Chalk Boards And ‘Graces’ Transport School Children Back In Time

By John Voket

It may not be a fancy iPad, but as Newtown Historical Society head docent Barbara Wilson explained it to children visiting the Little Red Schoolhouse at Middle Gate School last weekend, the scrap of slate she wrote on with chalk was likely a serviceable equivalent, circa 1850!

The Newtown Historical Society helped transport children and adults back in time as the organization hosted a well-attended Children’s Day at the Little Red School House Sunday, September 12.

Costumed docents including Ms Wilson, Dan Wolinski, and Shirley Paproski conducted “classes” inside the school house for children 6 to 12 years old, while recess activities took place outside. There, docents and other costumed volunteers taught and organize Colonial games for the attendees, that included Graces, in which players toss a ribboned hoop to one another using sticks.

Many of the visitors, including young Sarah Ruhs of Newtown and Jack Wargo of Monroe, occupied themselves happily with a game of Trundling a Hoop, while others queued up for some competitive sack races, and even a good old Tug of War.

The “classes” were a great opportunity for parents to get a few minutes of time out on the sunny Sunday morning, because they were geared for children only. Parents were invited to tour the schoolhouse in between classes, however.

In 1968 the society acquired the school house and relocated the structure from its original site on Toll Gate Hill (now Route 25) to its present location, adjacent to the modern era public school’s parking lot.

The historical society is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization that offers open houses with living history demonstrations, a lecture series, a summer history camp for kids, and many special events.

All funding for these efforts comes from private donations, membership dues, bequests, and fund raisers such as the house and garden tour and publication sales. And society representatives were on hand to entice adults and children alike to consider becoming new members or volunteers who are vital to helping organize and run the organization’s many events.

To join or for more information, www.newtownhistory.org or 203-426-5937.