Remembering the One Room School House
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Almeda Jane Powers Dodge, First School Teacher. Photo courtesy of Michael Harrington.
When we think about the first school in Lombard or at the time Babcock’s Grove we often refer to Sheldon Peck and children learning in his home. But in the early years of Babcock’s Grove, there were a number of what we would consider “One Room” school house’s.
In Footsteps on the Tall Grass Prairie there are a number of references to one-room schoolhouses:
-“The first frame schoolhouse was built a block south of Stacy's Corners, in 1841, directly opposite the later Forest Glen School.”
-“In 1845 Miss Powers left to teach at the south side of the Grove, sometimes known as the Dodge District, but the next year she returned to take charge of the newly built schoolhouse north and west of the Peck home (this later was the location of the ice house, and still later the site of the American Legion house). It was a large school, with thirty children in attendance, "all nice and mannerly," all of them "coming to learn and willing to pay" her salary of around $18 a month, pro-rated as to the number of scholars.”
-”In 1858 the German people established a school just east of the Peck home. Julius Schoene was the teacher. Only German was spoken in this school.”
However, one “One Room” schoolhouse was given a fond farewell in 1974, when the dreams of saving the building fell apart. The wood-frame building, which at the time was more house than school after its move in 1887 to 349 W. St. Charles. The schoolhouse was built in 1861, near what was Lincoln School.
When the schoolhouse was built, a second building was constructed to accommodate the number of students attending. Unforntally not much else is known about the school however before its demolition an article in the Lombard Spectator was published from the point of of the schoolhouse.
113 Years of Memories
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1974
Nobody wants you when you're old and gray.
Thus go· the words of a tune which might well be my theme song.
I've been around for a long time anyway, and many of my early acquaintances have long gone to their calling. So, why should I be melancholy about my going? I guess it's only natural to want to stick around "for a little while longer."
I imagine that the children of my early friends have moved to other areas to seek their place in life. Those who yet live here probably don't even know that I exist. That could be for the better, for I wouldn't want them to feel obligated to me. How does an oldster maintain his dignity when he cries for help?
Perhaps it is the thought of knowing that my face is cracked and weather-beaten from the ravages of time and events. But, who can look beautiful on the outside for so many years? It's really what's on the inside that counts.
IT'S SAD GROWING old, but it's more sorrowful to grow old unnoticed, unwanted. Let me reminisce awhile:
Children! Ah, they were my delight those many years ago. Skinned elbows and knees, in muddy shoes, torn knickers, smiling faces. How could I forget? Where are they now?
I remember the unpaved Main St. with its wooden buildings. Horses gave way to the newfangled engine that became a car. The. fancy trains connected Lombard with Chicago and other communities.
Progress. And I've been a part of it all through these years.
Before my very being, Lombard has grown from a small rural town to a bustling suburban village with its high-rise buildings, paved streets, shopping centers, parks, schools, and all the other facilities of a modern metropolitan city. I remember, too the pioneers of Lombard and knew of them very well. What an old buzzard such as I to do?
What a thrill it was to see the "Orphan Annie'' house under construction. I wish that someone would look upon me with such favor in my old age.
Enough! IT'S TIME to face reality. I have every reason to believe that this will be my last Christmas in Lombard. I have but one request will someone put a wreath on my door for the last time? Sort of for old times' sake? I know I'd feel the warmth of the heart and hands that were placed there. The old face would be all aglow to know that someone cared for just one moment. Not much to ask for one on his way out.
It may be that I’ll be remembered for my contributions to Lombard's history. Maybe a plaque will· be erected to commemorate my birthplace. Now, don't get the notion that I'm egotistical. Don't you understand? I was useful at one time.
Just inscribe these simple words for an oldster who would like to be remembered:
“This is the site of Lombard’s first schoolhouse at 349 W. St. Charles Rd., was a part of the past and a starting point for the future. “
Farewell, Friends.
