Source: Ruth M. Brubaker, THE HISTORY OF PLEASANT TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS 1835-1962 (1979), pp. 454-455.

SCHOOL FOR NEW HARRISBURG AND DISKO (DISTRICT 17)

Prior to the year 1876, the children of Disko (New Harrisburg) attended the Twin Lake School, one mile east of the village. The schoolhouse being built a short distance from the beautiful lakes from which it derived its name, was the rallying place for many a gay skating party, and spelling-school held there made it a very attractive place for the young people of the town in early years.

In 1876, the first school was built in Disko. This stood near the Methodist Church and was either moved or tore down in 1936 for the nearby state highway 114. Twin-Lake schoolhouse was vacated as was "Hoosier Slide," which was in Miami County but as many did in the early days go to the school that they lived the closest to. Made no difference what county or township.

The teacher at the second schoolhouse the new Disko Schoolhouse was at that time Benton Essig, a well-to-do farmer of that vicinity. Also Nelson G. Hunter of Wabash, taught a course in writing. A number of the pupils went on to become teachers: J.Q. Shipley, J.W. Beare, S.G. Essig; and Mrs. Branegan.

There were a few others in later years who also became teachers: Emma Nelson, Etta Nelson, Maud Shipley (Kerr), and Leotus Young.

Until the year 1883 the Disko school was undivided. That year there were sixty-five pupils. J.Q. Shipley who was then teacher, was assisted by his wife, a very able primary teacher. The next year Miss Bilger taught the primary pupils in the old schoolhouse while Mr. Gardner taught the older pupils in the hall.

In 1885 they completed the brick school, which was a two-story building built close to the railroad depot. Mrs. J.Q. Shipley was the first teacher to take charge of the primary room. As to who taught the older ones is not known for sure. But after B. Essig taught, the following also taught at the first brick school in Disko: Eugene McGinley, Eugene Bradshaw, G.W. Gunder, L.S. Abbott, John Smith, John Q. Shipley, W. Gardner, Allie Miller, John Smith, Mrs. S. Summerland, John Kreamer, Lorena Adams, Mrs. Branegan, C.I. Kerr, Mr. Bolinger and A.L. Lukens.

Mrs. J.Q. Shipley taught two years, followed by Miss Edna Hunter, Miss Emma Nelson was the primary teacher, followed by Mrs. Branegan in 1897-98 who had been an instructor with the exception of three years at which time Mrs. C.I. Kerr taught in the primary division.

During the terms taught by Eugene McGinley and G.W. Gunder, a very successful literary and debating society was held. The people of the community were greatly interested in the literary work. All the young people willingly prepared the duties assigned them and this accounts fo the grand success that crowned the efforts of the society. The editorial paper alone was of sufficient merit to ensure a crowded house.

At the close of Mr. Gardner's school his pupils gave a grand cantata entitled "Under the Pines," which was highly commendable.

Entertainments, debating societies, singing-schools and reading circles, writing-schools, etc. have made this meeting place for the young people. For musical talent, in time past, no other district in the township has surpassed this.

Frank Zimmerman was awarded the first premium as the best map drawer in the Indiana contest at the World's Fair, and Charles Nelson also received a medal for the map he drew. These two had graduated from the Disko School.

Wabash county being the banner county in the State exhibit at the World's Fair, Disko felt that she could claim her share of the honors, as several who visited the Liberal Arts building were convinced that more work from our school was on exhibition than that from any other school in the county.

While most of the pupils have read one-half or more of the Library books, Ross Shipley, Albert Beare, Bruse Beare, Frank Branegan and June Branegan had read nearly all but a few volumes. All the Children's State Reading Circle books in the library had been read by nearly all the pupils.

The "ciphering matches" at the school in the past winter proves that in accuracy and rapidity of work the pupils here have no equals in this part of the county. Among the best at that time were Ross Shipley, Bruce Beare, and Frank Branegan.

Teachers who taught in the old schoolhouse until it was condemned:

1897-98  A.L. Lukens and Mrs. Sophrona Branegan
1898-99  A.L. Lukens and Mrs. Sophrona Branegan
1899-1900 Daniel Reahard and Sophrona  Branegan
1900-01 Daniel Reahard and Etta Nelson
1901-02  J.W. Smith and Etta Nelson
1902-03  J.W. Smith and Etta Nelson
1903-04  J.W. Smith and Eva Landis
1904-05  Peter Grisso and Mae Bolley
1905-06  Peter Grisso and Phebe A. King
1906-07 I.E. Grisso and Anna Funderburg
1907-08  L.D. Wright and Anna Funderburg
1908-09  Laura Barnhart and Eva Landis

It was about this time that the old brick school in Disko was condemned and until the new one was done, the pupils had to go to what was known as the Froggy School. This was located one mile south and a mile east of Disko. It made things very crowded there as it was only a one-room school. But by putting up a cover of some kind they divided the room so they could hold school