Simonfy, John. Interview 1 |
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The following is a typescript of the visit held today, July 25,1973, with Mr. John Simonfy, Lewistown,
MT. He served on the Lewistown School District No.1 Board from, approximately, 1949 to 1956. He
served as its chairman from about 1952 or '53 to 1956. At the time, he was the president and manager
of the Lewistown Hardware Corporation, and later he became the sale owner of the Lewistown
Hardware Corporation. At his request, this portion of the visit which pertained only to his years as board
member of School District NO.1 was not tape recorded. Therefore, the following is based on memory
and notes taken by the interviewer during the visit.
Zellick: I have known you most of my life, so please do pardon me for addressing you as John.
Simonfy: That's Fine.
Zellick: John, how did it happen you filed for a spot on the school board?
Simonfy: The late David Savage, a board member, encouraged me to run. And Vernon Erickson
Circulated a petition to get my name on the ballot.
Zellick: What were the concerns, if any, that the board had to contend with during your years of service
from 1950-56? At that time, it should be pointed out, that the Fergus County High School was a unit
separate unto itself having its own board whose members were appointed by the county
commissioners. It remained as a separate unit until July 1, 1970. The elementary schools and Junior High
constituted School District No.1 with its own board of which you were a member.
Simonfy: Well, during my time on the board, we had to make plans for replacing the existing elementary
schools. The Second Lincoln School, built in 1912 had to be replaced. When I came on the board, I
remember, ground breaking ceremonies were held for the present Lincoln building.
Zellick: Interesting enough, Dr. Ronald Mattson and his administrative staff consisting of Bob Odermann,
his administrative assistant; Miss Clara Kempenaar, the district clerk; Mrs. Darl (Lois) Headlee,
administrative secretary; Mrs. Don (Sharon) McNees, Bookkeeper No.1; Mrs. Irene Frank, Receptionist
and Bookkeeper; and Mrs. Carol Karjala, purchasing and receiving clerk, have just moved into the Lincoln
School Building. From now on, it will be the administration center for the Lewistown School District No.
1, instead of a school for elementary grades as you knew it. Up to now, for purposes of record, the
Junior High School, built in 1921-22 had also served as the administrative center for School District No.
1.
Simonfy: I learned that just a few days ago. As you know, I returned only recently having spent the
winter in California. Actually, the plans for the present Lincoln Building had been made by the time I
came on the board. Ground breaking ceremonies were held when I came on. But due to faulty
architectural plans, mistakes made in the boiler room downstairs had to be rectified. This was done
later, you understand. Also the access to the coal bin had to be improved, and removal facility for the
coal ashes had to be installed. This was done after the building had been finished.
Zellick: What was wrong with the second Lincoln school building?
Object Description
| Rating | |
| Title | Simonfy, John. Interview |
| Description | In this interview, Lewistown resident John Simonfy discusses his memories and experiences as a student in the Kendall and Lewistown Public Schools. He also describes growing up in Kendall, Montana, and Lewistown, including local residents, sports and customs. Included in the transcript but not recorded on tape are his experiences on the district school board, including school construction and politics. Interviewed by Anna Zellick in Lewistown, MT, on July 25, 1978, as part of a Lewistown Public Schools oral history project. Bio/History: John Simonfy was born in Kendall, Montana, in 1907, the son of Martin and Elizabeth Simonfy. In 1918, the family moved to Lewistown, where John attended Hawthorne School and Lincoln School, and graduated from Fergus County High School in 1924. He was manager and later president of the Lewistown Hardware Company. His wife, Emma served as company secretary/treasurer. They retired about 1973. Simonfy served on the district school board from 1949-1956. He died February 10, 1998 |
| Creator | Anna R. Zellick, F.C.H.S. Graduate, 1935, University of Chicago, A.B. 1941; M.A. 1945. John Simonfy F.C.H.S. Graduate 1924, Lewistown School District #1 Board Member 1949-1955; July 25, 1978. |
| Genre | documents |
| Type | Text |
| Date Original | 1978-07-25 |
| Subject (keyword) | Kendall, Montana; Lewistown, Montana; |
| Subject (AAT) | Schools; |
| Rights Management | No copyright restrictions |
| Contributing Institution | Lewistown Public Library, Lewistown, Montana |
| Publisher (Original) | Prepared for Ronald B. Mattson, Superintendent of Schools and Lewistown School District #1 |
| Digital Format | application/pdf |
| Physical format | Typed manuscript |
| Digitization Specifications | Canon MX310 300dpi |
