La Crosse in Rush County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Howard R. Barnard

1863-1948

— Pioneer Educator —

Howard R. Barnard Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 11, 2012

1. Howard R. Barnard Marker

Inscription. Howard R. Barnard established Entre Nous "College" in northwest Rush Co. in 1906. He built a 2-story building, hired teachers, and provided school buses, using for funds a sizable inheritance which he received from the east. This was one of the first schools to offer visual education, free transportation, and physical training. By 1913 his funds were depleted, and the school was closed. He taught in the public schools of Rush County, often going hungry to buy more books, and in 1923 became Librarian in the LaCrosse Rural High School. At his death, Dec. 9, 1948, his large collection of books was left to "the school children of Rush County".

Mr. Barnard was born in New York City, Sept. 14, 1863, came west at the age of 20, worked in a sugar mill and herded cattle in Rush County, before becoming an educator. He was truly one of the great educators in the history of America's small schools. His life story has appeared in numerous national publications.

The Barnard Library, named in his honor, located 4 blocks north and 1 block west of this point displays items pertaining to his devoted life to this county.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 1863.

Location. 38° 31.476′

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N, 99° 18.595′ W. Marker is in La Crosse, Kansas, in Rush County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 183) and 1st Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in a wayside parking area at the southeast corner of Grass Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Crosse KS 67548, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Grass Park (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barnard Library (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Entre Nous College (approx. 13.6 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Howard R. Barnard

Also see . . . Howard Robert Barnard (Find-a-Grave). The nephew of Henry Barnard, first U.S. Commissioner of Education, and of Frederick Barnard, founder of Barnard College (now part of Columbia University), Barnard followed in their foot stops in 1906 by founding an innovative and experimental school called Entre Nous College near McCracken, Kansas. (Submitted on September 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 11, 2012

2. Howard R. Barnard Marker

(view of marker from street is obscured by trees)

Barnard Library (<i>4 blocks northwest of marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 11, 2012

3. Barnard Library (4 blocks northwest of marker)

(located 4 blocks northwest of marker, on Elm Street at 6th Street)

Rush County Historical Museums image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 11, 2012

4. Rush County Historical Museums

The museum complex located just west of marker on 1st Street includes the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum and the Post Rock Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.