Old-fashioned ice cream social slated for Aug. 17 at the Weber Blaess one-room school

SALINE--From the moment one steps through the white board fence surrounding the Weber Blaess One-Room School, you can enjoy homemade ice cream with a variety of toppings as ladies with white gloves and parasols leisurely stroll the grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17.

Grilled hot dogs will also be served. Musical entertainment a will join the festivities as this fundraising event will be hosted by the Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation or SASHPF, and also provides an opportunity for young and old to experience turn of the century life.

Classroom re-enactments of a typical day in a one-room school will give insight into the teachings and discipline of a young maiden teacher to her students using the McGuffey Readers and slateboards. Children will enjoy playing the games that a 1900s recess would have included such as hopscotch, graces, stilts and many more. A craft area will also be available. The Saline Area Fire Department will conduct a bucket brigade to demonstrate an 1800s firefighting way of transporting water to put out a blaze. All of these activities have no admission charge.

A new addition to the 2014 ice cream social will be balloon artist, Matt Luedtke providing entertainment.

Old-time activities like croquet, watermelon seed spitting, walking on stilts and Bag-O will also be competitively challenged between the Saline Area School Board of Education, Saline Area Schools and the Saline City Council and staff. The middle school principal challenges anyone to beat his 2012 record for walking on stilts as does Dave Rhoades, City Council member, who will take on all challengers in croquet. The public is welcome to participate in these activities also.

Proceeds from this event will provide for maintenance of the building inside and out. The front entrance addition was recently repainted and a railing added for easier entrance. The doors have also been refinished on the front. Trees and shrubs are needed to add shade on the property. Curriculum needs are not extensive but with more than 1800 children visiting the school on an annual basis, materials are needed for their projects and activities.

The Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation, founded in 2001, has a mission to support the history of Saline schools with emphasis on the one-room school era. More than 1100 students visit the school annually supporting the second, third and fourth-grade social studies standards. During their day at the school, students experience a typical day of the 1870-1920s in these schools by learning the lessons, eating the lunches and playing the games that rural children experienced. This interactive museum is a highly effective learning tool for all types of students.

Its a summertime treat for the whole family as we celebrate a traditional activity on a Sunday in August. Admission is free to the public. Come join the fun.

Grilled hot dogs will also be served. Musical entertainment a will join the festivities as this fundraising event will be hosted by the Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation or SASHPF, and also provides an opportunity for young and old to experience turn of the century life.

Classroom re-enactments of a typical day in a one-room school will give insight into the teachings and discipline of a young maiden teacher to her students using the McGuffey Readers and slateboards. Children will enjoy playing the games that a 1900s recess would have included such as hopscotch, graces, stilts and many more. A craft area will also be available. The Saline Area Fire Department will conduct a bucket brigade to demonstrate an 1800s firefighting way of transporting water to put out a blaze. All of these activities have no admission charge.

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Old-fashioned ice cream social slated for Aug. 17 at the Weber Blaess one-room school