History Comes Alive at Boone Trail Days

(The following was submitted by Wentzville School District)

What was life like in 1800 when Daniel Boone lived in St. Charles County? 

Students at Boone Trail Elementary found out as classroom lessons came to life this week as part of the “Boone Trail Days” celebration. Students took part in hands-on activities like shelling corn, churning butter, and spinning wool, and enjoyed demonstrations on blacksmithing and making apple butter.

The annual tradition is a celebration of early American life that starts in the classroom, where teachers incorporate lessons about Native Americans and pioneer life into the curriculum. 

“We talk about what it was like back in the olden days, and we learn new things about our country’s history. We learn a lot of things about how they survived back then, life was kind of difficult,” said 4th grader Taylor Soukup. “I liked the blacksmith, it’s really cool how he can make things like arrows and spears. We don’t have to deal with that stuff, do what they did, it’s important to know how they lived and what they had to do every day.”

Friday night is the culmination of the week when the PTA sponsors a chili supper with games and hayrides. The event brings families and the community together to celebrate a fall tradition that goes back 23 years to the opening of the school. 

“The kids love Boone Trail Days, they look forward to it all year long,” said Principal John Schulte. “The PTA does a great job helping with the event, it makes history come alive for our students…how chores were done, what toys and games were like before electricity. 

"If it weren’t for Boone Trail Days, a lot of students wouldn’t have this experience.”