Posted in Idaho History December 27, 2021 by

Idaho Schools In The Early 1900s Are Nothing Like They Are Today

Often, a trip back in time will make you more fully appreciate all of the many wonderful blessings you have enjoyed in your life. When you look at school buildings throughout Idaho in the early 1900s, this couldn’t be more true. These buildings were typically small, cramped, and simple. We thought it would be fun to take a look at what Idaho schools looked like in the early 1900s and believe us, they are nothing like they are today.

This image shows the Avery, Idaho School District Building, circa 1915.
National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This image shows a two-story public schoolhouse in Peck, Idaho, which is located in Nez Perce County. This image dates back to 1915.
Steve Shook/Flickr
Construction on this schoolhouse began in 1910 and it featured four large rooms. Students in first through eighth grade attended school on the first floor, while older students attended their classes on the second floor.
This image shows a large schoolhouse in Idaho in 1911. This school was in Kendrick, a small town in the northern part of the state.
Steve Shook/Flickr
Here’s a look inside a small schoolhouse in Oneida County in 1936. Notice the long benches for the students and that beautiful piano.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
Here you will see a small schoolhouse in Oneida County, circa 1936. Pay attention to the few windows on this schoolhouse. It was likely so dark inside!
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
Here is a log schoolhouse that is in an isolated area in Oneida County. This image was taken in 1936.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
This image shows a group of students standing outside of the Jacknife School in Gem County. This image was taken in 1939.
Dorothea Lange/Photogrammar
This image captured children playing outside of a schoolhouse in Gem County in 1939.
Dorothea Lange/Photogrammar
Here is a small group of students in Rupert, Idaho, hopping on a school bus. This image was taken in 1942.
Russell Lee/Photogrammar
Here’s a unique view of the University of Idaho campus in Moscow. This image was taken in 1915.
Steve Shook/Flickr
The University of Idaho was founded in 1889. When classes first began in 1892, there were only 40 students enrolled at the school. Only four students marched in the first commencement, which was held in 1896. Check out this article to learn even more about the history of this Idaho university.

What did you think about these photos? Would you want to go to school in the early 1900s? Share with us your thoughts in the comments!

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