| Full text of this item | The following is a typescript of the visit held today, July 25,1973, with Mr. John Simonfy, Lewistown, MT. He served on the Lewistown School District No.1 Board from, approximately, 1949 to 1956. He served as its chairman from about 1952 or '53 to 1956. At the time, he was the president and manager of the Lewistown Hardware Corporation, and later he became the sale owner of the Lewistown Hardware Corporation. At his request, this portion of the visit which pertained only to his years as board member of School District NO.1 was not tape recorded. Therefore, the following is based on memory and notes taken by the interviewer during the visit. Zellick: I have known you most of my life, so please do pardon me for addressing you as John. Simonfy: That's Fine. Zellick: John, how did it happen you filed for a spot on the school board? Simonfy: The late David Savage, a board member, encouraged me to run. And Vernon Erickson Circulated a petition to get my name on the ballot. Zellick: What were the concerns, if any, that the board had to contend with during your years of service from 1950-56? At that time, it should be pointed out, that the Fergus County High School was a unit separate unto itself having its own board whose members were appointed by the county commissioners. It remained as a separate unit until July 1, 1970. The elementary schools and Junior High constituted School District No.1 with its own board of which you were a member. Simonfy: Well, during my time on the board, we had to make plans for replacing the existing elementary schools. The Second Lincoln School, built in 1912 had to be replaced. When I came on the board, I remember, ground breaking ceremonies were held for the present Lincoln building. Zellick: Interesting enough, Dr. Ronald Mattson and his administrative staff consisting of Bob Odermann, his administrative assistant; Miss Clara Kempenaar, the district clerk; Mrs. Darl (Lois) Headlee, administrative secretary; Mrs. Don (Sharon) McNees, Bookkeeper No.1; Mrs. Irene Frank, Receptionist and Bookkeeper; and Mrs. Carol Karjala, purchasing and receiving clerk, have just moved into the Lincoln School Building. From now on, it will be the administration center for the Lewistown School District No. 1, instead of a school for elementary grades as you knew it. Up to now, for purposes of record, the Junior High School, built in 1921-22 had also served as the administrative center for School District No. 1. Simonfy: I learned that just a few days ago. As you know, I returned only recently having spent the winter in California. Actually, the plans for the present Lincoln Building had been made by the time I came on the board. Ground breaking ceremonies were held when I came on. But due to faulty architectural plans, mistakes made in the boiler room downstairs had to be rectified. This was done later, you understand. Also the access to the coal bin had to be improved, and removal facility for the coal ashes had to be installed. This was done after the building had been finished. Zellick: What was wrong with the second Lincoln school building? Simonfy: It was a fire hazard. In the center of the building were the stairways, and the hallways were wider than the classrooms. Zellick: So a new building had to be built. And a plaque was placed on the wall near the entrance doors. I notice that your name is on it. Simonfy: Well, as I say, the initial plans for the building were already made when I came on the board. During my time we had to reckon with the effects of the errors in the architectural plans that had not been noticed in the planning and building stages. Zellick: After this was taken care of, what were some of the other concerns? Simonfy: Highland Park. This building was in sad shape. Hallways were wide. Classrooms were spread out. Basement rooms were used for classrooms. New classrooms were badly needed. So our plan called for an eventual replacement. The first two units of the new or present Highland Park were built behind the old Highland Park. The old building was used as the new units were built. Zellick: I always remember the old Highland Park School, built in 1917-18, because of your dad, Martin Simonfy who was the custodian. He walked twice a day from the school to your home which was across town on East Boulevard. And during the winter months, I believe he even spent his nights there keeping the school furnace filled with coal as needed. Simonfy: Yes. If anyone knew that building, he did. By my time as a board member something had to done. So, we had built the first addition in 1952. Price-wise, our contract, I think, was one of the most favorable in the area. And we also got favorable interest rate on the bonds. And, also, a sufficient heating equipment was installed, big enough, to take care of the additional units that we felt would have to be built in due time. Zellick: And it paid off, didn't it? Simonfy: It certainly did. And then there was the Garfield School, built in 1909. Zellick: Built by the Croatians stonemasons out of hand cut native stone. Simonfy: But by 1950, it had become completely unsuitable. The hall space, remember that wide central area with a classroom stuck off in each of the four corners of the building? Space was used for halls instead of classrooms. And, I believe, classes had to be held even in the basement. Zellick: I notice that in the minutes of 1954, February 8th, I believe, that the building was described as obsolete, undesirable, and unsuitable. Those are pretty strong words for a bUilding that was beautiful and distinctive on the outside. Frank Sipple Smith whom I interviewed recently stated that when he attended school there, a few years after it was built, that there were no indoor facilities. The second Lincoln School Building in 1912 and the Garfield School in 1909 were actually built with the town. Lewistown was built in an incredibly short period oftime 1898-1913 giving it a uniformity in style, composition, and design. But, in some places, the sewers and the water pipelines came in afterwards. Perhaps, this was the origin of some of the