An image of Oronogo’s Irving School, apparently taken in the late 1930s after the annex holding the gym and auditorium was constructed. It was located on Central Street at Grant Street, where the downtown water tower is today.

Old News

From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library

Two teachers, paid an average of $645 per year, taught 82 Oronogo elementary students during the 1932-33 school year

Webb City Area Genealogical Society
February 1, 2023

Here are a few facts about the Oronogo School District from the 1932-33 “School Directory of Missouri.”

Accessed Property Valuation: $233,929
Tax Rate (cents on $100): 140
Number teachers: High School 2; Elementary 2
Enrollment: High School 37; Elementary 82
President of school board: J. E. Ferrier
Secretary of school board: W. H. Brigance
Superintendent: A. L. Hosman, Salary $1500 year
Principal: Mrs. Maude Cannon, Salary $900 year
Average salary of elementary teachers: $645 year
Free Textbooks: Yes
Non-residents: High School 5; grade school 0
Tuition per year (non residents): High School $50; grade school $18

The school system in Oronogo dates back to the 1860s. Washington School was built in 1891-92 near the corner of Mineral and Elliott streets.

Construction of Irving School began in 1908. It was at Central and Grant streets, where the City Hall is today. A WPA project in 1936 added a gym and auditorium.

Oronogo reluctantly joined the Webb City R-7 School District after a vote in 1964. The question received 78 yes votes and 142 no votes in Oronogo. However, the Webb City vote was 402-123.

A 1969 fire damaged Irving School, which by then was being used for city offices.

You can read more about Oronogo schools and all others in Jasper County at www.jaspercountyschools.org.

Oronogo students, grades 1 – 3, in 1936.

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Lois Ilene Rush

We are heavy of heart to lose on of our oldest members. Lois was loved by so many and always willing to work and help people. She was a faithful volunteer one day a week and she always had a smile.

Sentinel bound volumes are now in the Genealogy Room

The WCAGS has accepted ownership of the complete collection of bound volumes of the Webb City Sentinel, from 1983 (after the fire) until the final issue on Dec. 30, 2020.

Those issues can also be viewed on microfilm, along with much older issues.

Webb City Area Genealogical Society

WCAGS members staff the Genealogy Room on the third floor of the Webb City Public Library. Current hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Genealogy Room.

Everything you want to know about Jasper County Missouri Schools is available at a site compiled by Webb City Area Genealogical Society member Kathy Sidenstricker.