More to the Story

“Only Well-Mannered Children May Attend School. Remember, Education is a Privilege.”

This was the proverb when public education became available to all students. And there were specific rules for teachers (link to pdf) as well as etiquette for students (link to pdf).

 

One-Room School Day

The ringing of the school bell at 8 am signaled the beginning of classes in a one-room school house. Children most likely had chores to do such as milking the cow, feeding the chickens and pigs, gathering eggs, carrying in wood, and bringing in water before they arrived at the school.

 

Students lined up youngest to oldest, would bow or curtsy, and show their clean hands before entering. Girls entered first and put their coats, hats and lunch pails in the cloakroom at the back of the room. They stood by their desks as the boys entered and did the same. They were seated with the youngest in front with the eldest at the back facing the blackboard over which an American flag hung and portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Before sitting, students would salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Reciting the Lord’s Prayer or a lesson in morals referencing the Bible or singing a song would follow. Students would be seated and answer to the roll call. (in class photo)

Lessons in reading, writing, and arithmetic were the focus but history, geography, and music were subjects that were also included. With limited books and paper, students would learn by memorization and recitation. Wood-framed slates were used with chalk until 2^nd or 3^rd grade when cursive writing was taught. Only after the teacher approved did students write with a steel pen on lined paper because paper was so expensive. Discipline was typically strict.

There was no electricity or plumbing. Firewood stoked the stove, drinking and washing water came from the well, and there was outhouse nearby the building.

Each day ended with the teacher’s announcements, and duties or “homework” for the next day handed out. Children who misbehaved were kept late and the rest of the students were dismissed in an orderly way.

(photo of teacher)

Many teachers were women who had limited career options at the time; teaching offered them a chance to contribute to their communities while earning a modest income. They developed close relationships with their students and often became integral members of the local community.