difficulties encountered later. Simonfy: Yes. At the time we used what you call "strong words" which were in the resolution, we also authorized receiving of bids for the removal of the school. Zellick: According to the minutes, Arthur R. Bissill got the bid to tear down the Garfield School on June 2, 1954 for $3,475. Simonfy: Now that you mention it, I guess your right. I suppose we should mention that Oswald Berg Jr., architect, presented his final drawings for the new Garfield School and the Highland Park addition of an all purpose room, gymnasium and lunchroom. And what are the dates in the minutes? Zellick: You were the chairman, and you called a special meeting on May 14,1953 when Mr. Berg presented his final plans. D. W. Githens was the superintendent. Simonfy: Twenty-five years ago, just think of it. Zellick: You'll be interested that Frank Savage who became the superintendent in 1956 and whom I also interviewed, said that your contract of $65,000 for the first unit of the Garfield and the Highland Park addition was most reasonable. As he said, one couldn't build a house for that today! Simonfy: I know it. This inflation has become frightening, I don't know what the end of this thing is going to be. Zellick: Summarizing then some of the major highlights of the time you served from about 1950-'56. First, the present Lincoln School building, which now houses the administrative center, was built on the site where two other schools by the same name once stood. Corrections were made in the new structure, due to errors in the architectural plans not noticed at the time they were drawn, adopted and implemented. Secondly, the first unit of the new or the second Garfield School building was built, replacing the old building by the same name built in 1909. Thirdly, the first two units of the existing Highland Park were built behind the old Highland Park building (constructed in 1917-'18) that was eventually replaced about 1966. Were there any other significant events or achievements made during yourtime, John? Simonfy: Well, there was the board itself. I served on the local board, as I look back now, in a period of a very great transition without realizing it, or at least not keenly aware of it, at the time. C. G. Manning had just left as superintendent when I got on the board. His successors had to follow a man who served extremely well as a catalytic agent between the taxpayer and the faculty for almost thirty years. Under his strong leadership, both got along well. Zellick: Records show that he served as the superintendent of schools from about 1920-1949. Simonfy: Mr. Manning was highly respected by the whole community. Sure, he had his critics. I recall my dad served under him as the custodian at the Highland Park. One time all of the custodians were called to meet with Manning who suggested that they wear white trousers, shirts and caps. To this my dad said, "I'll be glad to wear white trousers, but will the school district pay for them?" That was the end of that discussion. Mr. Manning never mentioned it again. There might have been those who felt that he dominated the board of that he might have been here too long, but the plain fact is that there were no fights or conflicts while he served. To me this says something. Zellick: Could you be more specific? Simonfy: Mr. Manning's successor was Don Githens who was also the principal of F.e.H.S. as Manning was. He was a younger man. He possibly lacked experience and maturity to carryon in the tradition of e.G. Manning. He tried, and did his best, always loyal to the board and his faculty, but never quite able to act as that catalytic agent making everyone satisfied, if not happy. For this reason, he left in 1953, I'd say. Zellick: Who followed Githens? Simonfy: James G. Pappas. He was a strict disciplinarian which, in part, made him a controversial figure. His disciplinary tendencies extended to the faculty as well as to the students. He carried out the directives of the Board explicitly, which also lead to a controversy. And we, as a board, accepted the responsibility at the time. Zellick: I was not here then. I do remember that when my brother, George and I would come home for vacations, we heard about the giant conflict from our friends and acquaintances. To us, it appeared as though it were tearing the town apart. Simonfy: Yes. A very bitter controversy followed which was never resolved. Slowly, but very slowly it faded as the participants either left the community or passed on. For those readers who would like to know more, I refer them to the minutes. As in any bitter controversy, rumors, accusations, and falsehoods were spread. To this very day, some of the people still living here cannot fathom as to what was at the bottom of this thing or the cause of it. I do know that this controversy was very hard on me, a board member, as it was on others. I do not like disputes or conflicts. Many times I told my wife, Emma how fortunate we were that our children were already out of school. Son, Jack had been graduated in 1949; Ethel, in 1952. My one hope since, and always will be, is that never again would I want to see such a terrible thing happen in this town. I think I have said enough. Zellick: Well as you have said anyone wishing to know more is, at liberty, to read the minutes. What about your business? Simonfy: I lost and I gained customers over this thing. It all depended on their point of view. I do recall that one customer, extremely critical, came into the store wanting to talk to me. We talked. I explained the situation as I saw