1900’s School Day Reenactment

August 16, 2009

On Sunday, August 16, beginning at 2:00 p.m., the Mayville Limestone School Museum, (MLSM), in cooperation with Cedar Community of West Bend, turned back the clock to 1920, and presented a special educational program for the general public in the museum’s Grand Auditorium.

A group of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from the Mayville Middle School, St. John’s and St. Mary’s schools dressed as students from 1920, and were instructed by an old-fashioned schoolmarm in the museum’s large classroom on the second floor.  The unique trip back in time immersed the students in learning methods from 90 years ago, and  involved the audience, as the teacher discussed changes in education methods and how students were disciplined in a bygone era.

The schoolmarm was Barbara Howard Zvyoloski, one of two teachers who regularly turns back the clock during the school year and instructs elementary students who travel to West Bend’s “Ye Olde School” (a fully functioning one-room schoolhouse built in 1917, formerly the Oak Knoll School). Students come from school districts all over southeast Wisconsin for this “living history” field trip experience offered by Cedar Community. Cedar Community is a not-for-profit organization providing a wide range of retirement living, healthcare services, and historic education programs.  We gratefully thank the Cedar Community for letting one of their schoolmarm go out “on the circuit” as a teacher on loan.

The audience had a special treat during this program because the group of Mayville Middle School students not only served as the schoolmarm’s pupils for the afternoon, but was also be the entertainment.  These students were members of a junior show choir, under the very able direction of MHS music director, Todd Kruger. They performed several musical selections.

Refreshments outdoors followed the “Ye Olde School” Day presentation.  The museum staff sold lemonade, bottled water, cookies, and bars.