Passing into history

The Cathay School now only exists as a fond memory to all those who have walked its halls, as demolition of the 104-year-old structure went into full swing early last week. In the above photo taken last Wednesday several days after crews from Ralph Volson Enterprises of Balfour took down the shell of the school, portions of the eastern exterior wall of the gym remain for final cleanup and disposal. The school was built in 1920 after the previous building burned down two years earlier, and remained in service for 60 years until the last graduating class took the stage in 1979. The school district closed for good the following year. The building would later be used for community functions and storage purposes, before falling into disrepair.