Sixth grade students at Olmstead School recently enjoyed reading the classic novel Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. Through reading the book, students gained insight into the harsh realities of being a child during the Civil War as the March girls’ father was away serving as a Chaplain for the Union Army.
Students also learned about Victorian Christmas traditions which were depicted in the text. Upon finishing the book, students traveled to Adsmore House in Princeton, where they were able to step back in time and relive a Kentucky Victorian Christmas from the year 1901. The home is like a time capsule, entirely set – all furnishings, including the Christmas décor - in the time period of the latter 1800’s to early 1900’s, just as in the setting of Little Women.
Sixth grade student Zaydi Hill remarked, “I loved how they kept the house original and beautiful. It was the prettiest museum I have ever seen.” Sixth grade student Paul Quincy Perez stated, “It was like we stepped back in time.” and middle school teacher Addie Rouse commented, “I believe the students were really impressed by the house and how it showed some of the 1900’s. They were blown away by the style of the house, the dress, and the lifestyle. I know they will not forget this trip! It put today’s lifestyle in perspective!”
Eighth grade students visited McCutchen Meadows. historic home in Auburn where they learned about the McCutchen family, some of the first settlers to Logan County who came here in 1796 after receiving a Revolutionary War land grant. Students viewed remnants of a time past as they toured the home and saw original bookcases in the home’s library, fireplaces in each room, a front door skeleton key, and even a “modern” telephone booth from the early 1900’s. Students enjoyed hearing stories about the family’s life there for almost 200 years.
Eighth grade student Hailey Thompson shared, “Even though it is a very old house, it has still been kept in great condition. I enjoyed exploring the house. Just standing in it made me feel like a part of the past.”
Eighth grade student Abi Miller reflected, “Mr. and Mrs. Kemplin’s house made me realize that in the future, all my stuff will be in the past.” Eighth grade student Mallory Robertson remarked, “Today I actually learned a lot about my family’s past. I learned that there can be so much history in one small place. The history and the past of your family is what makes us who we are today. Even though we will move on and become other things in life, it is always good to know what your family was and what is has grown to be.”
After touring the home, students traveled to the Logan County Extension Office where they were given lessons in etiquette, which they practiced as they ate lunch. To foster their collaboration skills with others, they also participated in team building activities.
Students ended the day in service to others as they traveled to the Hometown Manor assisted living facility where they delivered lap blankets to the residents, talked with them about their lives and experiences, and sang a Christmas carol for them.
Students have also recently visited Logan County’s CTC where they received a tour, learned about the classes and certifications offered, while also experiencing the opportunities and experiences available in fields such as nursing, die casting, architecture, automotive and electrical work.