Free Press – May 22, 2008

Milford Township Historical Society Open House

Dear Friends,

Good morning. The volunteers at the Milford Township Historical and Preservation Society have a real treat in store for us. On Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there’s an open house that we shouldn’t miss. Located in the old Spinnerstown schoolhouse, next to the Pfaff School, Milford Towqnship’s Historical and Preservation Society has worked hard to put the old building into first-rate shape.

Last week, I met Sandy and Robert Park, plus John Moyer at the site. I’d forgotten that the old school had two rooms divided by a pocket door, which can be slid shut. Grades one through four met in the west room and grades five through eight met in the east room. Each room had a teacher and a coal burning stove for heat. There was an outdoor privy and, of course, a water hand pump. The school bell in the steeple still works.

Milford Township owns the building and used it for its municipal headquarters until several years ago. It’s fortunate that the township has the historical society to take such good care of it. Sandy emphasized that the building has not been restored to its 1909 condition but the volunteers have put it back into condition ideal for the public’s use.

Bob and Sandy Park specially praised Sally and Robert De Fuccio, Mikki Smith, Chuck Lawrence and my old friend John Moyer. The Park’s know that I’m one of John’s biggest fans. When I told the Park’s that John has been a Milford icon for more than 30 years, and I’ve known him since we were age three, Sandy immediately piped up with, “So, do you want to be like him when you grow up?”

The historical society was lucky to have people who are good with tools. The tin ceilings have been restored and the wooden rosettes on each door way have been duplicated thanks to Bob Park who makes furniture. Bob De Fuccio is a chair designer. Sandy is handy too. “Handy Sandy,” she laughs.

John noted that Bob Park used 150 pounds of spackle on the 12-foot high walls to patch plaster cracks. Mikki created a slide show of more than 100 pictures during the five-month effort. Bob also was able to duplicate the tin crown molding around the ceiling. It’s a thing of beauty.

The historical society is busy. On June 5^th, the public will view Bucks County greeting cards from 1900 to 1960. The annual garden tour of four Milford homes is on June 21, plus a demonstration at the old school house.

There are many objects, which the public will enjoy. I was especially fond of two. The first is an antique base drum with this community appeal painted on the drumhead: “WeWannaOrchestra, Spinnerstown, Pa.”

The second was a framed 1912 diploma, awarded to Maggie Linsenbigler, after she successfully completed the eighth grade and passed the examinations. Back then, students couldn’t move into the ninth grade unless they held an eighth grade diploma.

Isn’t it ironic that the Pennsylvania Department of Education is suggesting that high school seniors shouldn’t graduate unless they pass proficiency exams in the core subjects? Would you believe that many school boards, teachers’ unions, and legislators are objecting to these rules, which won’t begin until 2013?

In the meantime, Asian and European high school graduates are surpassing our kids. They’re eating our lunch. Why can’t we get it right?

Any way, look what Maggie Linsenbigler’s diploma said: “She is proficient in spelling, reading, penmanship, written arithmetic, mental arithmetic, geography, history, grammar, physiology and is entitled to receive this Diploma.”

Does that speak volumes about the value of an eighth grade education in 1912?

But I stray.

The Milford Township Historical Society encourages all residents to donate paintings, small objects, documents and old photographs. Its brochure lists 16 types of documents and nine classes of artifacts that the society wishes to acquire. It has two ongoing projects. It wants to identify the oldest buildings in the township and catalogue the church cemeteries.

Sandy says that the society is looking for new members…$10 for a single; $15 per couple. She was grateful that State Senator Rob Wonderling was able to secure a $10,000 grant from the Department of Commerce for Economic Development.

The members have fun too. Sandy mentioned tavern nights, past, when eight to 12 people would put on 45 minute plays at local watering holes, such as: Finland, East Greenville, Spinnerstown, Brick Tavern and Limeport. “Sally [DeFuccio] wrote the plays,” Sandy said. “She [Sally] created parts to emphasize our [acting] strengths.”

That must have been an absolute howl.

You can win a coverlet depicting scenes from Milford Township or free one-year memberships. I look forward to seeing you faithful readers at the old school house on May 31.

Sincerely,

Charles Meredith