, the contents and buildings being sold at public auction.
Located in Heritage Park we have the first schoolhouse in Turner County which was located northwest of Swan Lake. The bell in this school was purchased at Yankton and once hung in the state territorial capital building when Yankton was the capitol.
The schoolhouse is furnished as one-room country schools were. Hanging on the wall we have a large map of the county and pictures of many of the former rural schools which were located in our county. The photographs on the map are where the schools were located. We are missing a few photographs so if your school is not here, we apologize. If anyone knows where we could find a copy of these missing school houses, please stop by the schoolhouse at the fair or email us and let us know so we can copy your picture.
It seems that everyone who ever attended a country school or taught in one has many pleasant memories. Stop by and see our schoolhouse when you visit the fair!
CLICK ON EACH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL TO SEE A LARGER PICTURE.
If you have "pop-ups" and "JAVA" active when your mouse points at a school it will auto open in a new windows also.
Turner County Fair