it, felt it, and understood it, and he turned out to be a fine consistent supporter of mine. Zellick: Thank you for this information. Now, let's turn to your days as a student in the local system, to be tape recorded. Zellick: I'm having the pleasure of continuing my visit with John Simonfy here at my home on 721 West Spring Street. As we indicated in the earlier part of this interview, John Simonfy was a member of the Lewistown School Board from about 1949 or 1950 to 1956. He served as the chairman for three or four years. At his request, the highlights of that experience were not tape recorded; however, a typescript of that portion of the visit is being provided and will constitute a part of the total interview. Because of John's interesting childhood and student background, he was kind enough to share his memories on a tape recorder. So, John, once again, let me say how nice it is to have you here. When did your family come to Central Montana? Simonfy: My family arrived in January 1905. They came from Butte and went directly to Kendall where they lived until the fall of 1917. Zellick: They lived in Kendall for twelve years. What was Kendall like? Simonfy: It was a bustling, a typical gold mining camp. Zellick: You said that two Lewistown stores had branches in Kendall. Simonfy: That is right. The Power Mercantile Store had a branch store in Kendall and the Old Fergus County Hardware had a branch store in Kendall. As I recall, the Power Mercantile Company was operated by Tommy Knight and the Fergus Hardware by Bill Tierney. I remember that he worked there, and he later came to manage the store here in Lewistown. Zellick: I believe that he was the father of Lyle, Myrtle, and Eloise Tierney all of whom went through the local school system and both graduated from the Fergus County High School. Simonfy: In Kendall, there were, of course, all the school activities. The Miner's Union always held a big celebration on Miner's Union Day, June 14th. That was the big date at the camp. Zellick: How did the Minder's Union Day compare with other holidays in the year? Simonfy: It was the highlight of the year, absolutely. It attracted many people from Lewistown. The big bus called, "The Pride of Lewistown" owned by the Bright Hotel brought a load of people Zellick: What was the bus called? Simonfy: "The Pride of Lewistown." Zellick: Was it a motor driven bus? Simonfy: Yes, it was a motor driven bus that used to meet the incoming passengers at the two local railroad depots, daily, and take them to the Bright Hotel. Zellick: I see. What was the seating capacity? Simonfy: I can't remember. To me, it was huge, probably to me today it would be small. Zellick: As a youngster, you thought it was big. Simonfy: "Big" is right. Zellick: Isn't that interesting. What was done at the picnic in Kendall? Simonfy: One of the big things was the drilling contests for the miners. There would be single and two man teams. They had a given time to see how deep they could drill in hard rock, by hand of course. And of course, there was a lot of wagering as to who was going to win. Another highlight was baseball. Zellick: Excuse me, before we go on to the baseball games, didn't you once say that there are two large hard rocks on permanent display here, reminders of the contests at Kendall on Miner's Union Day. Simonfy: Right. There is one on display at the Boy Scout camp at Kendall. The other is on display in Lewistown on the 8th Avenue and Main at the Courthouse. The first was put up by the Morrison Brothers, Don and Dave, who built a steel fence around it. Zellick: I think it's nice to have a reminder or a memorial of the many miners who frequented Central Montana in Gilt Edge and Maiden as well as Kendall. We, really, don't know too much about them. Simonfy: That is right. Zellick: Now, what about baseball? Simonfy: About 1926 or 1927 a baseball team sponsored by the Lewistown Creamery owned by Bill Able [Abel] at that time. For five or six years after that we had an independent team called the "Lewistown Ramblers." It was composed mostly of Fergus High graduates including Frank Barrows, Harry Twombly, Conrad Tetzlaff, Herb Chesterfield, Lee Blaine, and the Simonfy boys: Frank, John, and Mike. This was a very mediocre team, but had strong community support. We played against teams from Denton, Stanford, Brooks, Moore, Winifred as well as Billings, Great Falls, and Helena. Zellick: Also you started your educational career in Kendall. What was the name of the school? Simonfy: It was called the Kendall School. I forget the district number. Zellick: Let's check with the county superintendent's office. Mrs. Annette Vanek says it's District No. 37. Simonfy: The school was a frame building, two stories high, with four large classrooms. Two on the main floor, and two upstairs. There were two grades in each room. Zellick: That school house with its bell tower, still intact, is now at Hilger, isn't it? Simonfy: The bell tower is intact, that I know. But what portion of the building was moved, or if all of the building was moved in, I can't verify that. Zellick: Was the bell used regularly? Simonfy: In Kendall, yes. It played or rang in the morning, special occasions, and of course, it was rung at halloween time. It was a showpiece; somehow the boys got to ring that bell. Zellick: You came to Lewistown in 1917. You were eleven years old, and you were in the sixth grade. Tell us about it. Where did you go? Simonfy: I went to the Hawthorne School which was quite different from what I had been used to. Zellick: In what way? Simonfy: