Edison Institute High School - Yearbook (Dearborn, MI)

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Page Ten HERALD HISTORY OF SCHOOLS tConcluded from page 91 before, called the pupils to school on the reopening day, and at the ceremonies on the same occasion Charles Edward Pritchard, 7 years old, manipulated the halyards which raised the hag. MN GREEN LANE ACADEMY The small brick school which was erected by Elwood Comfort at the end of a lane bordered with evergreens, was given the appropriate name of Green Lane Academy, although the father of Boswell, the biographer of Dr. Samuel Johnson, would likely have had some- thing to say about this had he lived at the time. It will be recollected by students of the great lexicographer and master of English prose that Boswellls father, the laird of Auchenleck, exclaimed contemptuously: HHe lDr. J ohnsonl keepit a school and caled it an academy. However, Green Lane Academy has a history all its own. In its earlier days it provided accommodation for meetings of the Quakers, or more properly The Society of Friends. It became for a time a dwelling, and births, weddings, deaths and funerals have marked its progress through the years. It continued as a dwelling house until the spring of 1932, when it was sold by Albert Comfort to Mr. Ford. mm MILLS SCHOOL The Mills School was erected in 1860 close to the site of an earlier school built about 1836, and thought to have been the first frame school in Lenawee County. Gabriel Mills was one of the earliest settlers in the county, an able, farsighted pioneer who bought a site along Macon Creek for a saw mill about 1832, erected a dam from bank to bank, and cut logs into building material. The Mills home stood on a hill from which the mill and its pond could be seen, and it still stands today complete in almost every detail. Here the school teacher was boarded without charge. It is occupied today by Cassius Mills, a son, who is eighty-live years old and has seen with deep interest the restora- tion of the dam within walls of native stone, and the reconstruction of the mill by Mr. Ford. Gabriel Mills furnished the lumber and the hardware for the first school, the hardware being hand-forged. Among the interesting events that have taken place near the old school was a visit by the Mormons about 1836'on their way west from New York State. Their elders held services in the old Mills School. MN COMFORT SCHOOL During the days when country roads knew only the slow plodding of an ox team or the more sprightly pace of horses, when a ten-mile journey and re- turn was a two-day trip, Samuel Satterth- waite and Aaron Comfort came from the East and took up five hundred acres on the Raisin River near the present town of Tecumseh in Lenewee County. Elwood Comfort, son of Aaron, took up 180 acres of land for farming in 1854, and built a brick house on the top of a commanding hill. There on November 6, 1859, Albert A. Comfort, its present occupant, was born. By 1868 there were nine families in the vicinity. The necessity for increased school facilities was obvious. According, in 1869, a small brick school was erected by Elwood Comfort at the end of a lane bordered with evergreens, from which it took the name of HGreen Lane Acad- emy? The building was located on a bank; the upper iioor was divided into two rooms, one a bedroom for the hired man of the Comfort farm, whose living quarters were in the basement, and the other a schoolroom. The teacher boarded at the Comfort home and when not teach- ing assisted with the housework. In 1871 a discussion arose over the division of the original school district made up of the children attending an old brick schoolhouse on the present site of the Centennial School building. The dispute was settled the next year by the building of a new school on the Comfort farm out of the brick furnished by El- wood Comfort. It was later known as the Comfort School. Albert Comfort was made director till 1900 and served until 1932. Our Contributors The response of the pupils of the Edi- son Institute, Greenfield Village and dis- trict schools to our appeal for news has been most gratifying. Following is a list of the names of contributors, although the names of the editorial staff and the dis- trict school reporters will be found separately in the flag at the top of the editorial column, on page 2: Scotch Settlementelsabelle Gassett, Jean Mills, Jack McCloud, Billy Ford, John Perry, Helene Walker, Bobby Shackletonleeacher, Miss Webster. Town HalleBetty Hutchinson, Sue san Alderdyce.iTeacher, Miss Mason. Willow Run-Gene Barnes, Jack Suggitt, Lillian Poet, Helen Hoag, Grant Dicks, Phyllis La Fortte, Jack Hewitt, Ruth Reinhackel.eTeacher, Miss Mackinnon. Old Stone PenningtonaDavid A. Higgins, Ruth Randall.eTeacher, Jer- ome Travis. BrownvilleiMerrill Gray, Doris Har- rington, Neil J ones, Eva Johnson, Roma Driscoll, Kathryn Dermyer.