SCHOOLS OF YESTERYEAR
The History of Bingham District #4, Part 2
by Janis Stein

Join me in the continuation as I share information from 1938 when the first talk of annexation began, and on a brighter note, I share the reminiscences of Christmas days gone by and holiday fun.

Edgar Pearce became Bingham's new teacher in 1923 upon the departure of Mrs. Josepha Lenton. He started out teaching 45 children and was paid a salary for the year totaling $945. Perhaps this new male teacher sympathized with the children's lack of athletic equipment. In September, 1924, Mr. Pearce was reimbursed $6.99 for a football and the postage it required to be mailed. In January, 1925, spring sports were already on the brain, it seemed. A check was paid to Reid Bros. in the amount of $9 for a baseball bat and mask. No doubt the children's laughter in the schoolyard and the crack of that bat during recess could be heard around the section.

The annual statistical report that Mr. Pearce completed at the end of the school year in 1925 indicated his student enrollment had been 51 students; his wage had increased as well, climbing to $1125 for the year. Major improvements occurred inside the schoolhouse in March, 1925. A new furnace was purchased from Kaustine Company Inc. for $280.35, as well as a new toilet system totaling $332.50. These costly decisions were never easy and fell primarily to those elected to serve on the board. In 1925, school officers included: Fred LePla, Director; Frank L. Bensinger, Moderator; and Milton Cranston, Treasurer.

In September, 1926, Milton Cranston was reimbursed $5.50 for a Bible he purchased for the school. Edgar Pearce and William Reid each earned some pocket change raising the flag pole during the same month, and in honor of Labor Day, many from the district gathered for a picnic basket lunch. In November, a new flag costing $3 was purchased from Michigan Educational Co. Likewise in November, $22 was paid to E.P. McFadden Co. for some toilet work they performed. Window curtains, totaling $4.05 were both pretty as well as functional. David Crory was paid $13.30 for doors and hinges, and $80 worth of maps added to the educational aids used by the teacher. The library received some new titles during this time period. In January, 1928, books were purchased from both A. Flanagen Company as well as American Book Company, totaling over $50. Mr. Edgar Pearce stayed on as Bingham's teacher through the 1927-1928 school year. The last day of school was always great fun; many from the district came simply for the ice cream - $11 worth!

When one teacher departed, it wasn't always easy to secure another. Mrs. Peterson became Bingham's teacher in the fall of 1928, but she only stayed on until December. Student enrollment had declined to 23 students, and Mrs. Peterson earned a total of $380 during her four-month teaching stint. Ms. Florence Frantz assumed the teacher's position from January to May, completing the school year and earning $485 for her talents. She continued teaching at the school another two years.

The annual school board meeting in July, 1929, had folks talking about painting and papering the school. John Slack was paid $91.78 for his painting skills, and David Crorey was reimbursed $442.17 for shingles for the schoolhouse roof.

According to the Teacher's Annual Report for the 1931-1932 school year, which was completed by Nellie E. Frantz, 29 children were enrolled at Bingham #4. It was also noted the children had a basin along with soap and towels at their disposal, and they each had individual drinking cups. Although the school had indoor toilets, there was an odor in the boys' toilet that needed addressing. The school also had a complete set of all the maps of the world as well as a globe and two dictionaries, one small and one large. The blackboards were said to be in good condition, and there were pictures on the walls. The three windows on either side of the brick schoolhouse were covered in cream-colored shades, and 54 seats were available, all in the correct size and properly placed. There was no playground equipment, and it was Ms. Frantz's one recommendation that the district obtain swings, especially for the smaller children.

Nellie Frantz earned a wage of $85 per month at Bingham #4 in 1931, and she remained teaching at the school through the unsettled 1930s. In 1932, she accepted a $5 per month pay cut, and by the time 1933 and 1934 rolled around, she was making just $45 per month. Although it was a considerable cut, at least she had a job. Nellie Frantz guided the students in their studies through the 1937-38 school year.

