Moreman School HISTORY
How it Started
The Moreman school is a one room schoolhouse in Shelby County, near Shelbina, Missouri. Named after Augustine Moreman whom was a leader in getting the Moreman School District organized and sold the 1.5 acres of land for the school site.
Built in 1873, the first school house, with the heating stove in the middle of the room, faced the south, classes were recited at the front of the room, and the pupils seated on long benches. The school room and the yard were divided, the boys one one side and the girls on the other.
The school day opened with the Lord's Prayer, a sacred song and the reading of a chapter in the Bible. Community religious services were held in the school house on Sunday with the men one one side and the women on the other. The school term was divided, 5 months winter and 3 months spring or summer, but in the year 1916 was changed to a straight term of 8 months.
The roof was replaced in 1909 and in 1911 the district annex more land and at this time there were seventy living trees on the school yard. In 1913 the barn, 10x50, was built and one-half the yard was fenced, also the front facing the road. The style block may have been added about this time as well
In 1914 the building was turned to face the East, put on a solid foundation and a front porch added. Further improvements were made in 1923, a heating and ventilating system purchased at a cost of $84.00, and an organ was also purchased. This is the first record of any musical instrument.
The Fire of 1936
The school house was completely destroyed by fire November 24, 1936. It was discovered at about 12:30 a.m. by Ray See, who lived near the school, the cause of the fire was not known. A special school meeting was called December 15, 1936 for the purpose of whether the district should borrow money to erect a school building on the site of the former school house. The proposition passed and in 1937 the school house was built at an approximate cost of $1,500, the desks, books, etc., were purchased for around $500. Classes were continued the next week after the fire in the home of Dewey Willey. This at one time was the home of Augustine Moreman.
The End Of Moreman School
In 1946 the reorganization law was passed but school continued at Moreman until May 17, 1963. June 16th, 1965 the school land, buildings and equipment were sold at public auction and the land and building were puchased by the Lentner 4-H Club, and was then known as the Moreman Community Center in 1967.
Daily School Life
At recess and noon the children would play games, to mention a few, Tug of War, Ante-Over, Baseball, Fox and Geese, Hide and Seek, Whip Crack, and Lemonade. When the weather was stormy or extremely cold some of the indoor games were, Clap In Clap Out, I Spy and contests of various sorts. On Friday afternoons after the recess either Geography, Spelling, Railroad Spelling or Arithmetic matches were enjoyed by the pupils.
For many years it was considered a large school and was more or less the center for social gatherings. The pupils presented programs appropriate of the season. Pie and box suppers, attended by large crowds were held for many years., a program was presented consisting of dialogues, songs, reading, etc. Then the sheet used as a stage curtain would be closed and the kerosene lamp or lantern would be placed at the back of the stage and a girl would stand by the curtain and the auctioneer would sell her shadow to the highest bidder, who would have the privilege of sharing a box of goodies that had been prepared by the girl. In later years the girls boxes were numbered and the box would be sold by the auctioneer to the highest bidder. Contests of various sorts would also add to the fun. The money received would be used for books or equipment.
A Christmas program would be presented for the community, usually at night, with Santa Claus coming and passing out the gifts. The children would enjoy making and decorating the tree would be a large cedar from a nearby farm and would be decorated with candles, popcorn and cranberries strung on thread, etc. The teacher would give each child a sack treat or oranges, candy and nuts. Valentine parties were another highlight of the school year with the exchange of valentines. The last day of school each term a long table would be made under the shade trees and the patrons would bring well filled baskets of food at noon and everyone enjoyed the day.