This article comprises research conducted by Sue Leslie, Myrna Griffith and Deanette Snyder.
The rural school was an integral part of the community. It served not only as a school, but also as the voting center, a place of entertainment and a source of news.
Bell School in Beaver Township welcomed an active community group called the Club. This parent group organized a meeting every month, with programs and refreshments. Everyone showed up to enjoy this social time.
The Club was especially active at Christmastime. They would string a wire across the front of the classroom with sheets pinned to it to act as a curtain. Students would sing songs, give readings or present a short play—often the story of Jesus’ birth. The teacher would play the piano if there was one, or music could be provided by the Victrola in the classroom.
As Hazel Whitney, a former teacher at Bell School (Beaver #8), recalled, “I’m not sure if it was the installation of electric lights that made those sheets too revealing for preparation of programs or not. In any case, the Club gave and installed a big roll curtain with a painted scene on it as theaters had in the days. Perry advertising from merchants must have paid for it in part. I’ve often wondered what happened to that curtain when the school was closed a few years later.”
The students worked diligently on their parts. To this day, Darlene Pitsenbarger can perform “Up on the Housetop” complete with motions!
“I remember one particular program when I was a young girl,” recalled Marilyn Lynch. “I was first on the program and had to recite ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers.’ I had to wear my grandmother’s flannel nightgown, which I changed into behind the curtain. I was very embarrassed because the boys were watching. I carried a candle that was covered with a glass chimney, and I was so scared that the chimney shook all the while I recited.”
Decorations consisted of a tree that was cut in the woods and decorated with long paper chains and maybe some strings of popcorn and cranberries. Santa always came with gifts of candy or fruit, often played by a local youth who had been volunteered by his parents, and sometimes he had to be reminded that his job was only to say “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and not question the youngsters about their belief in Old Saint Nick.
Other schools in Beaver Township include Beaver #9, which was located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and 160th Street. It was once marked with a sign that read, “Clyde Dills went to school here.” This was later joined by a sign that read “But never graduated.”
Beaver #1 was also known as Evergreen School. This boxcar-style school closed in 1944 and was sold to Mack Wright. It was moved in sections to 130th Street in Woodward, where it is used as a house.
In an ongoing effort to preserve the history of our township schools, we are seeking details on the names and locations of the other schools in Beaver Township. If you have any information about these schools, such as their location or stories of students who attended them, our group would like to hear from you. Please contact Myrna Griffith at wpldirector@minburncomm.net or Sue Leslie at densueles@aol.com.
