History of the Gilbert schools excerpted from the 1916 yearbook

The first school house in what is now Gilbert, Iowa, was built by Mr. Brown in the winter of 1867. At that time this territory was one of the sub-districts of the township. Mr. Brown thereafter taught the first year of school in the new building. His class averaged three scholars through the year.

The Gilbert School District became independent in 1885, and as the school grew rapidly it was unable to accommodate the larger classes, and in 1902 R.S. Dickinson bought the school building and moved it away and a new building was constructed.

School began in this new building in September, 1902, under the supervision of Prof. Harry D. Kies. Mr. Kies proved to be a very efficient leader, and placed the school on a firm basis by organizing the group into eight distinct grade levels. Under Mr. Kies the custom of graduation upon completion of the ninth grade was begun. The first graduating class was in June 1903 and its members were - Ione Bell, Walter Michaelson, Mayme Wilson, Lottie Gilbert and Charles Lake. To this class and to Mr. Kies we owe the beginning of Gilbert High School.

Mr. Kies remained in the school until 1904 when he was succeeded by J. E. Stucky. Mr. Stucky did not complete the entire year, his position being filled in the spring by Mr. L. Van Scoyoe. In the fall of 1905 Prof. M. A. Cromwell became the head of the school. He remained with the school until 1907 when he was succeeded by Mr. Pearle.

During the summer and fall of 1914 the new school building was erected. This building was equipped with a steam heating system, a ventilating system, was scientifically lighted, according to the reports, and was modern in every way.