PHOTOS TELL THE PAYSON STORY: EARLY PIONEER SCHOOLS

Between 1863 and 1875 four-small schools were built in each section of town. Each school was named after the various members of the school trustees.  The “Rock School” or the Nebeker School (pictured above) was constructed on Third North and Third West. Rock from the old fort wall was used in its construction. The building is still standing today and it serves as a private residence. You can still see the rock from the fort walls exposed on the north side of the house.  See other photos like this in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Submitted by the Payson Historical Society

Education was always very important to the early residents of Payson. The pioneers arrived in Payson in October 1850. The settlers were admonished to pay attention to the education of their children. The first school trustees were selected soon after the settlers arrived. By March of the following year the first schoolhouse was completed.

The school was located between what is known today as 300 North between Main Street and 100 West. The school was on the north side facing south. The school was heated with a fireplace. The floor was of rough timber and there was a platform for the teacher or speaker since the building was also used for other meetings at the time. Nails and window glass had been freighted from the East and were then hauled from Salt Lake City by Joe Curtis. It has been said that he traded his yoke of oxen for them.

Later, other schools were established by private individuals. James Reece constructed a school at about 15 South 300 East. It was known as the “little school under the hill.” Another school was built at 160 East 100 North by Henry Nebeker. It was just inside the fort near the main gate. During the winter of 1859-60 there were three known schools in Payson.  Read more about them and other schools in the May 18, 2016, print edition of The Payson Chronicle.