Located in Northern Benzie County, the Drake School was built in 1906. It has been renovated and restored by the Benzie Historical Society. The purpose of this field trip was to expose the children to a turn of the century one room school house. Subjects integrated were history, language, and math. The concepts and vocabulary of the past and present were also introduced.

The students dressed in clothing that was common at the turn of the century. Girls wore long skirts and dresses with knee socks and leather shoes. They often wore braids in their hair and bonnets to protect thier skin. Boys wore bib overalls or knickers with knee socks, long sleeved shirts and leather shoes.

The students also packed a lunch that was common in those days. Sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper and consisted of peanut butter and jelly, honey or non-processed meats and cheeses. Hard boiled egges, leftovers from last night's dinner, jerky, cookies, and local fresh fruit were also common. There was no packaged food. Children wrapped thier lunches in newspaper and twine , carried their lunches in a metal pail, or wrapped it up in a bandana.

Drake School
Field Trip

September 29, 2004

Mrs. Eichberger's HomePage for 2004-2005

The following is what the children said about the trip.

First, we put down our lunches. We put on our hats. Then we went outside to play. When the bell rang, we raised the American flag.

We did the pledge. Next, we went inside and sat down. We wrote on slates. Our pencils were different. We worked with words.

Kyler said that he liked the old school better. "We got to learn more than we did learned here." (Onekama). The school was old, very old. We had lunch.

Lacee said, "In the old days they used pails and baskets."

Trever said, "I like the school."

Last, we played old-fashioned games. We played kick the stick, bean bag toss, and statue tag.

Mrs. Eichberger's HomePage for 2004-2005