Kelley adopts Marbletown School House

Built in 1876 and retired in 1947, the Marbletown Centennial Schoolhouse, owned by the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society is about to see new life.

The historical society has refurbished the building with new paint and auxiliary heat. The goal was to see the building used and enjoyed by more people, young and old.

During last year's Christmas holiday season, crafters and vendors were invited to use the facility, which is just about as it was left in 1947 by Miss Gertrude Webb, the last teacher to hold classes there. The Christmas event at Marbletown will be held December 4.

A meeting last spring with teachers and administration of Newark's Kelley Elementary School brought more excitement, as the possibility of the building being a learning tool was suggested. The idea immediately caught on, with a committee from the historical society suggested that the Kelley fourth grade 'adopt' the school.

Students have been traveling to the Wallington Cobblestone School house to learn history. The committee, made up of Kelley teachers, administrators and historical society volunteers is busy working on a curriculum and plans for the first visit to the country school.

Oct. 16 was a Family Fun Day Open House, where students, parents, and even former students could see the building, which is furnished with all the trappings of a typical one room school, right down to a bench and dunce cap! Former students can view the school register and see their names. Old instruction books are on the small desks, which have ink wells. (You do remember ink wells and pigtails?)

Local craftsman Glenn Young was present to demonstrate his woodworking craft and Hazel Herdman brought her spinning wheel to make thread. Pumpkins were available for decorating.

Pictured in front of the school: (front) Kellie Bundschuh, Meghann Dygert, Michael Wright, Jeremy Hassett; (back) teacher Christine Hasseler, Judith Harrington of the Arcadia Historical Society, former student Peg VanCamp Meyers, teacher Krista Lewis, Susie Earl - Historical Society President, and Kathy Eckert, teacher at Kelley School.

(Story and photos by John Zornow)

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