(Chelsea Update would like to thank Arlene Kaiser for the information in this story.)
The Waterloo Farm and Dewey School Museums are in jeopardy of losing education programs.
These programs bring in a third of the operating funds for the museums, and we have an opportunity for eight to 10 people to keep this tradition alive by portraying the original owners of the farmstead.
Do you remember your field trips to the museums as a kid? Let’s keep these programs available for the current generation of school children by passing on the knowledge of how our ancestors came to this country and how the Michigan Farmer’s life and education became the foundation of their family.
The titles of these positions are: Mr. Realy, Mrs. Realy, and shepherd at the farm, and school marm at Dewey School.
“Mr. Realy” spends time in the barn teaching half the class about farm life and where our food comes from. He shows the children how the crops and animals are important to our lives. Among the stories of the early farmer are also cutting firewood, gathering eggs, shelling and grinding corn.
“Mrs. Realy” has the other half of the class in the Log House explaining the hardships of the early Michigan Farmer and how many of the families came to America looking for a place to settle to make a better life. Mrs. Realy also shows the children how to do “chores” to keep the family clean and fed.
The “Shepherd” is responsible for keeping the classes on time and in their appropriate spots.
Below are comments made by a few of the volunteers from the education program.
“I am part of the education program, because I enjoy sharing with the students what it was like to attend a one room school house 100 years ago. They get the experience of reading from the McGuggey reader, doing work on the slates, trying the Dunce Cap, and using the outhouses. We want to share and encourage that excitement and interest about the past with others. Thriving on their enthusiasm, being amazed by all the questions they have and refreshed by their good manners and respect. It makes a difference. May the Waterloo Farm and Dewey School Museums and others like us never disappear so that all may experience history and truly understand. The children ‘get it’.” M. McMeeking
“My husband and I became involved with the education program more than 15 years ago. We started by being “Shepherds” then Mr. and Mrs. Realy. The excitement the children feel infects all the staff at the Farm and Dewey School. They are so eager to learn and participate in what is going on, gathering eggs or hauling water. The children, teachers and parents are the reason we continue to be a part of the Education program.” R. and A. Kaiser
“‘This is the best! We get to do fun stuff!’ This quote is what made me enjoy being part of the Schools’ field trip to the farm. Children get to do ‘hands on’ jobs and tasks to learn about early farm life and that’s what they enjoy about their trip to the farm.” R. Tyrl
If you are curious and interested in what is going on at the Waterloo Farm and Dewey School Museums please contact us through our website at [email protected] or call 517-851-8745.
