It is “Back to School” Month

The calendar has turned to August which means summer vacation is winding down and a number of children will be returning to school this month. Many people have heard that the history of schools closing down for the summer began when children were a large source of labor for their families because farming families used their children to help out during the summer months. Actually, according to Kenneth Gold, historian at the College of Staten Island, schools had two short terms occurring in the winter and summer because farming needs were needed in the spring for planting and in the fall for harvesting. It was in the late 19^th century when educators wanted a school calendar that was the same for both urban and rural areas which resulted in the summer vacation many students now enjoy.

This church was part of a rural, farming society. Many of the families who attended and built this church were farmers. The church has a history with education. According to church history, in 1860 the members of the church met at the Goodrich School for their meetings and services. The church history also notes that in 1907 the local school held classes at the church after it burned down.

So, in 1833 when the first religious society of the area was formed that would eventually become First Congregational Church of Lisle, what did women (the main people in charge of educating children) think about education? One point of view can be taken from Lydia Maria Child the author of The American Frugal Housewife which was first published in 1828 and was a popular manual for women during this time. The book contains recipes, remedies, and advice on parenting and housekeeping.

Ms. Child devotes an entire section on education and specifically young girls. She makes a point of stating that girls should not be focused on getting married. She says that young girls who focus on getting married do themselves harm because they are not equipped to handle a household and end up getting married just to say they are married whether they are in love or not. Child writes, “Leave the affections to nature to truth, and all will end well.” She advocates that young girls should spend several years with a wife and learn how to care for children and a home before taking on her own household.

Child notes that “modern girls” were in school until the age of sixteen. She believed that their education learning science, among other things, were a waste of time. She did not think that spending time and money on cultural graces such as music were wise. In her opinion, a girl’s education should have consisted of the “inelegant, every-day duties of life. Thus prepared, they enter upon matrimony. Those early habits, which would have made domestic care a light and easy task, have never been taught, for fear it would interrupt their happiness; and the result is, that when cares come, as come they must, they find them misery. I am convinced that indifference and dislike between husband and wife are more frequently occasioned by this great error in education, than by any other cause.”

What a difference in thinking of education as today the goal is make sure all students have the same opportunities so anyone can achieve their dreams. Let us all remember how thankful we are for the opportunity for all children to have an education, and be sure to watch out for school crossings as more children are walking and/or boarding buses.

Peace and blessings.

Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/debunking-myth-summer-vacation/

Child, Lydia Maria, The American Frugal Housewife. Applewood Books: Bedford, MA, 1832, 91-96.