-Teacher, Glenn Driscoll. CentennialeGertrude D r u i l 1 a r d, Agnes MontgomeryeTeacher, Elmer J . Chapman. Green Lane AcademyeMargaret Papp, Ceciele Netcher.eTeacher, Miss Dobie. Comfort-Ellen Holdridge, Lois An- derson.--Teacher, Miss Boltz. Mills Schoole-Lilah Creger, Jennie Cibrowski.eTeacher, Miss Higgins. NW CO-OPERATION Co-operation is one of the greatest things on earth; it means helping one another. Co-operation is the way to accomplishment; the lack of it leads to failure. Whether at work or at play, co-operation is an excellent thing, and it appears at its best when the strong assist the weak and guide them over the rough places of life. I have been much gratified to see how upper grade boys and girls help the smaller ones with their school work, their dancing lessons and especially while en- gaged in out-door recreation, and similar sports and pastimes. The uniform courtesy of the seniors to their younger companions has been very edifying not only to me but to other observers. While our teachers in general en- deavor to impart adequate instruction to their pupils, their efforts would be useless-but for the co-operation of the pupils. in studying their lessons and in recelvmg and retaining such instruction. Pupils undoubtedly lighten their teach- er's task by giving such assistance, and I have to acknowledge that I have learned many things from them in this way. Another thing of which I am pleased and. proud. I have always found our pupils straightforward and truthful, and no dlfliculty has arisen at any time but what Icould be talked over and satis- factorily straightened out. This is co- operation. er. Lovett. MN HOME LIFE tBy Edgar A. Guesti The roof is stout against the rain, The walls shut out the cold, And through each little window pane The great world we behold. Outside the wintry snow comes down And bitter is the storm, But safely I come back from town To cosy rooms and warm. But there are other storms to fear And other frosts to dread. A bitterer cold may enter here If angry words be said. And though the walls be staunch and strong And though the doors be stout, Were hatred eler to come along They could not shut it out. The walls can keep away the snow, The roof shut out the rain, But love must keep the rooms aglow Or bolted doors are vain. For home is not of brick and stone, But happy hearts and minds And soon that place is overthrown Where hate a lodging finds. The strength of home is in the heart And not within its walls. When those who keep it draw apart The stoutest structure falls. So let the wind blow cold outside Against the window panes, We'll happily at home abide So long as love remains. ePrinted through the courtesy of the author. MN Resolutions From Willow Run The summers come and winters go, First the Howers, then the snow, Each season brings its gifts so good, We wouldn't change them if we could. First the task and then the joy Bringing gifts to girl and boy, So the days go liying by, Let's make them worth while you and I. -Grant Dicks I make new resolutions, but every single year They get a little cracked and badly bent I fear. But even if theylre broken, I have to make them as , Thatis better than to make none, is my experience in the past. ?Helen Hoag

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HERALD Page Nine A Brief History of Our Schools LOCAL AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS In the month of May, 1932, the Edison Institute began an experiment among more than 200 children attending rural schools near Ford-owned farms in southern Michigan. Plots of ground near the schoolhouses were tilled and planted and turned over to the children to care for during the summer vacation and bring to harvest. Each tract was to be an experiment table whereon the child would watch the plants spring up in tiny shoots of green, unfold into blossom, and finally come to fruit. The value of destroying the weeds and cul- tivating the plants was one thing quickly learned. The need of keeping steadily on the job was another. Families of the children were given whatever produce was grown on their plots, so that each pupil was able to provide a supply of vegetables to supple- ment the home