Northwest Iowa — Former school buildings in four northwest Iowa communities will be among 102 closed Iowa schools featured in a book to be released next month.
According to Kansas-based publisher Meadowlark Press, the new book to be released in February by author James Kenyon features the former Maurice, Doon, Melvin, and Ocheyedan high schools.
They tell us that Echoes in the Hallways: History and Recollections of 102 Closed Iowa High Schools, is a collection of stories from student alumni of closed Iowa high schools, documenting 102 institutions from Iowa’s 99 counties.
Meadowlark spokesperson Tracy Million Simmons tells us that Kenyon consulted county historical records as well as interviewing former students and teachers, culminating in unique school profiles that include information ranging from the origin and growth of education in each county to sporting records, programs, and school traditions.
Dave Else, PHD, a Professor Emeritus at University of Northern Iowa says that high schools have long made up the social fabric in communities across the state, especially in rural Iowa. He says that by engaging with community members in the 102 schools cited in the book, Dr. Kenyon reveals the “extreme pride people of Iowa have in their schools and communities.” He goes on to say that Echoes in the Hallways showcases how Iowans have built an extraordinary education system school by school. Else says, “Because it is so well-researched and written, once you pick it up, you’ll have a hard time putting it down.”
Simmons says Kenyon was a veterinarian for 35 years in a mixed animal practice in Cedar Falls and served for twenty-four years on the local school board. He is the author of, A Cow for College and Other Stories of 1950s Farm Life and Golden Rule Days: History and Recollections of 109 Closed Kansas High Schools.