They asked me what grade I was in. I told them that I was in the sixth grade. Then I was asked if I was in the Sixth "A" or "B", and I didn't know what they were talking about. Alii knew was that I was in sixth grade. I had been accustomed to a school where there were two grades to a classroom. Zellick: Was that an adjustment, did you find it difficult? Simonfy: No, not at that age because at that age one adjusts fast. But I certainly wondered about the "new" system when I first came. Zellick: Where did they finally place you? Simonfy: I told them that I was in 6 "A" because "A" came before "B". But I found out that I was really in 6 "B". That was where I was placed, but before the school year was over, I was promoted to 6 "A". Zellick: You proved yourself. Is there anything else you can remember about your activities at the Hawthorne School? Simonfy: One faculty member I will always remember. He was a young man who was drafted in World War I, a couple of months after I started school here. He left here with a contingent, as I recall, with several hundred draftees. They left from the Great Northern Depot. The whole town turned out to see them leave. This man wrote to me several years afterwards. Zellick: Do you remember his name? Simonfy: His name was Mr. Lloyd Wilford. Zellick: We'll try to check the school records. What else do you remember about your days at the Hawthorne? Simonfy: We used to go up to the Lincoln School, the boys did, for manual training class. We went twice a week. We walked up there and back. The girls went up there to their Home Ec. class. Zellick: How long did those classes last? Simonfy: As I recall, I think we met for about an hour. Zellick: This meant that you had to do some fast walking. Simonfy: Yes, I think they allowed us five minutes to make the trip. Zellick: I think it's rather interesting that the new Lincoln School Building, where you received your manual training, was the one that had just been torn down when you came on the school board. Simonfy: No, it was torn down after I became a school board member. Zellick: The Hawthorne School was condemned in due time, wasn't it? Simonfy: It had been condemned, but it had been braced up by steel bars. And I'm not sure whether the school year of 1918-1919 was the last or not. If it weren't, it was one of the last years the school was in session. It was then demolished. Zellick: Who were some of the people connected with Hawthorne? Who was the principal? Simonfy: As I recall, there was a Miss Beulah Meek who was a disciplinarian. Everyone respected her as such. And A. A. Franzke was the superintendent. Zellick: You know, a few months ago I read Joseph M. Dixon of Montana, Part 2., by Jules A. Karlin (University of Montana, Missoula: 1974). In it, I read that A. A. Franzke formulated the Montana Taxpayers' Association in Great Falls in December 1921, after he had left here. I hadn't known this. According to Karlin, Mr. Franzke, at that time, was an employee of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. Did you, John, ever have a chance to meet him or know him? Simonfy: After I left Hawthorne School, I went to Lincoln where Franzke had his office. He was the superintendent of School District No. I, which at the time, included Lincoln, Garfield, and the Hawthorne Schools. As a student, I certainly was aware of him. Zellick: You attended the 7th and 8th grades in the Lincoln School? What do you remember about your Lincoln School days? Simonfy: I remember my math teacher very well, a Miss Shannon. She had rapid calculation. She rattled off the numbers as fast as she could talk. Us kids would try to keep up with her. And I guess that I did as good a job as any of them. I won in the county rapid calculation contest. This and the spelling bees were held in connection with the country track meet. And there was a little gal from Grass Range who competed with me in the finals. I still remember her name. She was Helen Shearson. She came off No.1, and I came off as second. Zellick: For my information, what did a calculation contest entail? Simonfy: Well, we started out with an addition problem, then a division problem, and a multiplication problem. The final stretch included an addition problem with six digits across and that many up and down. Zellick: Where was this contest held? Simonfy: In the Lincoln School. Zellick: And the schools in the area participated. Where in the Lincoln School was this contest held? Simonfy: As I remember, it was held in the basement which was also used as a gym. It was a far cry from a gym. Zellick: Where were the track meets held? Simonfy: I believe on the school grounds there at Lincoln School. I remember that the schools in the area participated. I also remember that Paul Osweiler represented the local parochial school. He was in the same contest I was. Zellick: What were some of your favorite subjects? Obviously, mathematics was one of them. Simonfy: Math was my long suit. History was my worst. Zellick: Why didn't you like history? Simonfy: I don't know, but geography was another favorite. I liked geography very much. We had those big geography books that were about twelve by fourteen or sixteen inches. Zellick: What else can you remember? Simonfy: I remember Miss Ella Clark, a red headed gal who later married Mr. Franzke. Zellick: If you think of other happenings in the elementary schools, we can always add them to the typescript. Time marches on. And then you found yourself in the high school. Give us some of your recollections of your four years at the Fergus County High