Events

Enjoy a day in the 1800s at a real, historic one-room schoolhouse! Each year, several hundred scholars from Rehoboth and nearby towns enjoy a spring day at the school hosted by Mistress Pettine or Mistress Peranzi. The Hornbine visit is a hands on, enjoyable, educational experience recreating life in a one room schoolhouse that opened in 1840. Children and adults always enjoy dressing for the occasion. Pupils use wicker baskets, tin boxes, pails or large dinner napkins to carry their period lunches. During their visit, scholars practice writing with ink using a quill feather pen. They use copy books, slates and horn books while learning their “3Rs”.

What to expect: Arrive 9:30-9:45. Bring a lunch and a drink. We will be learning how schools operated in the past, and will have a few real school-day lessons. Lunch will be outside if possible. If it's chilly, we will light the classroom stove. There is no indoor plumbing, just an outhouse. We will finish the day around 1:15-1:30.

What to wear: To make the day more meaningful and memorable, children are invited come dressed as they might have dressed 150 years ago. For the girls a long skirt or dress, bonnet or shawl would make a fine costume. The boys could wear long pants with a pair of suspenders. An old pair of pants could be cut just below the knee and worn with long socks for a knickers effect. A white shirt and vest is another idea the boys might try. Don’t forget to try something “old” for yourself as well.

What to bring for lunch: Lunch will be a picnic outside if the weather allows. If it is rainy or cool, the children eat at their desks. Since we’re going back 150 years, please don’t use lunch boxes or paper bags. A wicker basket, tin box or pail, or even a large dinner napkin tied on a stick can be used to carry lunch. If it’s at all possible try to make an old fashioned lunch -= bread or roll, cheese, hard boiled egg, chicken, ginger or molasses cookies, apple or dried fruit are some suggestions. No cans or bottles of soda. please. Lemonade or fruit juice in boxes would be more appropriate.

Anything else? Feel free to make a simple copybook to bring alone with you.

Who should come? This field trip is typically taken by 3rd graders. The school marms welcome 2nd graders, 3rd graders, and any older kids who will enjoy the day. Lessons will vary by age, as they did when the school operated in the 1800s.

Cost: $14
Registration deadline is May 25