History of Central Lyon School
The first school in
Rock Rapids was built in the late 1870's. In 1897, a high school
was built at the intersection 5th Avenue and Carroll Street. The
building was later used as a grade school when Wilson High School
was built.
In July 1922, Spencer Construction was awarded a contract of
$134,108 to build Wilson High School (pictured above).
Wilson High School was dedicated to Mr. Wynant S. Wilson, a school
superintendent. Wilson was also the name of the president at the
time.
The first class ever to graduate from Wilson High School was in
1924. This class consisted of 17 individuals.
In 1959, the Rock Rapids Independent School District became the
Central Lyon Community School District as a result of a merger with
the Doon Public School.
In the early 1960's, seven country school buildings were moved from
their rural homes and placed on a 232 x 212 lot on the east side of
Rock Rapids. They were painted different colors to make it easier
for the students to remember where they belong. These buildings
were officially referred to as East Elementary Center. The
elementary and middle school classes moved into the current
elementary building located at 1105 S. Story Street in January
1968.
The class of 1999 was the first class to graduate from the current
high school building located at 1010 S. Greene Street (pictured
above).
