ROBERT KERR STUDENTS FROM TONYA PAVEY’S fourth grade class teamed up to push an antique lawnmower at Durand Union Station Tuesday, May 24. The Depot staff and volunteers got together on this day to take the students back to 1905, when orphan trains routinely brought children into Midwestern cities in search of homes or work.
In addition to using the antique, though still working lawnmower, students also got to try their hand at corn shelling, rope making, calligraphy, baking, and other household chores from the time period.
Depot Director Mary Warner-Stone called the event a great opportunity for the students to experience the history that was so heartbreakingly common in the country at the beginning of the 20th century. She also hopes to expand the event in coming years, so that as many students from the Durand and neighboring school districts get the chance to take advantage of the unique history lesson. (Independent Photos/Graham Sturgeon)
