A Day at the Bloomfield Schoolhouse

The Bloomfield school is an authentic one-roomed schoolhouse built in 1883.  A day will include school activities and games that are historically accurate for this area during the time period of 1880-1907.

Location – The school is located on Washington Street next to the Pilot Point Community Center.  

Cost – An invoice will be sent to the school following the visit.   The cost will be $5.00 per student.   Teachers do not need to pay – we probably should pay YOU for helping us as we all work to make this a positive experience for the students.

Clothing – Boys are encouraged to wear a button-down shirt with jeans or overalls.  T-shirt material was not available, so boys should not wear t-shirts.  Girls are encouraged to wear a long skirt and a top that has sleeves.  Girls did not wear pants or short skits to school.  Bonnets are wonderful if they can be made or borrowed.  Students are encouraged to wear shoes they can play and be comfortable in.  Students may wear boots, plain leather shoes or whatever they normally wear to school.   Shoes may not be “historically accurate” but, in this case, comfort is best.  Likewise, jackets, if needed, do not have to be authentic.  Parents and teachers are also encouraged to dress up if you plan to stay for the day.

Time – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or as your schedule permits) – We try to begin on time.  Please do not enter the building until invited by the teacher.  Students are brought inside with directions from the teacher.

We will sing “America”.  Many students do not know the words but is nice if they do.

                         America

                        My country tis of thee,            

                        sweet land of  liberty,

                        of thee I sing.

                        Land where my fathers died!

                        Land of the Pilgrim’s pride!

                        From every mountain side,

                        let freedom ring!

Lunch – It is suggested that students pack a lunch in a pail or basket with items wrapped in cloth.  Boys sometimes prefer to carry their lunch in a cloth on a stick, “Tom Sawyer” style.  There wasn’t any plastic wrap or any “baggies” at this time.  Pioneer children would only have access to foods grown locally.   Common foods were friend chicken, hard-boiled eggs, meat sandwich on homemade biscuits, corn bread, sausage, apples, pickles, plums, peaches blackberries and wild grapes.  This area did not have blueberries, citrus or tropical fruits or bananas.  Water was brought in a glass jar with a lid.  Again, plastic wasn’t available.  Pioneer schools did not have trash pick-up and students took everything back home with them, so we encourage students who visit to do the same.  If some students want to bring a blanket to sit on when they eat, they may.

We hope that you can help your student prepare for this day.   Our goal is to make the experience seem “real”.