School. Simonfy: Okay. First, I went to high school in the old barracks, "The Tar Paper Palace." It was located in the vacant block, west of Fergus High. A temporary facility, it had been built after the old high school had been burned down in April 1918. I was a freshman then. We may have had some subjects in the new building, but it was not entirely complete. But most of the subjects, I had, were taught in the old barracks. Zellick: What are some of the other outstanding memories of Fergus High? Simonfy: One of my fondest memories is that of Frank L. Cummings, the principal. He was a strict disciplinarian who had the respect of all of the students. He increased the enrollment considerably by going into all towns around. He used to come into Kendall on his bicycle recruiting students. He got many of them to go to school who, probably, never would have otherwise. He contacted the parents. And many of the students never would have attended high school, had he not contacted their parents. Zellick: I wonder how he went about in establishing the initial contact with the parents? Simonfy: I'm sorry I can't remember. Zellick: He probably asked questions. Simonfy: He asked many questions, that is correct. He had a board member, Lee Hilliard, who lived in Kendall. Zellick: Then, of course, there was the country superintendent of schools who, undoubtedly, had a record. Simonfy: I just don't know. But Mr. Cummings would come right to the home and visit with the parents in their homes. Zellick: Did he ever come to your home? Simonfy: Not that I can remember. I had two older sisters and a brother who were already in high school so my family was already committed to the value of education, while I was still in the Kendall school. Zellick: From what everyone said, in the course of my interviewing, Mr. Cummings must have had a deep commitment to education and to the student. Simonfy: Very much so, and he was very highly respected. He got around, and he was very well known throughout the county. As I said, he traveled on a bicycle. Now, he may have used the car later on to get to some of the farther towns, like Roy. But he used his bicycle when he came to Kendall which is about twenty miles from Lewistown. I can certainly remember the conversations about Cunningham and his bike. Zellick: Were the people impressed? Simonfy: Oh, yes! It was the topic of the town up in Kendall. Zellick: Did his bike help to endear him to the people? Simonfy: Oh, yes. Very much so. In fact, as I said earlier, a board member lived just outside Kendall. Hi name was Lee Hilliard. And, no doubt, Cunningham stopped by because he went by the place to get to Kendall. Zellick: Is there anything else you remember about Mr. Cunningham? Simonfy: I remember one time I just got out of the assembly room, the old stone gym where the assembly was held, and stepped into my English room. I stepped into the door, and here was Mr. Cummings on top of one of the school's big bullies. A little while later, they walked down the hall together. There were no repercussions whatever. The bully found out who was the boss. And that was it. Zellick: How would you describe the encounter? Would it be like wrestling or boxing or what? Simonfy: I would say that it was a scuffle first. And Cummings was on the top. Zellick: What were some of your favorite teachers and subjects? Simonfy: My favorite subjects were algebra, geometry, solid geometry. A few of the students who liked math were taught trigonometry, too. I like sciences, physics and chemistry. In fact, Ernie Robinson was my chemistry teacher. Zellick: He must have just returned from World War I. It's interesting that he was in the war with Jack Milburn, a long time board member. Both were pilots. Was Mr. Robinson regarded as a hero after his return from the War? Simonfy: Everyone who returned from that war was regarded as a hero. Zellick: What else do you remember about Ernie Robinson? Simonfy: He taught me chemistry, and we (students) got to be quite the chemists, and we would make these rank smelling gasses periodically. We tried to get the odor blown all over the building, to make our presence known. Zellick: Were you punished for this? Simonfy: No. Somehow or another they never found out just who it was. One of my outstanding teachers was a gal named Miss Lelia Delaplane, and English teacher who, I thought, the world of in all of. Also, another English teacher was Miss Ina Belle Auld and she taught for years at the Intermountain College in Helena. My friends kept in contact with her, but I never did. Zellick: John, I think we should state that you were graduated in 1924. Have we done justice to your subjects and your teachers? Simonfy: I think so. Zellick: What about athletics? Simony: We had a strong athletic program. I, personally, was not much of an athlete, because I was too tall, too thin. I was six feet tall and weighed only 130 pounds. I wasn't as matured as some if the boys were. However, and older brother was on the football team. Zellick: Who was this? Simonfy: Frank or "Fritz" as we called him. He was graduated from Fergus in 1922. He was a member of one of Fergus' strongest football teams. Zellick: Is that so? What year? Simonfy: Fall of 1921. Zellick: Why was it rated as one of the better ones the school ever had? Simonfy: Well, they were big husky boys. As I recall five of them went on to Bozeman and made the Bobcats. Zellick: Who were they? Simonfy: There were Joe and van Dulus, Hugh Cottam, Frank Barrows, and Earl Gregory, the full back was on that team. Zellick: Having five Fergus