How Old School News Can Unlock Your Family’s Educational Past
Remember the excitement of new school supplies, the nervous anticipation of finding out your teacher’s name, or the pride of seeing your name on the honor roll? Believe it or not, these memories of school days gone by are preserved in old newspapers, waiting to be rediscovered.
Small Schools, Big Stories
One of the most charming discoveries in old newspapers is the mention of small, rural schools and their teachers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these one-room schoolhouses dotted the countryside, serving as the heart of education in many communities. Newspapers often published lists of these schools, along with the names of their teachers.
Imagine my surprise when finding my 2nd great grandmother’s resignation as a teacher in 1891. I was a teacher for 21 years, and I had no idea that teaching was a profession in my family until I found this mention in a newspaper.
In another edition of a local newspaper from 1890, I discovered a list of the one-room schoolhouses. Much to my surprise, one of them was located on the family farm! These lists not only provide names and locations but also paint a picture of the educational landscape of the past.
Senior Wills and Plays: The Drama of Graduation
Senior Wills: The Original #TBT
If you’ve ever flipped through an old yearbook, you know how fun it is to see the senior wills and class prophecies. But did you know that newspapers sometimes published these as well? Senior wills—where graduating students “will” their quirky habits or prized possessions to underclassmen—are a delightful way to get a sense of the personalities of your ancestors.
The Play’s the Thing
You might also find mentions of senior plays, which were often big community events. Finding an article about the senior play your ancestor starred in, complete with reviews and cast lists, can be like discovering a hidden chapter in your family’s story.
School Curriculum and Supplies
Hitting the Books
Ever wonder what books your ancestors might have studied? Old newspapers sometimes printed lists of school books required for each grade level. From the McCall Speller to early math textbooks, these lists can give you insight into the education your ancestors received.
Back-to-School Bonanza
Nothing says “end of summer” like school supply advertisements. From a pack of 16 color Crayola crayons for fifteen cents in 1947 to the deluxe Trapper Keeper for $3.97 in 1985, these ads are a delightful trip through the evolution of classroom tech. It also makes your ancestors’ experiences feel more tangible.
The Routine of School Life
All Aboard the School Bus
Bus routes published in August were eagerly awaited by students (and probably dreaded by those with early pickup times). If your ancestor lived in a rural area, finding their name listed on a bus route might be a clue to the distance they traveled for their education.
What’s for Lunch?
The school lunch menu—a true slice of nostalgia. From hearty stews to simple sandwiches, these menus offer a taste of what fueled students through their school days. Try finding the menu for a week when you, a parent, or even grandparent would have attended school. My husband and I sat chatting for quite some time when I found a menu from his days in elementary school. I immediately knew the days I would have been excited for lunch – or not!
Academic Achievements
Honor Roll
Many newspapers published honor roll lists each grading period. It’s a great way to track academic achievers in your family tree. Who knows, you might discover that your mild-mannered grandfather was actually an academic superstar!
Pomp and Circumstance
Perhaps the most valuable find for genealogists and local historians are the lists of graduates published annually. While some newspapers provided a list of graduates, others had pictures of each class member.
This class was only thirteen students!
Don’t forget! There were also 8th grade graduation ceremonies. This one for my grandmother in 1940 is a perfect example.
Ready to Start Your Scholastic Scavenger Hunt?
Here are some tips:
- Don’t forget to look at the entire paper. School news could pop up anywhere, not just on a dedicated page.
- Pay attention to timing. Most school-related news appeared in late August/early September or May/June.
- Broaden your search. I know in my hometown, graduation information from neighboring counties is part of the local publication. Try searching in newspapers from surrounding communities.
Connecting the Dots: The Value of School-Related Articles
Each of these ideas offers a unique window into the past. They provide context and detail, turning names and dates on a family tree into vivid stories. Whether you’re tracing the educational history of your ancestors or simply curious about what school life was like in a bygone era, these school-related items can add depth and color to your family history research.
So, the next time you’re searching in old newspapers, keep an eye out for these school treasures. You never know—you might just find a piece of your family’s history that’s been waiting to be rediscovered.
Class dismissed!
