THE STRAIN-JAPAN BELL ready to ring its welcome to the students, staff, families, and constituents of Strain-Japan School.

The Strain-Japan R-16 Board of Education decided to re-install the school bell that had been a prominent feature of the district since its organization in 1958.
The R-16 School District used to consist of six one-room schoolhouses. These six schools were in the districts of Old Argo, Guese, Renick, Strain, Japan and Seminary. There was no running water in any of them. All but five had wood-burning stoves for use during the winter; Strain’s school had an oil stove.
Each school had a staff consisting of one teacher and was run by a three-person board. Lessons were taught from a “State Course of Study” book, but the schools bought their own books for student use.
In order to meet state requirements for quality education, changes had to be made. A committee consisting of representatives from the six districts formed to convince voters to approve consolidation, establish a six-person board, and agree to a 20-cent tax increase.
The district’s present location was chosen due to its being on a main road, centrally located. Each of the sending districts conducted local auctions of school property to help fund the construction of the new schoolhouse.
County commissioner, George Koelling, bought the bell from the Strain School auction and donated it to R-16. Robert Piofcyk and Henry Schulte built the original stand. Bud Emily volunteered the use of his well-digging equipment to hoist the bell onto the yoke.
Current board member, Scott Cassidy, has donated his time and efforts into refurbishing the bell and stand. Using bags of concrete generously donated by Orscheln Farm and Home Supply in Sullivan, he has created solid support for the structure.
In addition to providing space and tools during the refinishing process, Randy Piezuch has agreed to assist in repositioning the bell on top of the 9’ stand. The district is hopeful that both current and future students will treasure the bell’s historical significance of a community rich in local pride and commitment to providing its youth with an excellent education.