Chalk on the Blackboard from Buffalo High School
Greetings from the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School located at 303 Pearl Street in Buffalo, North Dakota, just three miles north of I-94 at exit 314. The school closed in 1978, and listed on the National Register of Historic Properties In 2001, the same year it became the property of the Buffalo Historical Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. It has undergone many years of renovations and repairs to make it a viable and important part of our community once again.
Piles of snow surrounding the school remind us we are still in the midst of winter, which provides us time to make plans for the year, and that is exactly what we are doing. We are excited to announce the dates for our largest and most important gathering in 2023. Please mark your calendars for Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15 for our Annual Homecoming and Celebration at the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School. The highlight of Friday night will be welcoming alumni, faculty, family, friends, and the graduates of 1973 and 1963. The celebration on Saturday will have music, music, music, on the Pearl Street Stage showcasing the talent of many local favorites including the award winning Myron Summerfeld Orchestra.
We learn from the Buffalo School History about the students, the years of learning, and the history of the school that began in 1880. Fifty years ago in 1973, the book reveals that twenty seniors were looking forward to their graduation in May and reflecting of their twelve years of education, starting with their first grade teacher, Mrs. Tryhus, who had a gentle touch and a kind word for everyone.
As these students entered seventh grade, they had bigger challenges, greater opportunities for learning, and participation in many activities. Clothing fads came and went during their high school days, including fishnet hose, miniskirts, bell bottoms, go-go boots, and even white lipstick. During their senior year the football team, coached by Gary Milbrandt, was undefeated; and the boy’s basketball team tied for second in the conference. Girls’ basketball was again becoming popular and they provided the backbone for the team. Sports were important to the Class of 1973 and they have many stories to tell.
In September 1951, eleven first graders began school and were labeled “the last of the war babies”. As the future Class of 1963, they were a happy group in their first classroom with a cloak room and sand table. Their days were busy with many activities like the annual school carnival and crowning the Valentine King and Queen. In the fall of 1959, they experienced the freshman initiation ritual and the first Homecoming event held at Buffalo High School. The football game, bonfire, parade, and dance were all part of the fun. Their senior trip to Duluth brought their high school days to a close, and the twelve seniors received their diplomas from Superintendent T. E. Tryhus and School Board President Bud Beilke on May 23, 1963.
BHS is proud of the many accomplishments of our alumni and former students. We are looking forward to our Annual Homecoming & Celebration Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15; and as always, we encourage everyone to come for a visit, have fun, and continue the tradition of coming home. For more information about our Homecoming Celebration and upcoming events at the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School, please contact me at 701-412-4485, or connect on Facebook, or visit www.buffalond.com.