The Louisianna Purchase doubled the size of the United States in 1803. The very next year, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled the Missouri River, passing not far from what is now O’Brien County, Iowa. Iowa became the 29th state in 1846. During that time settlers arrived to build their fortunes. The first O’Brien County settlers came in 1856 to the far southeast corner and was officially established in 1860. Settlers began arriving in the northwest of what is now O’Brien County in the 1870’s. The town of Archer was founded in 1888 at the eastern border of Carroll Township with Summit Towship and just 2 sections north of Baker Township.
The movement of people into the unsettled land naturally created demand for the infrastructure of society. Wagon trails and railroad tracks were buld to ease the movement of people and goods. Education was very important to the early settlers. Schools were conducted just about anywhere including private homes. By 1887 both Baker and Carroll Townships each had 8 schools.
School funding in the late 1800s and early 1900s was different than now. Between 1898 and 1900 many local changes in Baker and Carroll kept a conversation of moving the school to the unincorporated town a topic of discussion. A vote in 1898 favored moving the school by a margin of 3-1. The Town of Archer was not incorporated so there were tax money to support building a school. Section 24 taxes were used to support 1 country school, The Harkin School. Money was raised by subscription to build a school in Archer in 1900 and construction of the 1-story building began in December of that year. The student body grew until it was necessary to add space for students in grades 1-8. In 1904 the building was jacked up to allow the construction of a new ground floor.
By 1904, Archer was incorporated, adding a revenue stream to the school. Students wanting to continue into high school attended at either Sheldon or Primghar until 1916. The 8th grade graduates of 1917 were the first class to be able to obtain a 12th grade education in Archer. In this year the formation of a new school district began. The area included sections in Carroll and Summit Townships and overwhelmingly approved. The first graduating class of Archer Condolidated Independent School District in 1921. In this year, additional sections in Summit, Baker and Dale Township expanded the District. The Archer Consolidated Independent School District held its last graduation for the class of 1961.
Through the 40 years of educating children in Archer and the surrounding areas, many students, faculty, support staff and school board members came and went. Following the merger of the Archer School District with the Sheldon School District All-School Reunions were held periodically.
That tradition continues. On Sunday July 2, 2023 an All-School Archer Consolidated Independent School District is planned. This year’s festivities will be held at Archer United Methodist Church, 309 Harriman Avenue on July 2 beginning at 1:30pm. Snacks and drinks are provided. The reunion gathering is to last until all friendships have been renewed. The last was in 2018.
For further information about the Archer Consolidated All-School reunion are available by contacting Ruth Ann Van Donslear at ravandonslear@gmail.com or RSVP Carol McDowell at cdndmcd@netins.net. An entertaining video of reunion organizers can be viewed on Youtube at our belltimescourier channel or by searching toutube for “Archer All School Reunion”.