News Flash

On Monday, November 6^th, students from Great Beginnings Christian Preschool & Kindergarten visited the Edith P. Moore schoolhouse.

The 10 kindergarteners were hosted by members of the Uwchlan Township Historical Commission who talked about what schooling was like in the one-room schoolhouse over 100 years ago.

On arrival, students were shown the outhouses and water pump used for drinking water at the building. This is because there was (and still is) no running water available. Before entering the building, students recited the pledge of allegiance together and then were led inside to take a seat at one of the historic wooden desks.

The students were able to experience what it was like to go to school 100 years ago. They learned about the aspects of rural living, farming then and now, and children doing farm chores before leaving for school. They also took part in several activities. This included going over the school rules, hearing the original school bell ring, playing games and with toys from the era, and writing on slates with chalk. Students were also shown the fire escape - a set of stairs that lead up and out the classroom window. 

 A big thank you to the teachers and children from Great Beginnings! 

Interested in organizing a group visit?

If you’re interested in bringing a group to visit our historic buildings, please get in touch with our Historical Commission at uthc@uwchlan.com or by phoning 610-363-4944.

About the Edith P. Moore

Adapted from Uwchlan Township: 300 Years Above the Valley 

The Schoolhouse is named in honor of Edith P. Moore, who was a teacher at the school for 27 years (1929-1956). Edith Moore was born in 1899 in Upper Uwchlan. She graduated from West Chester State Normal School in 1918 before taking additional educational courses at the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.

As a teacher, Miss Moore was a strict disciplinarian, who demanded and earned the respect of her students and the community. She presented a well-balanced curriculum that included art, music, and physical education (not mandated at the time). As the sole teacher in a one-room school, Miss Moore was teacher, principal, counselor, secretary, and custodian.