More about Bolivar Schools

South Ward, also known as ‘Southside’ Elementary was constructed in 1898.It stood between the streets of Main, Maupin and Springfield Avenue. At the time of construction the school had only one wing, on the north side of the entrance (the left side on the photo above). In 1917 the second wing,
which included a basement, was added. In the school year of 1918-19 a new course, of study, Vocational Agriculture, was added to the Bolivar High School curriculum. At that time Bolivar High School was still on the second floor of the North Ward building. Because of a lack of space the Ag Department was housed in the basement of the new wing at South Ward. South Ward served as a school until Leonard Elementary opened in 1963.