Dam construction meant school growth

School District No. 6 school enrollment showed a huge increase in the first year after prime contract for Hungry Horse Dam was let. Grade school enrollment report was 832 students when school started in 1948. This compared to 570 the previous year and 214 in 1944.

Construction of new schools in the area 63 years ago is history now. It was exciting news at that time. New four-room school built at Hungry Horse by General-Shea-Morrison, dam prime contractors, would have 214 students. Construction started in July and finished two months later in time for school days. Tax money was not used for the building.

Coram and Martin City students would attend a new four-room school at Coram. The $96,990 contract was held by K. C. Murchison with completion anticipated in December.

Columbia Falls High School had 213 students registered. This compared to 148 the previous year and just 100 students in 1944. A 30-by-50-foot pumice-block addition built by Gordon Construction was underway for the high school. Contract was for "rough finish" at a cost of $6,864. It would house shop and manual training classes.

Transportation for students was another problem solved by School District No. 6 board members. Hungry Horse Coach line arranged to take students from Martin City to Hungry Horse School. It would keep children from walking Highway 2.

John Blankenship was bus driver taking boys and girls from Lake Five to Belton school. High school and junior high school bus riders from Belton-Apgar and Coram would have Bob Parker, driver. Roy Anders was bus driver for high school and junior high students traveling from Martin City to Hungry Horse. Other buses had Bill Toavs bringing students from Valentine area and Ted Witty driving Half Moon route.

Hot lunches in Columbia Falls would be served for 20 cents. Football practice interested 38 players. There were 14 residents in the high school dormitory. This was located next to Talbott School. Rural schools were at Bad Rock, Canyon View, Deer Park and LaSalle.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.