table. The schools are located in southern Michigan within a radius of 100 miles of Dearborn. Three are in Dearbornethe Greenfield Village Scotch Settlement, Town Hall and Clinton Inn schools. Three are in or near Macon-ePenning- ton, Town and Mills schools. The Brownville, Academy, Comfort and Centennial schools are near Tecumseh, and the Willow Run and Rawsonville schools are not far from Ypsilanti. WILLOW RUN In 1849 a school was erected on the banks of Willow Run Creek which became known as the Willow Run School. It was a small frame structure designed to accommodate twenty-eight pupils. The teacher was selected from among the better educated persons of the district. The books were furnished by the parents. Pencils and ink were homemade, and the pens were made from goose quills by the teacher. When after ten years the enrollment had grown from twenty-eight to forty- four, and the pupils were jammed in every corner and round the teachers desk, Charles Cady called a meeting of the board at which it was decided to build a larger school. At the end of the summer term of 1859, as the last child left, the building was hoisted upon skids and dragged by twenty-one yoke of oxen to the extreme bank of the creek. Work was ims mediately started on the present school; which was copied from the W. W. Har- wood School of Ypsilanti, built in 1830 and said to be the first itLittle Red School in the district and perhaps in the state. In 1888 there came to this school Frank Cody tnow superintendent of Detroit schoolsy for his first assign- ment as a teacher. In June, 1926, upon the completion of a near-by consolidated school, the key was turned on the faithful old door lock and the Willow Run School was closed. In the fall of 1931, Mr. Ford caused building and grounds to be re- stored and on September 9, the old hand bell announced the resumption of classes. There was present a little band of old- timers and the old lot rang again with echoes of laughter and shouts of joy from the sun-bonnet girl and the bare- footed boy,n whose ffgrandpappyti got his tischoolin, at Willow Run. Frank Cody was present for the day and once more taught the school. NM RAWSONVI LLE About the year 1825, Amariah Raw- son came to the Huron River Valley and settled on a large tract of land, building a log house for himself and family on the south bank overlooking the stream. In time he constructed a frame house across the road and opened a store. As more settlers came into the valley, a thriving town sprang up which was called Michigan City. The town spread along both sides of the river and boasted of three blacksmith shops and two general stores. The old log school was replaced with a new brick building erected about 1860 by the same man, it is thought, who built the school at Willow Run. By that time the name of the town had been changed to Rawsonville. School has been kept continuously in this district except for two or three years When the number of children was so small that it was decided to let them all attend Willow Run. mm OLD STONE PENNINGTON The first pioneer settler between Tecumseh and Saline in the Raisin River Valley was John Pennirgton, a Quaker, who came in 1828 and built a log cabin along the banks of the Macon Creek. In time the spot became known as Penningtonis Corners and later as Macon. A log school provided a means of education in the early days, with winter and summer terms. In the old minute book of School District No. 1, Township of Macon, is a record of meetings as far back as 1841, and the name of John Pennington appears as director. In 1851 it was decided to build a new school, and Michael Hendershot was given the contract for a stone building to cost $450. The old school was sold for $31.50. One of those who attended and learned the three Ris here was Jerome Travis, the present teacher. The in- terior arrangement of the new school was unique, the pupils' desks facing the stove and the teacher's platform from three directions. The stone school was being used as a storage warehouse when Mr. Ford came upon it while putting in his acreage near Macon. He restored it to its original purpose. School was reopened on Sep- tember 28, 1931, at a reunion attended by nineteen of the thirty-one living mem- bers of the first classes, who sat in their old places and answered roll call. Four surviving children of the twelve born to John Pennington and his wife were there, as were nine grandchildren. Classes resumed work on October 12, with Jerome Travis behind the desk as teacher. After the assassination of