In preparation for our Spring 2025 Newsletter, we had a serendipitous opportunity present itself. While attending a home basketball game, a casual conversation with Gerald Howard revealed his intimate connection with the Dayton School District. Gerald has a lifetime of experience with our school system that began as a student, maintained for years as a parent and grandparent of Dayton students, but also included two terms as a School Board Director. Coincidentally, it was during this experience that our conversation illuminated the inception of the gymnasium, which is scheduled for a roof renovation project this summer.
After learning of this serendipity of events, we felt it was necessary to do an in depth interview with Gerald and his wife Lois not only to highlight the upcoming gym project, but bring attention to one of the many supportive alumni that.
Gerald was born in 1933 and has spent his entire life in the Tucannon Valley of Columbia County. As a child, he either walked or rode a horse to attend the Marengo School, one of many local school houses scattered across Columbia County. He has fond memories of his 8th grade teacher, Ms. Isabelle Douglas, whom he credits with instilling a joy for education. “She worked hard to manage 24 of us kids that were in all different grades. There was no bus, no school lunch, but a whole lot of opportunity for students to learn from Ms. Douglas.”
During High School, Gerald was required to attend Dayton High School. With no bus route, Gerald had to find weekly lodging at the homes of various friends and families. “I got a ride Monday morning and could not wait to get home Friday afternoon.” Although in a hurry to get home on the weekends, Gerald wasted no time during the work week. He was a top end scholar and served in a number of athletics and clubs such as Football, FFA, D-Club, and others such as ASB class representative. He routinely served as President in these clubs and was clearly a natural born leader of sorts. There was a brief consideration to play football after High School, but after a college visit opened his eyes to the physique of college athletes, he decided that perhaps it was time to turn in his cleats and return to the family farm after graduating High School in 1951.
“Farming is all I ever wanted to do.”, says Mr. Howard. Shortly after High School, he married his high school sweetheart Lois, and they remain married currently. It was also during these early years that the Marengo and Russell school Districts consolidated with Dayton and Pomeroy, respectively. “I wanted to make sure the Marengo District had their voices heard.” This sentiment played out when a friend of his, Merwin Neace, encouraged him to run for the School Board, which Gerald did and ended up serving two terms (8 years) as a Board Director. “It was the most thankless job I ever had. You can’t please everyone.”, remembers Mr. Howard.
Despite the challenges associated with Board governance, this was the era that brought in a legacy building project in the form of our current gymnasium. “We had to move the football field across the river, which led to a new foot bridge. One thing kept leading to another. But with a price tag of about $340,000, we were going to do it right and have the best gym in the country.” Gerald recalls having to fire an architect firm among other trials, but the overall project was a success, and the community has reaped the benefits for over almost 50 years. “They thought we needed a plaque to commemorate the project, which I thought was silly. But I want everyone to know, the cost of that plaque came out of our own pockets!”
Our interview with Gerald Howard concluded with other memories and suggested advice for new Board members. “I believe schools should teach reading using phonics, Board members need to remember they represent the Community, and the Board should always strive to satisfy the community by listening and showing patience. It is a tough job!”
We want to thank Gerald and Lois Howard for taking the time to reminisce and journey down memory lane. Another special thanks to Phil and Julie Howard for helping to set up this meeting. Below is the actual article that was submitted to the public in our Spring 2025, Dayton Messenger.
Article Submitted for the Dayton Messenger - Spring 2025
“The upcoming work associated with the gymnasium brings one man’s community service full circle. Gerald Howard, a 1951 graduate of Dayton High School, served as a Board member for 8 years, which happened to be when the “new gym” was proposed, approved, and constructed.
“If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right.”, recalls Mr. Howard. “At a price tag of $340,000 we really stuck our necks out to get that project done”. The gym now stands where the old football field used to be. As a result of the displacement, the ball fields were moved across the river to the old mill site. Gerald and others donated many hours in the seats of personally owned heavy equipment to prepare the sites and make them suitable for football, track, and baseball. “As a result, we had to put in the foot bridge to cross the river as well. One thing kept leading to another!”
Gerald Howard was initially called to service due to a consolidation of the Marengo and Russell school districts, both of which were in the Tucannon area of Columbia County. “I wanted to make sure that, despite the consolidation, our voice was heard and not forgotten.” Mr. Howard replaced Merwin F. Neace, who was looking to step away from the Board and knew Gerald as the two shared family activities and were fellow farmers. In reflection, Gerald admits that service as a Board Director was easily the most difficult, thankless job he ever had. “You cannot please everyone, and someone is always unhappy about something. My suggestion for the current Board is to focus on the needs of the community and be good listeners.”
It is clear that Gerald still has a heart for kids and learning. When asked about tips and points of wisdom, he quickly responded “phonics based READING”. He deeply values the importance of reading, student learning, and equipping students to explore various college or career options after high school. “Our family has always promoted hard work and good citizenship”. Gerald Howard has walked his talk and we are grateful for the past service of this generous alumni.”