PHS Alumni Association organized in 1963 years ago
Education goes back
to first year of the community's existence
In 1871, the first school in Peabody was organized. Fifteen students sat on wooden planks in the blacksmith and wagon repair shop located just east of the present city building. Books were scarce, so the lessons were taught orally and memorized by the pupils.
In 1872, the first school building was erected. The cost was $5,000. The school opened on December 9, 1872, with 81 students attending for six months. The teacher's salary was $291.92 annually.
In 1874, the lower grades moved to the Baptist church situated at Second and Vine streets. A frame building was then built west of the stone one. Six rooms were added to the stone building in 1883. In 1901, four more rooms were added. The frame building was moved to 501 Maple.
Another large addition was built onto the stone building in 1919. One hundred fifty students attended high school.
The high school building at 900 N. Walnut was built in 1923, and the old stone structure became the elementary school. The Brown Building was built in 1953.
In 1965, Burns District #65 and Summit District #51 voted to unify with District #12R, forming Unified School District #398. A new grade school building was built and the old stone grade school razed in 1973.
In 1996, a new high school was built at 810 N. Sycamore, and the old high school building was razed.
In 1963, under the leadership of Harry H. Brown and Lowell Cooper, the Peabody High School Alumni Endowment Association was organized for the purpose of granting scholarships to high school graduates from monies received from memorials and gifts. The funds are invested and the interest is used for the scholarships.
The Peabody Alumni Endowment Association awarded $14,500 in scholarships to the graduating class of 2002.
The current members of the Peabody Alumni Endowment Association are Charles Good, president; Warren Slocombe, vice president; Maxine Seibel, secretary; Joan Stovall, treasurer; Weston Pitts, Maurice Meirowsky, and Alisa Holm-McDowell.
In 2000, a new book was compiled showing all of graduating class members from the class of 1881 through the class of 2000. The alumni association is trying to keep a file of any changes in names, addresses, or deaths for when the book is again updated.
Changes can be sent to the Peabody High School Alumni Endowment Association, c/o Peabody State Bank, PO Box 131, Peabody 66866.
Books also can be purchased from the bank for $10 each, plus postage.
