One-Room Schools, An American Heritage

One-room schools existed throughout America in its early days and still are in operation in a few rural areas.  I attended one of these during my first four years of schooling and have fond memories of teachers and friends.  I thought it fun to discuss these schools in conjunction with “back-to-school” theme week.

Image: sxc.hu

This type of education runs deep in my family, since my sister, brothers and I attended a one-room school, as did my parents and grandparents.  My mom and her mother were teachers in one-room schools, along with many of Mother’s cousins.  My paternal great grandmother also was a one-room schoolhouse teacher.

These schools associated with my family were located in New York State.  However, I’ve also studied those that existed in New Hampshire, where I now live. 

They fascinate me as part of my heritage and that of our country.  So I’m compiling a blog, One -Room Schooldays, with stories, memories, facts and figures.  (Visit it and comment about your experiences and heritage.)

My mom wrote her memories about her first school and how she met my dad when she moved to that town.  Some of her students remembered her as their teacher when they were adults with children and grandchildren.  I learned from their stories that she, as their teacher, made a difference in many lives.

A one-room school heritage also made a difference in the lives of many Americans.

Do you have a one-room school heritage?