From the moment one steps through the white board fence surrounding the Weber Blaess One-Room School located at 520 Woodland Drive in Saline, you can enjoy homemade ice cream with a variety of toppings as ladies with white gloves and parasols leisurely stroll the grounds on August 19, 2018 from 1 – 4 pm. Grilled hot dogs will also be served. Musical entertainment a will join the festivities as this fundraising event will be hosted by the Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation (501©3) or SASHPF, and also provides an opportunity for young and old to experience turn of the century life.

This event is open to the public, and event organizer Cheryl Hoeft is extending a special invitation out to Manchester Area residents. “Classes from Manchester Schools have visited our school plus Manchester was dotted with these types of schools in the 1900’s also,” she stated. “Relive that experience.”
Classroom reenactments of a typical day in a one-room school will give insight into the teachings and discipline of a young maiden teacher to her students using the McGuffey Readers and slateboards. Children will enjoy playing the games that a 1900s recess would have included such as hopscotch, graces, stilts and many more. A craft area will also be available. The Saline Area Fire Department will conduct a bucket brigade to demonstrate an 1800s firefighters’ way of transporting water to put out a blaze. All of these activities have no admission charge.

Again present in 2018 ice cream social will be Magic Joe providing entertainment, plus animals provided by Saline Community Fair..

Old time activities like croquet, watermelon seed spitting, walking on stilts and “Bag-O” will also be competitively challenged between Saline School Board of Education, Saline Area Schools and the Saline City Council and staff. Pleasant Ridge principal Kevin Mussen challenges anyone to beat his previous record of being the all time winner. The public is welcome to participate in these activities also.

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.

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 second, third, and fourth grade Social Studies standards. During their day at the school, students experience a typical day of the 1870-1920s 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.

It’s a summertime treat for the whole family as we celebrate a traditional activity on a Sunday in August. Admission is free to the public and the only charge is for food items. Come join the fun.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.