Howell Living History Farm invites the public to participate in a unique “back to school” day on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is set to feature educational, social and cultural activities centered around the “one-room school” in the rural life of 1900. The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane in Lambertville.
School bells are ringing once again in Pleasant Valley as the Howell Living History Farm invites the public to participate in a unique “back to school” day on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is set to feature educational, social and cultural activities centered around the “one-room school” in the rural life of 1900. The farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane in Lambertville.
The Howell Farm school mistress has McGuffey readers, slates and slate pencils ready for students of all ages to begin their lessons in the three R’s. Visitors can take a seat in an antique school desk and try their hand at orthography using pen and ink, or attempt to solve farm-related arithmetic problems on the chalkboard. As in yesteryear, children can help with farm chores before attending the “one-room school.” The school bell will ring on the hour at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to begin lessons and half past the hour at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for recess and a quick tour of the privy. During recess, children will be introduced to hoops and sticks, tug of war and other old-fashioned games and toys.
School lunches served in baskets or pails will be sold in the kitchen.
Participants in the school program may attend the “box social,” which will be held at 2 p.m. Well-wrapped boxes of homemade pies or goodies will be auctioned off to benefit the school. The lucky gentleman who wins the bid on the teacher’s pie will also share her company.
Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Parking and admission are free.
For more information, call the farm office at (609) 737-3299 or visit howellfarm.org. or mercercountyparks.org.
