The following chapter is on the Iowa History Site. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ STORIES OF IOWA FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CHAPTER XXVIII GOING TO SCHOOL IN PIONEER DAYS There were schools in Iowa as soon as the very first pioneers came to the state. As early as 1830 a young man named Berryman Jennings taught the first school in what is now Iowa. This school was on the west bank of the Mississippi River, about where the town of Galland now stands. The Indians called the place Ahwipetuk. This meant the head of the rapids. Of course the early schools were not much like those we are used to to-day. Suppose we go back and visit one of these old, pioneer schools. As we walk along, we must watch carefully for rattlesnakes if it is warm weather. Wolves and wildcats are also around. Did you see that deer as it ran across the path ahead of us? But here we are at the schoolhouse. It is made of logs and has only one room. At one end is a large fireplace. In the winter this has a roaring fire. There are two windows on each side, but it seems rather dark. Do you see why? The windows are not covered with clear glass, but with oiled paper. This gives some light, but you cannot see through it. Of course, as the people got more money, they put in glass windows. You notice, as you walk across the floor, that it is very rough. It is made of puncheons. Debbie Clough Gerischer