players on the Bobcat team at one time is a good indication or a reflection of Fergus, wouldn't you say? Simonfy: It certainly was. Fergus had a very good athletic program in those years. Zellick: Who was the coach? Simonfy: A man by the name of Holtse was coaching here for two or three years. He could have played the state championship game after beating Miles City, but he elected to wait until the next year, when he was sure of really having a power house. But he left here. And the Hugh Cotton's brother came, and he was at the helm, and they did play in the state championship game against Missoula. And they got beat. Zellick: And quite badly, I have been told. Simonfy: 33 to O. Zellick: I was told this. Could you give us a low down on the Miles City Game? Simonfy: That was the year before the state championship fame. I think it was in the fall of 1920 that this man, Augustus F. Holtse, put this team together. Fergus played in the semi-finals at Miles City. Miles City had already made arrangements for a special train to take team and the students to Butte, I think were the state championship game was to be played. Our team went down there and played. Hugh Cottam kicked a drop kick, which was the only score if the game and we beat them. As I recall the score was 2 to O. This was an upset, especially for Miles City. Zellick: You mentioned that Frank or "Fritz", you older brother, was an outstanding player. Tell us about your younger brother, Mike. Simonfy: He was graduated in 1926. And he was on the football team for, at least three years. I was in his junior year, I believe, that he was an all-state end. Maybe, it was in his senior year. Then in the other year, he was the all-district end. He was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball and football. Zellick: You also had some sisters who went through the local schools as you and your brothers did. Simonfy: Helen, the eldest, graduated in 1918. Rita was graduated in 1920. Mary was graduated in no date available. Eileen was graduated in 1932, and Ruth in 1932 also. Zellick: You married Emma Fergus, and she, too, as was her sister, Emilia Fergus Williams, a student in the local schools. Simonfy: Emma was graduated the same year I was, 1924. She went to Hawthorne, Garfield, and the Lincoln School before going on to Fergus. She was graduated from Lincoln the same time I was. Zellick: In other words, you knew her a long time. Simonfy: Yes, indeed. In fact, she was brought up on a place, not too far from Kendall. Zellick: Then you and Emma married. And your two children, Jack and Ethel went through the local schools. Jack was graduated in 1949 and Ethel in 1952. And what was your philosophy as far as serving on the board is concerned? Simonfy: I refused to consider board membership while my children were in school. It wasn't until after they were through with their local schooling, that I was allowed to be talked into running on the school board. Zellick: Is there anything else you would like to share? Simonfy: Let's get back to football. My son, Jack was a member of the 1948 team which was another very outstanding team. They played in a semi-final game at Glendive, and they got beat by one touchdown. They had a very successful season. Several of the boys are still around. Young Art Wiedeman was the tackle, opposite my son, Jack. Tommy Dowen was the quarterback. Herb Jones was a member of that team. Slim Johnson who works today for the Montana Power was on that team. Chuck Madison, and one of the Tresch boys. Zellick: Why do you feel that the football team of 1948 was an outstanding one? Simonfy: Well, Fergus had a team all through the year. But there were some years when the team was really mediocre. The 1948 team really blossomed and made history for Fergus High. Zellick: There were extenuating circumstances that played a part in all ofthis. World War /I came along in between the very good years and the one you just cited, 1948. I think there was a curtailment of activities during the World War /I years. Simonfy: Oh, yes. Instructors weren't always available. And some may not have been the very best. Those on duty had to double up. Some subjects may not have been taught. But, all in all, the students even during those years got a good schooling. Zellick: As you look back, what are your thoughts on the Lewistown school system? Simonfy: It's as good a system as you will find anywhere in the State. I really feel this way. It's not so big or top heavy, and, yet it's big enough to have the facilities locally that help to make a school good. In addition, we have churches, theatre, public library, art center, and there are many volunteer organizations. It's an ideal place to raise a family, and our schools are very good. Zellick: John, as a result of my recent interviewing, I have been wondering about one thing. In your day, Fergus County High was really a hub of educational activity for the entire county. Students from all of the outlying towns came to Fergus, either liVing in the dorm or staying with local families and friends. Then one by one, the outlying towns withdrew from the high school district. Why did they withdraw? Simonfy: I think it was primarily transportation. Towns were established, many of them during the homestead push when railroads were extended to Moore, Roy, Winnett, Winifred, Grass Range, Suffolk, Hilger. Those towns, in their day, became substantial towns haVing their having their own schools; grade schools and high schools. Even Hilger had a high school for a short time. It was one of the first to go