Richard Day: Ames High Music Man
Performing arts were minimal in the early years of Ames High School. Small groups would perform as a chorus or cornet band, dependent on student interest. Orchestra was formed in 1903, and band in 1920. Participant numbers were low due both in part to lack of initial interest and the inability to secure instruments. That began to change when a new band director, Richard Day joined Ames High. While the band’s main purpose was to assist the Pep Club in putting pep into school, with Day’s leadership, they began turning out at a full array of athletic events and other activities.
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The Martin Family: Early African-American History in Ames
When Ames was established in 1864, many of its settlers arrived from the New England area, and according to famed Ames historian Farwell T. Brown, they were “abolitionists in sentiment.” However, very few individuals had personal contact with black individuals. Brown said, “there seems to be no record of any African-American families in Ames until well after 1900.”
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Abbie Sawyer: Kindergarten Teacher and Principal (1894-1972)
"The greatest personal satisfaction I've had is watching these children grow up and develop," said Abbie Sawyer, a long time teacher and later principal who devoted her career to children in the Ames School District. Sawyer is most remembered for starting the first kindergarten class in Ames in the old Central school in 1917, her first year in Ames. In 1952, she retired after 35 years in the Ames school system, and in 1962, an elementary school building was named in her honor.
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Henry May: Ames’ First School Teacher (1829-1919)
Henry May is known as the first teacher of Ames Schools. Originally from Connecticut, May came to Ames in the spring of 1866 when the population was reported to have been 100. He bought 11.5 acres of bare prairie for $346.20 on the land that is now Mary Greeley Medical Center between 9th and 13th Streets and Douglas and Duff Avenues. He built one of the first houses in the area.
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