Foltz tour offers glimpse of learning in the late-1800s
BRADY TWP — The historically curious were able to travel back in time Sunday, July 9, to experience firsthand what it was like to learn in a one-room schoolhouse.
Jennings Environmental Education Center and The Moraine, McConnells Mill, and Jennings Commission held an open-house-style exhibit of the of the historic one-room Foltz School as part of their fall and summer series.
The schoolhouse, which dates to the late 1800s, gave visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the historical site while volunteer tour guides answered questions about the time period.
“I think it’s really valuable to see what things were like in the past to preserve this piece of history,” said Miranda Crotsley, the program coordinator. “Folks get a sense of what the past was like and can see how we’re connected. It’s a chance for people to see not only how different things were, but how things are similar.”
Michael Kaminski, 19, of Sarver, is attending Slipper Rock University to become a high school history teacher. He saw this is a perfect opportunity to compare time periods.
“As one of my professors put it,” Kaminiski said. “the two slowest things in this country to change are the church and schools. So it’s nice to see where it started and where we are now.”
Upon entering the white-painted building with shutters, visitors were transported to an authentic classroom, including a potbelly stove, textbooks, school supplies and even antique desk that were used in the classroom at that time.
Volunteer Richard Bosch, of West Liberty, was responsible for restoring the desks used in the exhibit.
“I didn’t want to make them look like new,” Bosch said. “But they were in various stages of wear and tear.”
Debbie Sale, one of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources volunteers who played a prominent role in getting the schoolhouse restored, was available Sunday to answer questions and give visitors insight of restoration process of the Foltz School has undergone.
“It actually sat idle for 40 years.” Sale said. “In 2018, we got a group of people together, we had volunteers that were really dedicated to the school.”
Colleen McGrath, of Mars, a former high school history teacher said she noticed different between the eras.
“It feels very traditional, very homey” McGrath said “A lot of things of are different. You have the desks and the chalkboard it feels like a great place for learning.”
MgGrath is not sure if she could have taught in a one-room schoolhouse that hosted students from grades one through eight.
“That would be a very big challenge for teachers,” McGrath said. I’m not really sure I could do that. They must have been really well prepared to do that.”
The open house will be available throughout the summer and fall. The next open house is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
