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Everything was ready - tonight everyone, young and old, would gather at the little red schoolhouse. For days there had been a flurry of activity as pupils and teachers prepared for a Box Supper, the social event of the season. The light at each of the six windows shone dimly from borrowed kerosene lamps. Electricity had come to a few of the neighboring farms, but it would be years before that luxury would be enjoyed by kids at- tending rural schools. Town schools were electrified but for some reason it wasn't necessary to bring better lighting to rural schools. The program had been chosen, memorized and rehearsed. An incentive for a theme had been found on the front wall where portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln hung, one on each side of a map case, constant reminders to pupils that our country had won independence from England and had survived a Civil War. They had eagerly memorized parts pertaining to love and appreciation of country, then too, it was February, Valentine's Day certain to arouse a sense of friendship, love and caring that would fit into the program. If pupils and teacher had been busy, their activity was matched by the women of the community. All their artistic ability came to life as each designed a box. It must be the most beautiful of all and perhaps her box would sell for more than any other! A special young man had been quietly told how a certain girl had decorated her box. She would watch breathlessly when the bidding began hoping the crowd wouldn't notice and run the bid so high he couldn't afford her box. After all it was February, and he might not have much of the money left from shucking corn for a few cents a bushel. Now the program begins. A few families had battery-operated radios but tonight they are willing to miss Amos and Andy to watch with pride (and a bit of apprehension) their own children perform. All goes well and the curtain, a sheet attached to number 9 wire strung across the front of the room, is drawn on the last act, song and recitation proudly presented by the pupils. The decorated boxes are brought out and the auctioneer begins his chant. The bidding is lively and yes, the crowd does notice the young man nervously bidding on a certain box! All the baskets are sold and each man opens the box he bought. If he is disappointed in the name he finds enclosed he is delighted with the food. Chicken sandwiches, potato salad, homemade bread spread with freshly churned butter, pie, cake and fudge. There is no guilt about eating all this rich food. Few people knew about those demons - fat - cholesterol - calories - sugar - salt! As the food is enjoyed, conversation is lively and centered around the weather, chances for a good growing season, price of milk, eggs, butter, hogs and occasionally a bit of gossip. Finally, the last family leaves. The teacher blows out the lamps, locks the door and starts home. She wonders if the people realize that a Box Supper is not only for entertainment and fellowship but is a tremendous help for the children. Rural schools were often equipped with just the bare necessities - a flag - a bell - some battered desks - blackboards - a pot-bellied stove - for some reason that was all rural kids deserved! Occasionally the teacher could spare a few dollars from her meager salary to buy crayolas and paper. Now the Box Supper money must be spent wisely. Perhaps an unabridged dictionary on a stand, some reference material for the older pupils, some story books for the little ones. Art class would be more interesting if poster and construction paper, paint, brushes and paste were available. Recess would be more fun if the kids had some balls and bats. It would be great if those ugly green shades at the windows could be replaced with lighter ones. Really, the battered pail used to carry water from the nearest neighbor needed to be replaced. A tin cup for each pupil to replace the common dipper that hung by the water jar might help prevent the barrage of running noses and coughs. A new coal shuttle was needed, the pot-bellied stove had to be fed often, the old shuttle was worn out from many trips to the coal shed behind the building - the old one could be used to carry out ashes. A new broom wouldn't cost much and a bottle of furniture polish to shine up the battered, gum-lined desks would make the room more pleasant. The greatest need was a set of encyclopedias. But that was just a dream; there wasn't nearly enough money. Perhaps another Box Supper after harvest. More of the money earned by picking corn might be in the pockets of the young men. Monday morning the bell would call the pupils to their desks. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln would look down on young America; a generation intent in their studies not realizing that they were part of an unique educational system helping build strength, character and stability to a young nation and that the Box Supper was a small building block in that process. Now the pupils are all seated at their desks, the teacher calls the first class to the bench in the front of the room. Attention is focused on the Three R's, Reading, 'riting and Arithmetic AND history, geography, orthography, English, civics, science, hygiene, citizenship, music, art --- |