Snapshots of History
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Mount Ayr’s first brick school building.
By Mike Avitt
Mount Ayr’s first brick school building was erected in 1875 at a cost of $6,950 and was located where the other high school buildings followed.
The contractor hired for this historic job was Lyman Forgrave of Leon, who was well-known as the builder of the Decatur County Courthouse in Leon.
The school opened December 30, 1875 with Mr. Hammond as principal. The instructors were Mrs. J. H. Saville, Miss Julia Merrill, Miss Ada Hines, and Mrs. S. Bailey.
The Ringgold Record newspaper says A. B. Pyles photographed the building in March of 1876, but I don’t know if this is that photo. It does seem the photographer captured Normal Training, which certifies rural school teachers for employment.
Sometimes, when I’m doing research, I come across a mystery or “dirty laundry.” This is one of those times.
The first student to receive a high school diploma in Mount Ayr was Lora Laughlin in 1884.
Miss Laughlin came from a fine family. Her father was William T. Laughlin, an attorney, judge, and held other positions such as Ringgold County Superintendent of Schools. Her brother was L. Weldon Laughlin, real estate agent, lawyer, and newspaper publisher.
Lora Laughlin was placed in charge of the Mount Ayr High School Alumnus in 1886. Lora participated in social functions and was known for her wit and humor.
In April 1895, the newspapers began to refer to Miss Laughlin as Lora Laughlin Richardson, although I spent an hour searching the newspapers for news of her wedding with no success.
In June 1895 the Ringgold Record says Lora was filling in for R. C. Superintendent of Schools, J. H. Richardson, but mentions no relationship.
When Lora graduated in 1884, the principal’s name was John Richardson. He became principal in 1883 and left the position in 1886.
Was John her husband?
Lora’s obituary never mentions a marriage nor husband, but does say a daughter, Lorabelle Richardson, survives the mother.
The obituary gives Lora’s name as “Lora Laughlin Richardson.” I have seen other accounts with her name given as Lora B. Richardson.
In 1903, Lora was elected Ringgold County Superintendent of Schools, a position held by her father in 1863-64.
In 1908, Lora ran for Superintendent against Etta Rider both on the Republican ticket.. A third party was involved in the race in the person of Jean Turner. Also running on the Republican ticket,
Turner placed a letter to the voters in the April 24, 1908 Record-News stating she was not hired by Lora to throw the election and that her interests were sincere and honest. Etta Rider won the election in June.
Lora Richardson’s obituary said she took the principal’s job at Abbott School in Marshalltown in the fall of 1908. Lora stayed at that school until her retirement and was later involved with the Women’s Federated Club, church, etc.
Lora Laughlin Richardson died January 14, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa and was survived by her daughter Lorabelle.
I would love to find Lorabelle’s obituary. Anyway, Lora Laughlin will always be Mount Ayr High School’s first graduate in 1884.
