Saturday, May 04, 2019

Lucas County history, second-grade level


We had a great time Friday morning at the Lucas County Historical Society museum introducing more than 100 Columbus School second-graders to as much Lucas County history as could be managed in two hours.


Flocks of second-graders chatter, so we heard our visitors long before they turned the corner off Court Avenue and began the climb after their walk over. Otterbein Church was the gathering point about 8:45 a.m. and launching pad 15 minutes later.


Sack lunches also were left in the church to be reclaimed at 11 a.m.

Then the scholars and their adult companions broke up into smaller groups and moved through eight stations at 15-minute intervals.


We had two special guest presenters --- Larry Achenbach, Chariton superintendent of schools, was in charge in Puckerbrush School (above). Elsewhere, Bob Wagstaff interpreted the Machine Shed. Bob's dad was Chariton superintendent of schools in the 1960s and he was in town to spend a few quiet days with friends --- when we hijacked him.


I was stationed in the Pioneer Cabin, where this snapshot was taken. Other presenters were volunteers LaNelle Herron, Rex Johnson and Loren Burkhalter; head gardener Kay Brown; and board members Lucinda Burkhalter and Jim Secor. Museum manager Kathleen Dittmer was general coordinator.

Just after 11 a.m., the students reclaimed their sack lunches and scattered to enjoy a picnic meal on the grounds before beginning the walk back to Columbus.


We had good weather, although it was chilly and clouds gathered as the morning passed. It was beginning to sprinkle as the youngsters headed home, but all reached the school safely --- and dry.

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