As the frontier line steadily pushed westward until the great prairie region of the Mississippi basin was reached, the unprepossessing log "house of larnin" gave way to the still more gloomy looking sod schoolhouse where the same rule of three was dealt with just as precariously. No matter where or when a settler contemplates going to a new location, perhaps the first circumstance he considers is the educational advantages of the country in which he intends to cast his lot. If he is a workman living in town, he wants to learn at once how much and how good schooling his children can secure without leaving the parental roof. If he is a farmer, he wants to know at once how far his children will have to1 go from home to secure the educational advantages which are their rightful heritage.

To the many newcomers that are seriously contemplating the establishment of their homes at or near Bridgeport, there could be

M)

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

offered no stronger inducement than the excellent educational advantages offered in this rising city.

No town in the state of 1200 population can offer better educational facilities and but few can equal them. Housed in an exceptionally handsome and commodious modern building, the Bridgeport youngsters enjoy luxuries every day of their school lives that a few years ago were undreamed of, and which are still lacking in many residences.

The first grade is divided into two sections, presided over by the Misses Dyson and Sharp, both residents of Bridgeport and graduates of the institution in which they are now instructing. 1919 was the first year with two primary teachers. The enrollment of beginners was so much larger than usual owing to the influx of settlers that one room was too small to accommodate them, and one teacher was added, making a total of twelve on the entire force.