Experiencing Life in Colonial Times

Students and adults would have been forgiven if they took a double take as they entered Mendham Township Elementary School on Friday, April 5, 2019. Some parents were busy scanning their smartphones while wearing their mob hats and aprons (for ladies), or tricorn hat, shirt, and waistcoat (for gentlemen). Children in the fourth grade seemed to dress very similarly to these adults, yet they were heading with backpacks to their lockers! The day, of course, was Colonial Crafts Day and is part of the fourth-grade history curriculum at the school. It is designed to give fourth graders a better understanding of life in the18th century by giving them an opportunity to live through one day filled with typical activities of that time.

The event started with collaboration and support from teachers for the fourth grade, parents of the students, various staff members, and volunteers from the local community. Fourth-grade classrooms were turned into workshops and craft studios, the STEM Lab became a candle making shop for a few hours, and the library hosted a community kite-making event.

The students and parents arrived at the school in their era-appropriate attire. Interestingly, the fourth-grade students and parents appeared to dress in near similar attire. However, as students explained, back in the 1700s children and adult clothing was very similar. It would not be unusual for a Mom and the female members of her family all to wear the same type of clothing; aprons were a necessity to keep their clothing clean as there were no washing machines to perform a daily wash. The same would apply to male adults and children dressing similarly, with shirts, cravats, and waistcoats being worn by men and boys alike and don’t forget the tricorn hats!

Students, their Moms and Dads, immersed themselves in the heritage of Mendham by enthusiastically participating in learning crafts that would have been extremely important for surviving in the 18th century. A typical chore assigned to children was to collect eggs from the hen coop. While the school has its own chicken coop, you would still need to be able to carry the eggs. Fortunately, the children acquired weaving skills and learned how to make baskets! As there was not any electricity, candle making was an imperative for surviving during the 1700’s. Again, these students watched and learned, and even got to make their own candles! It wasn’t all work, as the students learned. Flying kites was a popular diversion when the weather was warmer and designing your own kite was a great way for children to entertain themselves. Also, in the school’s cafeteria the children helped with making biscuits, butter, and applesauce. The day passed quickly and most people seemed content to return to the pace and conveniences of the 21st century. However, the immersion process helped with understanding life in earlier times and created an appreciation of skills and knowledge that were necessary to live in colonial times. “Colonial Crafts Day is a time honored tradition for the fourth graders of Mendham Township because it brings history to life. The students look forward to this day all year and enjoy spending the day in 'Colonial Mendham.' This day would not be possible without the parents who, year after year, volunteer to organize the day, run an activity, and assist with the various activities. Everyone in fourth grade thanks you!” explained Dawn Cullinan, Special Education Teacher for the fourth grade.