The Midwest Central fifth graders got a unique experience on behalf of the Manito Historical Society and the Forman Valley Community Foundation. In conjunction with Manito’s Sesquicentennial, the students got to experience a day of activities to learn about life in the 1800’s. The day was planned to be held entirely behind Manito Community Bank where the Historical Society Museums of the Old Red Schoolhouse and the Old Jail are housed. Due to inclement weather, parts of the day’s activities were held at the Forman Center. The students were all given a t-shirt to wear to the event.
The students started off the day with Brian “Fox” Ellis (storyteller and author) telling about Abraham Lincoln’s life from the perspective of Austin Gullaher, a childhood friend of Lincoln. The students learned about Lincoln as a young man and student.
The students started off the day with Brian “Fox” Ellis (storyteller and author) telling about Abraham Lincoln’s life from the perspective of Austin Gullaher, a childhood friend of Lincoln. The students learned about Lincoln as a young man and student.
The students then went to different stations throughout the day. Becky Switzer, Donna Thompson and Norma Jean Hilst educated the students at the Old Red Schoolhouse about school, rules of conduct and a teacher’s life in the 1800’s.
Zoerene Worner entertained them with music of the time period from the old organ. An Old School bell was rung to signal the rotation to the next station.
Ken Lacey and Bill Heinhorst were hosts at the Old Jail. Ken told about the history of the jail, the old crimes in Manito and gave a tour of the old jail. Bill gave his perspective on the Bank Robbery in which he and other bank employees were tied up by two bank robbers in the 1960’s who were later apprehended. The students asked a lot of questions. They received a reproduction paper of the Manito Community Express of all the well known crime stories of the Manito Area compiled by Ken Lacey. 
A big part of life in the 1800’s was horse and carriage transportation. The students were given the opportunity to take carriage rides. This was most of the students first time to ride in a carriage.
At the Forman Center, the students played games from the 1800’s such as Jacob’s ladder, pick-up sticks, games of graces, and others. This station was supervised by Jan Blair.
The students then went on to the next station to dress up in 1800’s style clothing and get their picture taken by Ernie Nall. Annalee Heinhorst and Nancy Proehl supervised this station.
The next station was the craft station. The students decorated a wooden frame that said “Manito 1858-2008” to be used with their pictures. This station was supervised by Charlene Nall.
The students were given the opportunity to guess how many Lincoln pennies were in a jar for a prize of a Manito Sesquicentennial puzzle. The winner was Krystalynn Alexander.
Lunch was served to the students while Rod Horner recited poetry and stories of old time favorites.
The students then went on to the next station to dress up in 1800’s style clothing and get their picture taken by Ernie Nall. Annalee Heinhorst and Nancy Proehl supervised this station.
The next station was the craft station. The students decorated a wooden frame that said “Manito 1858-2008” to be used with their pictures. This station was supervised by Charlene Nall.
The students were given the opportunity to guess how many Lincoln pennies were in a jar for a prize of a Manito Sesquicentennial puzzle. The winner was Krystalynn Alexander.
Lunch was served to the students while Rod Horner recited poetry and stories of old time favorites.
At the end of the day, the students sang “Happy Birthday to Manito” and cake and ice cream was served. The cakes were reproductions of the Old Jail and the Old Red Schoolhouse. They were designed and created by Corr’s Custom Cakes in Manito and were delicious to all.
The day would not have been the success it was without the help of Mrs. Heinhorst’s World History students from Midwest Central High School. These students helped at each station. The other Historical Society members who helped that day were Terri Heinhorst, Beverly Meyer and Judy Owens.
A special appreciation goes to the generous donors to the Forman Valley Community Foundation for without their financial help this day wouldn’t have been possible.
