Schoolmarm Miller goes over the classroom rules. Much of the interior of Oak Hill School remains from the original construction in 1882.
A group of South Side Elementary students was transported back to 1892 last Thursday.
The youngsters traveled to Jonesborough, where they spent most of the day learning inside Oak Hill School, a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1886. When they arrived, the girls curtseyed to their teacher while the boys bowed. Under the direction of “Schoolmarm Miller,” the students learned the customs and classroom rules that were in place in the 1890s. They also spent time learning the “Three Rs” before taking to the schoolyard for recess. During their break, the students learned and played games that were popular with students over 100 years ago.
The Oak Hill School was originally located in Knob Creek Community near where Franklin Woods Hospital now stands. It was moved to Jonesborough in 1996 and now is used as a heritage education center.
South Side students greet “Schoolmarm Miller” during a trip to the Oak Hill School
in Jonesborough. Photos by Dave Ongie
South Side students listen at their desk as Schoolmarm Miller describes life in 1892.
