History of Graham Elementary

The children and community should be very proud to have our school named after such a dedicated community leader, Marie C. Graham. In 1922, the Graham's lived in Chesterfield Township, next door to Green School, a one room school house. The children at Green knew that the lady next to the school was always ready to help them. There were no busses at that time and when the weather was bad, Mrs. Graham would take them home in the back of her Model T truck. Mrs. Graham also took children home who got sick during the day.

Because of her willingness to help children, she was elected to the local school board and the operation of the school was entrusted to her. She felt that school financing and sick children were her responsibility. At times, Mrs. Graham substituted as the custodian and handyman at school, fixing anything from a leaky pump to a squeaking door. The children listened to President Roosevelt's inauguration at her house in 1932 and later, many children watched their first TV programs in her living room. Her enthusiasm and sincerity encouraged many others to join in and help provide a good school community understanding at Green Elementary.

During the 39 years that she lived and worked for the school district she saw the fulfillment of many of her dreams. In 1954, the consolidation of many local elementary schools resulted in the beginning of the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools and Mrs. Graham was a member of this original L'Anse Creuse Board of Education. "What she did will not be forgotten", said the chairman of a group of citizens from Chesterfield, Harrison & Clinton Townships who paid tribute to her at L'Anse Creuse High School on February 22, 1962. A scholarship was set up in her name a year later.

On November 21, 1965, a new elementary school in Harrison Township was dedicated to her memory, the Marie C. Graham Elementary School.