Manfred in Wells County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
School and Neighborhood
An Authentic Settlers' Community Celebrating Rural America
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
1. School and Neighborhood Marker
1. Perhaps no activity is more significant for a community than the education of its residents. Established in 1897, the Manfred School District consisted of three one-room school houses within Manfred Township. By 1908, the student population of Manfred School #1 had outgrown its building and the need was evident for a new facility. The two-story red brick schoolhouse, built in 1910, served the Manfred area until the Manfred School District was dissolved in 1973. This building also served as a voting site for Manfred Township, for Red Cross classes, and as a meeting site for community organizations.
2. Several homes were located near the schoolhouse, one of which is partially visible in the 1910 photo below. This 1899 house was built by Torstein and Marit Rogne. Torstein served as Manfred's first postmaster when the town was established in 1894. Later residents of this house were Ben and Maggie Sorenson, Erik and Augusta Soderback, Helmer and Annie Solheim, and Mark Kolbo.
Residents of the houses east of the school included:
3. Oscar and Christine Ongstad
4. Juel and Guri Ranum, Ernest Braaten, Harley and Lydia Boese,
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5. C.C. and Anna Melby, Knud and Guri Melby, Ole and Guri Ranum, George and Jennie Paulson
6. Nils and Marie Anderson, Olaf and Caroline Anderson, Steiner and Bergette Aasand, John and Veronica Froeber, Edwin and Stella Sorenson
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 47° 41.722′ N, 99° 45.048′ W. Marker is in Manfred, North Dakota, in Wells County. It is on 1st Avenue West just north of Le Grand Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manfred ND 58465, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Drift Prairie. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land
Courtesy Manfred Heritage Museum
2. Marker detail: Map of building locations
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Church and Neighborhood (here, next to this marker); Vang Lutheran Church (a few steps from this marker); East Side of Main Avenue (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Office and Neighborhood (about 400 feet away); The Elevators of Manfred (about 500 feet away); North Side of Elevator Street (about 500 feet away); Soo Line Railroad at Manfred (about 600 feet away); West Side of Main Avenue (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manfred.
Also see . . . Manfred School (Manfred History & Preservation, Inc.).
Excerpt:(Submitted on July 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
• 1910 Early in the year, plans were made for building a two-story brick building to be completed by September 5, 1910 at a cost of $7,853. Contractors were Harrison and Boas.
• 1973 The school closed in May. Classes had been held continuously until then.
• 2016 The chimney was removed. It was crumbling and dangerous.
• 2017 The bell tower was removed; it was leaking into one of the upstairs classrooms which wasa continuous problem. The windows were updated with new panes. The main floor classrooms were painted, and the woodwork project started.Courtesy Manfred Heritage Museum3. Marker detail: Manfred School & Class of 1910-1911The students and teachers were divided into two classrooms of grades 1-3 and grades 4-8.
• 2017-2018 Restoration of dormers with new cedar shingles and port windows.
• 2019 Restoration and cleaning of front portico. Sanding, stripping, and varnishing of first floor west classroom, entry, and coat closets. Patching of floor holes from former plumbing.
Courtesy Manfred Heritage Museum
4. Marker detail: Manfred School Class of 1971-1972
The students and teachers were divided into three classrooms of grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7-8.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
5. School and Neighborhood Marker
Looking north; 1st Avenue West is visible in the right background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
6. Manfred School 1910-1973 (southeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
