In the early 1900s, preparing for school was a much different experience than it is today. For many children, especially in rural areas, school was often a one-room building that served multiple grades.
Mornings began early, as students often helped with household chores or farm work before setting off. With no school buses, children typically walked long distances, sometimes through harsh weather. They carried their books and supplies in satchels or tied together with string, as backpacks were not yet common.
Education at the time focused on the basics—reading, writing, arithmetic, and moral lessons. Students used slates and chalk for most of their work, as paper was expensive. Textbooks were often shared among siblings or classmates.
Attendance was inconsistent for many, as families prioritized work on farms or in factories over schooling. However, schools played a significant role in shaping communities, as they were often the center for gatherings and local events.
The clothing worn to school reflected the era’s modest and practical style. Boys wore knickerbockers or trousers with suspenders, while girls donned simple dresses and pinafores. Many children wore hand-me-downs or homemade garments, reflecting the resourcefulness of the time. School days were shorter than they are today, but they were structured and disciplined, instilling values of hard work and perseverance. The early 1900s marked an era when education began to be seen as a pathway to better opportunities, laying the groundwork for the modern education system we know today.
