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How I got these pictures was purely by accident. When I first knew Jean I asked her if she would tell me where the children's school was. She did not know me very well and didn't feel she should give me that information especially after what happened at Nickel's Mine. I didn't ask Jean again. I was just driving around recently and turned down a road I had never been on and there was the school house. I immediately took pictures. After I went to Jean's home, but she was not there. I left a message to have her call me. When she called I explained that I had pictures and asked if it would be all right to put the pictures on New York State of Mind. She said she would let me know. The next day she called and asked me to come to her house so the pictures could be seen.
When I arrived at her home she and her family were there plus her Bishop, deacons, and ministers. I thought they were having a meeting and said I would come back. That's when I discovered my pictures were the meeting. All of them viewed the many pictures I had and selected the ones they would prefer I would put on, which I have honored. They did not want farms and buildings that neighbor the school shown as they did not want others to know the location of the school. These pictures are what they approved and I honor their decision. They did appreciate me going out of the way to show them the pictures and have them approve them.
The top picture shows the school from the road. Second picture shows one of the two out houses that they have. I was told there is an indoor bathroom, but all the studenets can't use one bathroom at the same time, so there are outhouses. What I thought was unusual is that the outhouses and school are the same color and material.
Third picture shows the baseball field that they have at the school - and it is a large one. Next picture shows the swing set they also have in the yard. Last picture shows the school closer up. There are two places to enter and exit the school on the side. Also, if there should be a tornado or hurricane and the children have to go into the basement-there is a way in and out of the basement. Every child knows how to get in and out of all the locations. They all know how to lock and unlock all the locks.
In the construction of the new school, there were more windows put in so in case of a fire or emergency certain windows can be pushed out and a child can get out the windows. All around the school are farms where a student could go to if there was an emergency. So many of these have been put in since Nickel's Mine which now includes Connecticut and what happened in Webster. There is also a telephone inside to call in case of emergencies. I have not been inside the school. All this was told to me by the Bishop and Jean. Since our meeting I am waiting for permission to go inside some day when the children are not there.
What really surprised me about the school is that it is very small. My one bedroom apartment is bigger than their school. There is a large play area all around the school. Boys and girls play ball in the large field. There is also the swing set area for other activities.
One of my questions was where do parents park their buggies when they come. They are tied to the railing on the front and one side of the school. If there is a picnic, or other situation where many of the parents come-they also tie on the railing by the road that is shown in picture one. Another how was the school heated and was told that they have gas heat.
What I really liked is that on the top is a school bell that is hand rung by the teacher or one of the students. It was that bell that made me realized as I passed is that was the school. I immediately stopped the car, walked to the school and took the pictures.
Hope you enjoy the pictures. It is really a beautiful school with a large area for the children to play on. I thank the Bishop, deacons , ministers and of course, Jean, for allowing me to put these on New York State of Mind.
Marilyn
ON MONDAY, MARTHA, IS COMING TO TELL US ABOUT KEVIN AND BRIDGET'S WEDDING.
21 comments:
Here are more pictures of the school that Susan attends. To be fair time I also have pictures of the Public School that Michael and Edward go to. I will be putting that one on a post in the future.
Marilyn
How interesting. It was very nice of the Bishop, deacons, and ministers to allow these pictures to be shown. How do they feel about your blog in general? I wonder if they cringe every time they review pictures or posts for approval.
Doreen
Good Morning Doreen,
I showed them the blog while there and they liked it, which I am thankfull for. What they don't like are pictures with their faces in them which is against their religion. I try to avoid faces when I take pictures. Also they were surprised that I asked them before I put the pictures on. I told them I asked because I knew Jean and had met them at David's Grandmother's funeral. If I been traveling somewhere and didn't know anyone, I wouldn't have asked before I put them on. Knowing Jean, I don't want anything the Old ORder Mennonite wouldn't want on here.
Marilyn
What a wonderful post Marilyn. I am very surprised to learn that the school is that small. Interesting.
Good Morning Vickie,
Thank you for the complement. I didn't realize how small it was until I walked around it. It really surprises me, too.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
I really enjoyed the pictures of the Old Order Mennonite school that Susan attends. It seems like they have put in all the safe-keeping devices so that everyone will be safe. Also, I enjoy reading about your NY adventures thru Amish/Mennonite country. How I wish I lived near one of these communities!
Maureen from MA
These are wonderful photos of the school, I admire you in the fact that you asked permission first before using them. It does show how much it means to them as well, by the way they handled allowing the viewers of your blog to see them. Thank you for sharing, it looks like a wonderful place for a child to learn.
Hello Marilyn
I really enjoyed this post-told in an informative -yet very respectful way
The outhouses may have been made the same way so that everything blends in or it could simply be because there was materials and paint left over so why not use it
Fionalina
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for your compliments. I don't live in their area, but I wish I did, too. It seems so peacefull.
Marilyn
Hello Annie,
The school is a wonderfull place for children to learn. I was glad to ask them. Hope to take pictures of Jean's house when they build it-if they let me. Thought maybe if I showed the pictures they would trust me when I take them. I would be glad to show them any pictures I take before I put them on if they want.
Marilyn
Hi Fionalina,
Glad you like the post. You may be right there on the out houses. I never thought of that. The school and out houses look very well that way.
Marilyn
I too enjoyed this post, and it was very respectful of you Marilyn to ask permission before posting the photos.
I have a question for Jean - I am an avid reader and I am just wondering do the Old Order Mennonite read a lot of books, if so what type?
Hello Elaine,
Thank you for your compliment, I appreciate it.
I have written your question down for Jean. I am sure she will answer it in one of her posts.
Marilyn
Richard changed some things around for me so it is easier to read. I hope you like the changes like I do. Previously, I had some people say it was hard for them to see and read.
Thank you, Richard for all you have done,
Marilyn
No problem Marilyn and as you can see from my own blog I'm a big fan of the color-gold, and we can tweak a little here and there when you would want me too.
I like it myself and making something that's easy to read goes a long way towards readership enjoyment, so I'm a fan of bigger type myself.
Your doing a great job Marilyn and reading Jeans post (not being among the first anymore) is taking me a little to get used to, so I look forward in keeping-up with Jeans and Martha's life reading "New York State of Mind". Richard
Hi Richard,
Again, I thank you so much. I think it's a lot easier to read and makes it stand out more. Gold color is fine. I think that light blue was too light.
I am not doing as great a job as you were, but I thank you for the compliment. You keep up with Jean and Martha and New York STate of Mind.
Marilyn
Marilyn I now have over 300,000 web page hits for Amish Stories according to Google, so I'm surprised by that since I'm not even posting anything now.
But I'm losing followers now which I expected, and I understand. And I'm enjoying to be honest not blogging and I'm able to get just a little more done now as well, so everyone must do what's best for themselves really.
Well I'm signing off so enjoy the rest of your weekend Marilyn. Richard
I have another question for Jean. She said that the books were getting old so they were replaced and updated. Do the children have to follow the state regulations as far as what is taught and what exams are given? Is every thing taught parallel to what English public schools are teaching at each grade level?
Doreen
HAve a nice weekend Richard. You are welcome here anytime !! I have about 7.000 web page hits. I have a way to go before I catch up with Amish Stories. LOL
Marilyn
Good Morning Doreen,
I have written down your questions for Jean and I am sure she will answer them in a future post.
Marilyn
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