School bells ring once again in Pleasant Valley when Howell Farm invites the public to participate in a unique "back to school" day.  The program features the educational, social and cultural activities centered around the "one-room school" in rural life of 1900.

The Howell Farm school mistress has McGuffy readers, slates and slate pencils ready for students of all ages to begin their lessons in the three R's.  Visitors can take a seat in an antique school desk and try their hand at orthography using pen and ink, or attempt to solve farm related arithmetic problems on the chalkboard.  As in yesteryear, children can help with farm chores before attending the "one-room school.

The school bell will ring on the hour at 11:00am, noon, 1:00pm and 3:00pm to begin lessons and halfpast the hour at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm for recess and a quick tour of the privy.  During recess, children will be introduced to hoops and sticks, tug of war and other old-fashioned games and toys.

School lunches served in baskets or pails will be sold.

Participants in the school program may attend the "box social", which will be held at 2:00pm.  Well-wrapped boxes of homemade pies or goodies will be auctioned off to benefit the school.  The lucky gentleman who wins the bid on the teacher's pie will also share her company.

People who have recollections, stories, and photographs to share of days in a one-room schoolhouse are encouraged to visit the farm on the 8th.

Friday evening, September 7th, historian Larry Kidder will give a talk on what it was like to be a teacher at the Pleasant Valley schoolhouse in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This talk will be given in the Charles Fish Barn at the visitor center and will begin at 7:30pm and the doors will open at 7:00pm. A $3.00 donation is suggested.

Children's craft program: Leaf Bookmark
On a walk-in basis (Groups of eight or more must pre-register)
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Approximate time to complete project: 20-30 minutes
Materials fee: $2.00