Students step back in time into Ourant’s Schoolhouse

By Kristi Tullis Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ — Students from second grades at Harrison Central Elementary took turns visiting Ourant’s Schoolhouse.

The students were greeted by teachers dressed for the era, and some students were dressed in this attire as well. The crackling of the potbelly stove featured in the center of the classroom could be heard as the room remained quiet and students listened to the instructions they were given. Alicia Dowdle and Tillie Heavilin guided the classroom for the day.

On May 17, Franci Doty’s classroom sat in anticipation as the students learned they were painting rocks. The day is filled with activities that are 1800-centered. The chalkboard resembled this timeframe and displayed both the alphabet and the Lord’s prayer. A chair and dunce cap even sat in the front corner of the room as a reminder of classroom discipline. Dana Snider and Anissa Rocchi and a few highschool seniors were in attendance for on-hand assistance as well. Various retired schoolteachers are happy to be a part of the experience, as they host the students each year. When asked if it was a fun experience for her, Audrinna Newbrough stated, “I’m happy to come here and I’m glad it’s still here for us to visit.”

Her classmate, Angelica Cunningham nodded in agreement. “I like getting to dress up and it’s fun to paint rocks,”