Abra- ham Lincoln, Alfred Graham, a 16-year- old pupil, wrote a poem, The Death of Abraham Lincoln, for one of the boys, Jerome Travis, a 12-year-old, to recite. The poem now hangs framed on the wall of the restored school. At one time the Baptist minister, J ohn Maynard, taught the village school and while so doing preached his regular Sunday sermon. It was he who gave the bell now in use in the old schoolhouse, to Miss Susan Langhan, who in turn gave it to Mr. Ford when he recon- structed the building. TOWN SCHOOL, MACON The Town School, Macon, was built because of the need for increased capac- ity and also because the old stone school was cold in winter? Isaac Hen- dershot was the builder, and the grounds were landscaped with ever- greens from Israel Penningtonis nursery. Joseph Morgan was director of the school at the time of its construction in 1866. Silvanus Travis as moderator hired his son, Jerome Travis, to dig the holes for planting the trees which still stand on the grounds. Young Travis was also paid 62V; cents a cord for saw- ing wood for the school and in 1872 served as its teacher. The building was remodeled in 1931 through the co-operation of Mr. Ford. mm BROWNVI LLE The old Brownville schoolhouse, abandoned many years ago only to be restored by Henry Ford, was reopened on Monday, January 23, 1933. The school is operated as a tfone room schoolhouse,u with classes from the first to the twelfth. Mrs. Charles Snedecor, who has in her possession the old hell that once called the children of the Brownville school together, was present on the first day of school and had the honor of ring- ing the first bell. Pupils of the Ford school at Macon also attended and pre- sented a program at the morning session. The Brownville School was completely rehabilitated and to the observer today, presents the same appearance it did 40 years ago, with its oil lights, box stove and whitewood seats and desks. The building is of brick. mm CENTENNIAL A difference of opinion arose in the year 1871 over the proposed division of the original school district which was composed of pupils attending in the old brick building which then stood on the site on which the Centennial schoolhouse now stands. After the argument over location and districting, those living east of the old brick school pulled it down in 1876 and erected a new buildings on the site, which is named in honor of the year of its erection the Centennial School. Through the co- operation of Mr. Ford, the school was reopened for instruction in September, 1932. Mrs. Jennie Nyland Tallman, who taught the classes thirty-five years Concluded on page 10

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HER-ALD Page Eleven McGuffey Precepts and Maxims Trippin g Homeward O'er the Snow HNow for snow-ball, Harry cries, And to hit his sister tries; But the ball, so white and round, Misses her, and hits the ground. Sister Florence, full of fun, With her little hands makes one, And at brother Harry throws; Swift it flies, and hits his nose. Have I hurt you, brother dear? Asks his sister, running near; iiHurt me? no, indeedi says he, This is only sport for me? yFIRST READER. The Kitchen Clock 1. Listen to the kitchen clock! To itself it ever talks, From its place it never walks; iiTick-tocketick-tockz Tell me what it says. 2. iTm a very patient clock, ever moved by hope or fear, Though Ilve stood for many a year; Tick-tocketick-tockz That is what it says. 3. I'm a very truthful clock: People say about the place, Truth is written on my face; Tick-tock-tick-tockt That is What it says. -SECOND READER. THE CLOCK AND THE SUN-DIAL A FABLE 1. One gloomy day, the Clock on a steeple looking down on the Sun-dial 1n a garden near by, said, uHow stupid it is In you to stand there like a stock. 2. You never tell the hour, till a bright sun looks forth from the sky, and gives you leave. I go merrily round, day and night; in summer and winter the same, without asking his leave. 3. iiI tell the people the time to rise, to come to dinner, and to go to church. 4. uHark! I am going to strike now: one, two, three, four. There it is for you. How silly you look. You can say nothing. 