Today, is the memorial service for Norma Story Stampfli (1932-2026). Norma graduated from Soldier Bridge School at Litchfield. Soldier Bridge was the first school in what would become the Standish District. It was established in March 1865 and the original school was located near Mapes Ranch.

In the early 1920s the school was relocated to Litchfield.  On February 25, 1929, a $10,000 bond election was held to build a new schoolhouse at Litchfield. The bond was narrowly approved, 40 for and 37 against. The opponents retained an attorney, Ben V. Curler, to file a protest against the bond measure, the school district, and the County Board of Supervisors, the latter having had the authority to sell the bonds. The opponents argued that there were only 34 students and no prospect of any increase in student enrollment. In addition, they stated, the majority of the voters supporting the bonds were non-taxpayers and while most of the property owners favored a new building, they thought the proposed cost too excessive. On April 10, 1929, the school trustees and the County Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting to seek a solution. They agreed on a smaller school, only $6,500 in bonds was issued to construct the school. In 1951, Soldier Bridge, Standish and Bridgeport Schools were consolidated to form the Shaffer Union Elementary School District.

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P.S. – Still in search of a  home.