Soulard School was originally named for Antoine Soulard, a surveyor general of French descent. He originally purchased 6,002 acres (all of survey 2991) which composed much of the present day City of Arnold.
The first Soulard School was a log building located on property owned by the Lindwedel family and later by Emil Christ. (near Leolia). At one time, it was known as the “Lead’s property.”
A third Soulard School was then built on property now located in the City of Arnold proper on Jeffco Boulevard known today as Arnold Square. In 1905, this building was again replaced with the help of a $2,000.00 loan from Joseph Burkhart.
In 1927, Hazel Vivrett taught at Soulard School, working hard to improve the school district. She took the time to diligently remind the public that the district had a valuation of over $400,000.00 and had a 15 cent tax levy. She believed that with the cooperation of the board, they had sufficient funds to purchase library books, a teacher’s desk and chair, and badly needed playground equipment.
The school had the distinction of playing host to the very first Rock Community Fair, a prelude to the Rock Community Fair and Horse Show that took place for several years afterward at the fairground site where present day Riverbluff Subdivision is located. Area farmers brought various kinds of produce, animals, and woodcraft for judging, while homemakers brought canned goods, baked goods, and sewing to capture the judges eye.
This building was used for 43 years and closed in 1948 when Soulard School became part of the Fox Consolidated School District. The school building was sold but is still part of the Arnold landscape. It is located next to the United Missouri Bank on Jeffco. The original frame building has undergone extensive remodeling inside and out. It now has a brick façade and houses Gyros to Go and Studio Synergy.
RESOURCES: Country Schools Jefferson County Schools 1806-1952 by Della Lang, and Historic Arnold Jefferson County Historical Society as well as Individual Interviews.
Roy Wilde also remembers that in 1933 his parents instructed Gladys Stahl, an eighth grader, who lived across the street (where Captain D’s is now located) to walk Roy, age 5, to school which was about one mile south on Jeffco Blvd.
In 1949 ( my eight year class ) the eighth ” graders” from the schools that made up the new Fox school were transported to the Bowen school where we were to finish out that school year . A room had been prepared for us and we finished there in 1950 , that was when I started my freshman year at Herculaneum .
I went to Soulard School in 1st grade and had Mrs. Aber as a teacher. My 2nd grade class was in the newly built Fox School. My mother, Lucille Mildred Boyd, was the 1st Fox School secretary. Herbert Hemann was superintendent. My older sister, Betty (Boyd) Hoffman, married Lester Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman was also one of the early school secretaries. My Dad wanted a high school in the community and got the bond election going to get it done.
When I was principal of Seckman Elementary School, I had a framed picture outside my office of each old schoolhouse, my mother at her desk and one of Mr. Herbert Hemann. When I retired over 15 years ago I gave it to the superintendent at the time to hang. Hopefully, it is hanging somewhere or got passed on to the historical society and didn’t get lost. If anyone know its whereabouts, please let me know. I should have been more vigilant.
My younger brother, Jim Boyd, Jr., was a retired Fox (Sherwood Elementary) fourth grade teacher. On Feb. 28, Jimmy tragically passed away from Covid. He was the best dad, husband, human being there was; he was hardworking, smart and patient like his dad, James M. Boyd. Jimmy’s son, Scott Boyd, is currently doing his student teaching at Fox High School where Dr. Ryan Sherp, one of my former Missouri Baptist University graduate education students, is principal. He is the kind of person we want as leaders in the district.
First Baptist Church began on our front porch with about eight people. James M. Boyd was a deacon and the church treasurer. Lucille M. Boyd always taught Sunday school. Her dish was always sought after at the Wed., prayer meeting potluck dinner because she was such a good cook.
I grew up in the old rock house on Lemay Ferry Rd. My Dad and Mom, James and Lucille Boyd, bought the house in about 1945. They had electricity and water put in.