5. The sun, at that moment broke forth from behind a cloud, and showed, by the Sun-dial, that the Clock was half an hour behind the right time. 6. The boasting Clock now held his tongue, and the Dial only smiled at his folly. MORAL 7. Humble modesty is more often right, than a proud and boasting spirit. -THIRD READER. ADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRY Does God notice little children in school? He certainly does. And if you are not diligent in the improvement of your time, it is one of the surest evi- dences that your heart is not right with God. You are placed in this world to improve your time. In youth, you must be preparing for future usefulness. And if you do not improve the ad- vantages you enjoy, you sin against your Maker. With books, or work, or healthful play, Let your first years be past; That you may give, for every day, Some good account, at last. -FOURTH READER. Some Bits of Wit and Wisdom Around the Village Green SCOTCH SETTLEMENT SCHOOL E. Lucile WebstereTeacher tClasses 4 to 9i Eileen Barthm-The things I love are written here: My school, my iiowers and my books so dear. Florence BarbiereIlm expecting the same question to come up every night, just when I get settled to read: HHow about practising your music lesson? Arthur CalvettieI am very thankful because I live in the village. Dorothy ChubbuckeNow comes arithmetic, and am I glad! For I think arithmetic is the best subject to be had. Patricia Chubbuck-Health is the first wealth. Jimmie Dates-Never spend your money before you have earned it. Wilbur DonaldsoneMy mind is ever dwelling on my terrible spelling. Donald DonovaneWhatever you do, do your best. Traverse Du ValleThings, not money, make wealth. Marjorie ElmereSometimes I like this and sometimes I like that, but I don't seem to mind it because I have to do it just the same. Billy FaustmaneLife-long happiness is the result of work. Billy Ford-Things of importance are not accomplished without work. J ames Gardnere A smile, a smile, in work or play: To Win or lose with a smile, Ild walk a mile most any day. Isabelle GassetteFollow your ambi- tion, but always let your heart guide you. Donald GilberteI believe what I see and not what you see. Ann Hood-Santa Claus is the spirit of Christmas and exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist. Erna JenseneBeware of little ex- penses; a small leak will sink a great ship. Thomas MarshalleA child should always say whatls true and speak when he is spoken to. Billy McLeodaBe courageous; have faith; go forth. Jack McCloud-Eat to live, do not live to eat. Jean McMullineA child should always speak when he is spoken to. Billy MielkeeNever buy what you dont want, because it is cheap. Jean Mills-Wealth is not always money. Catherine Mae Millel';DO a good deed every day. David OrmondeI think you learn many things at school. Sally Owens-I like spelling matches best, but to me history is a pest. J ohn PerryeAlways be prepared for whatever may happen. Kenneth PetrakeNever trouble another for what you can do yourself. Freddie ProcknOWe-Your' greatest enemy is yourself. R l Russell ReadereBe prepared, be truthful, and be pure. Evelyn Richal'dson-eNever spend your money before you have earned it. Albert RobertseWhat is worth doing atiall, is worth doing Well. Harry SchumanneTo care for all your needs, you must accomplish some good deeds. Barbara SheldrickeA good word, a cheer, a smile or two, is better than most things one could ever do. Vance Simonds-Seeing is believing. Bobby SnOWe Some things bore me like the deuce, I wish I had a good excuse, To get by them, boy, would I be glad! For I am like any other lad. Erwin SpencereNever put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Irene Steade Dancing, dancing twice a week, Although I never do get weak; I like it, so you see, And that is why I dance with glee. Elaine Wyman-Experience is the best teacher. TOWN HALL SCHOOL Ruby M. Mason-Teacher tClasses 4 to 9J Susan Alderdyce- Smile awhile And while you smile Another smiles, and soon Therels miles and miles of smiles, And lifel's worth while if you but smi e. Mary Lee AlderdyceeFour things, I think, make life worth while: To love, to hope, to help, to smile. Betty Atkinson-He who receives a good turn should never forget it; he who does one should never remember it Roy BarbieraThink before you speak. WilmaBarth-- In school I work, At home I play; I hope Illl be more studious every day. Margaret Berry-A merry heart doeth good like medicine. Carol Bryant-It is always morning somewhere. Katharine Bryant-Not .what we give but what we share; the gift Without the giver is bare. Junior BurnSvStars shine by day as well as by night, but shine more brightly at night. N elson Cosbey-If you lose some time today you cant make it up tomorrow. Charles Dates-Be not swift to take offense; anger is a foe to sense. J ohn C. DahlingereIf it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.