It often seems like summer arrives at a full gallup each year when school lets out. If there’s not an activity scheduled here or nearby for a weekend, there’s a get together to finalize organization of one. You hear about something every week downtown.
Busy, busy, busy.
On a few occasions, however, Saline will relax and show a more personal side. Move at a slower pace — while never failing to keep you drawn in and engaged. Sometimes even surprising. While we would never use the word “Mayberry” here, no one could criticize anyone else who might.
This is the annual “Old Fashion Ice Cream Social” tradition at our own Weber-Blaess one-room schoolhouse. Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 19, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. [1]
As always, homemade ice cream with lots of different toppings choices and grilled hot dogs will be available for purchase (with proceeds going to benefit the not-for-profit Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation). Once you’ve made you choice of delights, sit a spell. Catch up with old friends. Get to know your neighbors a little better. This is where you’ll find a sense of what it’s like to be part of the Saline community.
The draw should be all the stronger this year, with that oppressive hot weather we had early this month causing cancellation of 2018 Independence Day fun at the Saline History Museum.
For those who’d like a little more structure, looking for a plan, the signature piece will once again be found within the backdrop itself: The 1867 Weber-Blaess one-room schoolhouse, relocated to its present grounds at the corner of Woodland Drive East and Weber-Blaess Drive. Abreviated class schedules will be held throughout the afternoon inside, providing a glimpse of what students were taught 150 years ago, and how. Recreational activities outside will be from that period as well. [2,3,4]
Organizer Cheryl Hoeft has called this “a summertime treat for the whole family as we celebrate a traditional activity on a Sunday in August,” adding that admission is “free to the public and the only charge is for food items.”
The Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation, founded in 2001, has a mission to support the history of Saline Schools with emphasis on the one-room school era. Over 1800 students visit the school annually supporting the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade Social Studies standards. During their day at the school, students experience a typical day of the 1870-1920’s in these schools by learning the lessons, eating the lunches and playing the games that rural children experienced. This interactive museum is a highly effective learning tool for all types of students.
Proceeds from this event will provide for maintenance of the building inside and out. The front entrance addition was recently repainted and a railing added for easier entrance. The doors have also been refinished on the front. Trees and shrubs are needed to add shade on the property. Curriculum needs are not extensive but with over 1800 children visiting the school on an annual basis, materials are needed for their projects and activities.
For the rest of this story, you’ll have to come see for yourself on August 19. It promises to be a rich experience worth waiting for, so be patient. No need to hurry.
References
- “Weber Blaess” Jim Hoeft, Saline Area Historical Society.
- “How the One-Room Schoolhouse Approach Got It Right” Jennifer Miller, Noodle.
- “Why We Need Children’s Museums” Richard Rende PhD (February 19, 2016) Psychology Today.
- “Where are the objects? Why is this a museum? What allows us to claim special educational status for these charming play spaces?: Turning to Curator for answers” Rebecca Shulman Herz (May 2, 2017) Curator Journal.
