The city of Lockwood was founded in 1881. The first train went through in 1881. It was a work train. Three years after Lockwood was founded the people got together and organized a fair. The first fair was held in 1884, west of the main street. It was called The Farmers鈥� Agricultural Fair Association. The parents being interested in the education of their children erected a school-house in 1885, with Mr. J.M. Thompson, principal, Miss Dora Provin in the intermediate, and Miss Carrie Myers in the primary room. There are three rooms in our school-house. In the spring of 1903 Mr. John Kurtz and Mr. Guy Sperry was honored as the first graduates of Lockwood High School.
In May of 1907 preparations for building the addition to the school building are progressing and if present prospects are realized the workmen will be placing the material on the ground in a few days. The new part of the building will be 32 x 42 feet and two stories in height same as the building at present. The plan and specifications have been prepared and it is apparent that the addition will add to the fine and substantial appearance of the building as well as to the space and convenience of it. The new structure will be on the south side of the present building. School opened Monday, September 2, with an enrollment of 260. The High School and eight grade enrolled 71, twenty more than was enrolled in the same grades last year. The increase is due to the patronage from outside the district. A large number of young men and women are boarding in town and taking advantage of school privileges offered in Lockwood.
March 31, 1922 at the regular school election, held Tuesday, the proposition to vote $30,000 in bonds for the erection of a new school building in Lockwood, carried 412 for to only 25 against. On May 12, 1922 school is being taught in the Auditorium, lodge rooms, chamber of commerce rooms and the Christian and Baptist churches, this week. The building will be carefully taken down and what material is good will be used in the new structure. W.R. McCormick, contractor of Joplin, has been awarded the contract on Lockwood鈥檚 new school building. On June 9, 1922 men began arriving to start work on the new school. Mr. McCormick believes the building can be put up in ninety working days, which will be about the middle of September. On June 23, 1922 the school board refused two train car loads of brick for the new school building. The brick purchase were to have been of uniform size and uniform color, a dark cherry red. When they arrived, they were kiln run brick, of varying size and color. September 29, 1922 because of the new school building not being completed, the students are assembled at various places over town, including the Chamber of Commerce rooms, city council rooms, over the auditorium, over Cordz store, and at the John Weaver residence. It is a regrettable fact that the new school building is far from finished. Many anticipate that it will not be completed until late in the spring. A large number of students are enrolled, it being almost impossible to ascertain the exact number from the scattered condition. The opening of the new gymnasium of Lockwood鈥檚 new school building will be held tonight Friday December 15, 1922 at which time both the boys and girls team of the local school will meet the teams of Golden City in friendly contest. The eager anticipation of both the students and the friends of the school is now realized. Lockwood has a splendid gymnasium in which to hold their games and other kinds of entertainment.
The local high school and grades have moved into the new school building on January 26, 1923 for the first time. The building is not completed at this time but work will continue until things are finished so far as it possible while school is in progress. The building is large, well lighted and well heated and after the work is all completed it will be one of the most modern school structures in this section of the state. The building is a credit to the Lockwood School District, and one of which the patrons are justly proud.
May 26, 1933 Lockwood will have Kindergarten. Lockwood is to have quite an up-to-date kindergarten, the term beginning Monday, May 29th. Mrs. J.H. Thomas, primary teacher of Lockwood schools for the past several years, will conduct the school at her home in a room prepared as a class room. Children enrolled at this time are: Nancy Carter, Charles Harris, LaRue Keran, Harold Beisner, James Billingsley, Edith Beisner, Aleene Hayes, Betty Beisner, Melvin Abbiatti, and Dorthy Masters. The school will be conducted five days each week, from 8:30 to 11:30 each morning.
A new six-room elementary grade school was completed in 1936.
September 10, 1937 more than 180 students have enrolled in the Lockwood school so far and each day several new students have entered. The approximate number in each class is: 80 freshman, 24 sophomores, 50 juniors, and 26 seniors. According to available records, this is the largest enrollment ever attained by the local school.
April 9th, 1937 the Lockwood Board of Education decided to add typewriting to the course of study for next year. Over forty students have already indicated their intention to enroll in the course. In discussing the addition of this course with Mr. Keith, he expressed much satisfaction with the idea, indicating that it was a progressive step for the school.
Commerce was inaugurated as a general course in 1937.
Flood lights were installed on the football field in 1946 along with swings and playground equipment.
A garage on the school property was constructed in 1949, this housing three of the school owned buses.
A new vocational home economic cottage, complete with all modern equipment, was completed in 1949.
A new industrial arts building was built and equipped in the spring of 1951 and a general shop was offered the students during the term of 1951 and 1952.
A music conservatory building was completed in the fall of 1951.
December 1, 1955 open house activities were held to introduce the new cafeteria to the patrons of the Lockwood school district. Open house activities Sunday afternoon at the new Lockwood school cafeteria, marked the successful completion of the project which actually began well over a year ago, when the district approved a building fund levy for the program. An estimated 350 persons came to inspect the building and its shining new equipment. Constructed of structural steel and haydite block backed by red brick, the building measures 37 x 67 feet in the dinning room area and will seat up-to 20