There are a lot of people today who bemoan the idea that today’s children are not getting the same education and school experience that their elders received in the mythical past. Most small town historical museums have displays showing the old-time school rooms and education in the past.
The Deschutes Historical Museum is located in the historic Reid School in Bend, Oregon. The building itself is a testament to education and importance which people assigned to education. The displays in the museums also provide some insights into that “old-time education.”
Teachers
The conditions of employment for teachers include the following:
“Teachers will not dress in bright colors. Dresses must not be more than two inches above the ankles. At least two petticoats must be worn. Their petticoats will be dried in pillowcases.
Teachers will not marry, or keep company with men, during the term of her employment.
She will not get into a carriage, or automobile, with any man, except her brother or father. Teachers will not loiter at ice cream stores.
Teachers are expected to be at home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless in attendance at a school function.
The teacher will not smoke cigarets [sic] or play at cards. She will not dye her hair under any circumstance.
It is understood the teach will attend church each Sunday and either teach a class in Sunday School or sing in the choir.
The teacher will not leave town at any time without permission of the Chairman of the School Board.”
I suspect that Vice-President Pence and some of the other theocrats in Congress would like to have these regulations imposed again.