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Christmas in a One-Room Schoolhouse.
From the journal of Uncle Leif (Mother’s youngest
brother)
Preparations for the Christmas concert often
started the first week of November. It was a big undertaking for the teacher to
maintain the regular school classes plus organize the rehearsals for the
concert.
I remember one teacher who broke down and cried
because of the lack of progress made by students in learning their parts.
A temporary stage was erected out of railroad
ties and box-car, grain-bin panels. One of the area farmers hauled the ties and
panels from the local grain elevator with a team and hay rack.
On the day of the concert, students’ desks were
placed at the back of the one-room school. Next the old wooden benches stored
in the basement were brought up, dusted off and placed in rows. Gas lamps were
filled with fuel and the mantles checked. A large spruce tree was set up and
decorated.
Finally, everything was ready for the big
event.
The old schoolhouse was packed to overflowing.
With all the students on the stage, the concert
opened with O Canada and a selection of Christmas Carols. Then followed plays,
even some years, Dicken’s Christmas Carol. The student with the best memory
would have the part of Scrooge.
Interspersed throughout were individual
recitations, singing and the playing of musical instruments.
Even though the parts were often delivered in a
monologue with little expression, the audience, sprinkled with adoring parents,
applauded with enthusiasm.
The highlight of the evening was the visit from
Santa Claus carrying a large bag of toys for all the students and pre-school
children. Each student, as well as many visiting children, received a bag of
candy and nuts, as well as an apple, and a Japan-grown orange available only at
Christmas. What a treat!
Following the concert, the adults removed the
stage and most of the benches in preparation for the dance.
Music was supplied by any locals who played an instrument.
Everyone, including the children, had a great time dancing or just bouncing
around to the beat of the music.
At midnight or later, lunch brought by the
ladies, was served.
Finally, babies who had been sleeping on piles
of clothes were dressed.
Families gathered themselves together for the
trip home—tired by happy.
Nothing could compare to Christmas time in a
one-room school!
That's wonderful that your uncle kept a journal like that. What a wonderful window into your family history.
ReplyDeleteSimple joys (for all except the poor teacher). Precious joys. And precious memories. The journals your family keeps are incredible.
ReplyDeleteVery similar to our Christmas concerts in the little one roomer...except we had hydro and we sang God Save The King (and then eventually the Queen). Great memories.
ReplyDeleteOranges from Japan? There's a surprise. The dance part of the evening sounds like many country dances anywhere, with babies and toddlers sleeping in the piles of coats.
ReplyDelete