Throughout the years, from time to time a teacher might use a leather strap, similar in looks to a horse's harness, to restore order in the classroom. Though she didn't abuse her students and resorted to using the strap only when it was absolutely necessary, the crack of that strap made more than one student cringe. In later decades, one teacher favored used a yardstick to aid her when disciplining the students. Many a child still remembers the day she broke the ruler.

According to statistical data gathered in 1934, the value of the schoolhouse totaled $2000; the site, $150; and the equipment, $500. To satisfy the latest fire code laws, fire extinguishers totaling $38.70 were purchased from W.H. Gilbert in December, 1935, and in May, 1936, a new septic tank was purchased from E.P. McFadden Co. for $309.62. The hole leading down to the tank proved to be a scary toilet for many a student, but at least they had the warmth of the school to take care of their business, rather than have to dash outside to an outhouse. Nellie Frantz's recommendations at the end of the 1935-1936 school year included installing a new floor, painting the ceiling and installing a rope on the flagpole.

According to the school board minutes from 1936, which were signed by the Acting Director, Mrs. Milton Cranston, a motion was made that the school be floored with maple flooring. Some of these repairs would take place in October: Fred S. Lenton was reimbursed $73.60 for the material for the flooring, and earned $75 for his labor. Likewise, Preston Kelly was paid $12 for varnishing the seats. It was also decided at the July meeting that the matter regarding installing electric lights be left up to the school board, although electricity wouldn't be realized for a few more years. Ms. Nellie Frantz would get her wish as well, as plans were discussed to erect a swing set on the playground.

Before the swing sets arrived, many children enjoyed the dizzying sensation they experienced while looking up at the clouds and going around and around on the merry-go-round. Much to the girls' distress, some of the bigger boys could get the merry-go-round twirling so fast the girls would be ejected, landing with a thud on the dirt a few feet away!

Along with the playground equipment, the children entertained themselves playing softball on the diamond located on the south side of the school. Since the schoolhouse itself was built on the north line of the lot, the remainder of the one-acre parcel allowed for plenty of recess activities. The home plate on the baseball diamond was positioned in the southwest corner of the lot; on one occasion, the batter swung with all of his might and was amazed when the ball disappeared through the boys' bathroom window. Several went to retrieve the ball, but to their dismay it had gone down the stool's hole where it landed with a splash!

The ball players had to be careful, too, if their ball sailed over the south fence surrounding the lot. Mr. Johnson's bull was a bit feisty, and every child was sure to ascertain the bull's whereabouts before climbing the fence to retrieve the ball. The children played ball day after day, some hoping for a trip to a neighboring school such as Appin in Sheridan Township or Wadsworth in Bingham.

In years to follow, when the children tired of baseball, soccer became more popular. Ante I Over was a great game as well, though the children were required to use the woodshed roof, since the schoolhouse roof was made of slate. Players strayed a little from time to time; using the schoolhouse roof to throw the ball over was always more exciting since it was forbidden!

During the 1930s, children quenched their thirst by visiting the pump, cupping their hands by the spout and slurping the icy cold water. If they needed to rest and the weather was warm, some students would seek the shade of a big cottonwood tree located in the northwest corner of the lot. Additional wild apple trees and ash trees dotted the west and south sides of the parcel.

Wintertime games often included Fox and the Goose, but many days were so nasty several of the students didn't even make it to the yellow-brick schoolhouse. On those terribly, cold wintry days, the pupils who did make it to school huddled around the furnace, learning their lessons for the day while warming their bodies.

No doubt the potatoes baking atop the big furnace, which stood in the northwest corner of the schoolhouse, distracted more than one hungry soul. Each student carved his initial in the potato skin, so there would be no debate later. Many a child thought their mom was the absolute best when she included salt and butter in their lunch pail as well.

Be sure to look for the continuation next month as thoughts of closing Bingham #4 resurface in the mid-40s.

If you would like to see your schoolhouse featured in this series and are willing to share your experiences, please email Janis at janis@lakeshoreguardian.com or write to Janis at The Lakeshore Guardian, 9697 Purdy Rd., Harbor Beach, MI 48441.

© 2006 Janis Stein