| Howard R. Barnard established Entre
Nous "College" in northwest Rush Co. in 1906. He
built a 2-story building, hired teachers, and
provided school buses, using for funds a sizable
inheritance which he received from the east. This
was one of the first schools to offer visual
education, free transportation, and physical
training. By 1913 his funds were depleted, and
the school was closed. He taught in the public
schools of Rush County, often going hungry to buy
more books, and in 1923 became Librarian in the
LaCrosse Rural High School. At his death, Dec. 9,
1948, his large collection of books was left to
"the school children of Rush County".
Mr. Barnard was born in New York City, Sept. 14,
1863, came west at the age of 20, worked in a
sugar mill and herded cattle in Rush County,
before becoming an educator. He was truly one
of the great educators in the history of America's
small schools. His life story has appeared in
numerous national publications.
The Barnard Library, named in his honor,
located 4 blocks north and 1 block west of this
point displays items pertaining to his devoted
life to this county. |
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