by the wayside. The schools have become a hub of activity in these smaller towns. And that is so today. Take Moore, Winifred, and Roy. Their schools have become the center of activity. All of their social events, or most of them, are hold in the schools. Zellick: Their schools are the biggest employers. Simonfy: That's right. Take a look at Moore, fifteen miles out. If it weren't for its schools, it would die out completely. Zellick: As these towns withdrew from the Fergus High School District, to establish their own, didn't that work a financial hardship on Fergus? Simonfy: I'm sure it did, and for this reason. There were fewer students. The smaller towns all had to establish their own levies so that there was an additional burden on them as it was on us because of fewer students. And, at the same time, all the towns had to share in the county high school levy. As they withdrew to establish their own high schools, that cut down on our tax base. This increased our taxes here. Zellick: This is sort of a paradox. As roads were built, more and more people had cars, resulting in easier transportation; still it was transportation and distance that accounted for establishment of many high schools in Fergus County. Simonfy: I'm sure that is right. Zellick: Well, John thanks very much for your time here today. A typescript of the whole visit, including that portion which was not tape recorded, will be given to you for your review and corrections. On the part of Dr. Ronald G. Mattson and the board for Lewistown School District No. I, I want to thank you. And one more thing. Do you have your class annual, 19247 Simonfy: No, I don't because there wasn't any. The class kept its money in the Fergus County Bank which went broke in 1923. The class then raised some more money and, as I remember, put it in the First National bank and it went broke. So the class had no money for an annual. Zellick: A good indicator, certainly, of the trying times. Art Wiedeman spoke of the bank failures, and I notice that he said that the Bank of Fergus held out to the very last. Simonfy: That could be, but the way I remember it is the way I'm giving it to you. Zellick: Again, thanks very much. |
| Local Identifier | LH 978.629 INTERVIEW |
Description
| Title | Simonfy, John. Interview 1 |
| Type | Text |
| Digital Format | application/pdf |
| Digitization Specifications | Canon MX310 300dpi |
| Full text of this item | The following is a typescript of the visit held today, July 25,1973, with Mr. John Simonfy, Lewistown, MT. He served on the Lewistown School District No.1 Board from, approximately, 1949 to 1956. He served as its chairman from about 1952 or '53 to 1956. At the time, he was the president and manager of the Lewistown Hardware Corporation, and later he became the sale owner of the Lewistown Hardware Corporation. At his request, this portion of the visit which pertained only to his years as board member of School District NO.1 was not tape recorded. Therefore, the following is based on memory and notes taken by the interviewer during the visit. Zellick: I have known you most of my life, so please do pardon me for addressing you as John. Simonfy: That's Fine. Zellick: John, how did it happen you filed for a spot on the school board? Simonfy: The late David Savage, a board member, encouraged me to run. And Vernon Erickson Circulated a petition to get my name on the ballot. Zellick: What were the concerns, if any, that the board had to contend with during your years of service from 1950-56? At that time, it should be pointed out, that the Fergus County High School was a unit separate unto itself having its own board whose members were appointed by the county commissioners. It remained as a separate unit until July 1, 1970. The elementary schools and Junior High constituted School District No.1 with its own board of which you were a member. Simonfy: Well, during my time on the board, we had to make plans for replacing the existing elementary schools. The Second Lincoln School, built in 1912 had to be replaced. When I came on the board, I remember, ground breaking ceremonies were held for the present Lincoln building. Zellick: Interesting enough, Dr. Ronald Mattson and his administrative staff consisting of Bob Odermann, his administrative assistant; Miss Clara Kempenaar, the district clerk; Mrs. Darl (Lois) Headlee, administrative secretary; Mrs. Don (Sharon) McNees, Bookkeeper No.1; Mrs. Irene Frank, Receptionist and Bookkeeper; and Mrs. Carol Karjala, purchasing and receiving clerk, have just moved into the Lincoln School Building. From now on, it will be the administration center for the Lewistown School District No. 1, instead of a school for elementary grades as you knew it. Up to now, for purposes of record, the Junior High School, built in 1921-22 had also served as the administrative center for School District No. 1. Simonfy: I learned that just a few days ago. As you know, I returned only recently having spent the winter in California. Actually, the plans for the present Lincoln Building had been made by the time I came on the board. Ground breaking ceremonies were held when I came on. But due to faulty architectural plans, mistakes made in the boiler room downstairs had to be rectified. This was done later, you understand. Also the access to the coal bin had to be improved, and removal facility for the coal ashes had to be installed. This was done after the building had been finished. Zellick: What was wrong with the second Lincoln school building? |
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