Lincoln No. 5 School

Lincoln No. 5 School originally stood northeast of Creston in Lincoln Township, where it was built in 1872 and operated until it closed in 1966 because of a state-mandated reorganization of schools. It was then purchased by the Union County Historical Society and moved to McKinley Park by A. V. Boyd and Sons. The school is preserved as an example of the crude beginnings of the three R's. One teacher taught all grades from kindergarten through eighth grade and covered all subjects, including art, P.E., and music. School hours were from 9:00 to 4:00. There were often only one or two pupils in a grade, but they played together before school, at noon, and at recess as one big happy family. Water came from a well on the school grounds, was kept in a water cooler inside, and each student had his own cup. All students brought sack lunches and, when weather permitted, ate outside in the spring and fall. In earlier times, pot-bellied stoves burned wood and coal for heat, and kerosene lamps were used before electricity arrived. Usually one program was given each year by the pupils, with songs, spoken pieces, and plays. To raise money for school needs, box socials, pay suppers, and spelling bees were often held, bringing fun and social life to the community.

Creston, Iowa · United States