GOING TO SCHOOL

GETTING TO SCHOOL - TRANSPORTATION

The schoolhouse in a rural (country) community was often built at a crossroads so it would be easier for people to get to the school. Children walked to school. Some took shortcuts across fields and pastures. Others rode horseback or went by horse and buggy. A buggy was a type of carriage. It was a box on four wheels with a seat. Some buggies had a folding top

Some children got a ride with their father or with neighbours. A group of children could fit in a wagon.

After heavy rains a dirt road was too muddy to walk on or to drive on.

In the winter children came in a sleigh or cutter. They kept their hands and feet warm with blankets and warm rocks or bricks wrapped in cloth. A hot baked potato also helped to keep their hands warm. Then the potato was eaten for lunch.

Those who brought horses to school, tied the horses up in the schoolyard or put the horses in a barn or stable. The students were responsible to provide feed and water for their horses.

ATTENDANCE - MISSING SCHOOL

Children attended school whenever they could. There were many reasons why children could not attend school all the time. Severe weather conditions, especially in the winter, forced children to stay at home. Some rural schools were closed for part of the winter.

Children were kept at home to help out with the work on the farm. During harvesting and planting time, children missed school so they could work in the fields. Sickness also kept children at home. If a child missed too much school, they remained in one grade for more than one year.

a boy with horse and plough; 1900; source

next - SCHOOL TEACHERS