Monday, April 16, 2012

My Perry Township Project

Now that the worst part of my year is over, it is time to get on with life. If you didn't know I own a Schoolhouse that was built in 1857 and it remained a school until the 1920/21 school year. Did you know that the school years back then only had 90 days? Most of the children had to help with harvest back then. I have been researching the history of the pioneer schools in my area. I also grew up in this house. My daddy started a remodel and got sick and the house has sat for 20 years unfinished. It is in sad, sad shape. I need a miracle that is for sure. So off to the reason for this post. My Perry Township Project has begun. I got hooked on history when I bought the house from my daddys' estate. The abstract is very vague, why oh why didn't our pioneer ancestors keep better records. Anyway my project has grown from just a timeline/scrapbook on the house and its past occupants to: (Are you ready?) Include finding my students (even if its a grave), the history of the school system in Perry Township, the houses in Mt Pleasant documented as to age/owners (you get the idea), the history of The prairie creek reservoir, Mt Pleasant, New Burlington, Medford and various other villages in the township, I will also document some oral histories as I receive them. WHEW! Did my research grow or what? Eventually I will work into forming the Perry Township Historical Society and museum. I hope! My main focus is to fix the house up so I can live in it again. I have 2 of my granddaughters to raise and I want them to go to county schools. I will be updating all that I learn as I go, it will make for some interesting posts in the future. I can't wait, Can you?