On Tuesday, March 7, 2000, the first, second, and third graders had an assembly to welcome me. The children all wore red, white, and blue. Everyone at the assembly got a piece of bubble gum. Bubble gum was invented in the early 1900's when I first began travelling. Going along with the tradition of giving, the children are donating canned goods to the local food pantry.
The second grade teachers told the children all about me explaining my past and my future. The local newspaper, The Derry News, interviewed me and a photographer took my picture. My picture was in the newspaper the next day. The school's principal, Ms. Brown, brought me to the fourth and fifth grades so the children could meet me. They were so excited about having the opportunity to compare their town of Derry to other communities around the world through the internet.
I had a wonderful time meeting the children and teachers at East Derry Memorial Elementary School. I will never forget the time that I spent there.
Miss Columbia
Rockport Elementary School
Camden, Maine
March 17, 2000
Dear Journal,
I have just arrived at Rockport Elementary School. Rockport Elementary School is located in the town of Rockport in mid-coast Maine. The students come from the communities of Rockport and Camden. The students I'm visiting are third graders in this K-5 school of about six hundred. I'm visiting Ms. Marshall's, Mr. Seidels's and Mr. Zwecher's third grade classes.
The Monday I arrived was a beautiful warm and sunny day. The children and teachers helped me unpack. Everyone was excited to meet me and had many questions about my belongings and previous travels.
These students are busy learning about their local history and were eager to share what they have learned in a variety of mediums. They were working on writing songs with singer and songwriter, Cindy Kallet. Each class wrote about a different theme. The theme of Mrs. Marshall's class was daily life in 1900. Mr. Seidell's song explored the changes in Rockport Harbor over the last one hundred years. Mr. Zwecher's class focused on the important ship building industry of the past and present Camden and Rockport. I was amazed by their detailed study and truly enjoyed their songs.
They were also in the process of writing children's books with author and illustrator, Debby Atwell, on the same themes. The children's artwork was colorful and imaginative and the texts were well written.
I was able to participate in a rehearsal for a public performance celebrating the completion of these projects and my visit. After a public receiving line, the children carried me in the "Grand March" and proceeded to sing me their songs and read their books. Their songs and books reminded me of times long ago when this region was dominated by the ship building, lime, ice, and fishing industries. Today, only the fishing industry remains and people come from far away to visit its scenic communities and natural beauty.
Unfortunately, stormy weather has disrupted my plans again. The actual
performance was snowed out on Friday March 17th and was re-scheduled for
the following week when I'll be at my next destination in Portland,
Maine. So, I'm anxiously awaiting a copy of the video that the children
promised to send me. I'm sorry that I did not get a chance to say
goodbye to my new friends at Rockport Elementary.
Miss Columbia
Baxter School
Baxter, Maine
Dear Journal,
I arrived at Baxter School on March 20th. Baxter is in Portland, Maine. It is a nice school. Portland is next to the Atlantic Ocean with lots of yummy lobsters. I ate a lobster and it was delicious. Maine is mostly woods, with lots of animal like deer, moose, fish, bears and the black capped chickadee, the state bird. I would like to go hiking in the woods and see a deer. I would also like to go out on a boat. I hope I don't get seasick! Maine is so nice and Baxter School is one of the greatest places I have visited.
Sincerely,
Miss Columbia
3/24/00
Dear Journal,
When I walked into Mrs. Devlin's classroom at Baxter School all the students were working on writing. It was very quiet. When I looked out the window I saw the Baxter School Woods and the Kindergarteners having fun on the playgound and field.
Mrs. Devlin's students wrote about how a girl's life would be like in the 1900's and how it's different now in the year 2000. I was surprised to see how a video camera and TV work.
Mrs. Devlin's class taught me a lot.
Miss Columbia
The Spence School
New York, New York
Monday, April 10, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived to the Spence School as the girls were returning from their Spring Break. I was welcomed to the school by 41 kindergarten girls (it's an all-girls school) and their dolls. They hosted a doll party with delicious cupcakes and juice. I loved meeting all of the different dolls. The school has 10 floors and the kindergarten classes are on the top floor. The girls have recess on the roof which is on the 10th floor. When we look out the windows of the classroom, we can see the reservoir at Central Park. It is so beautiful, especially in Spring! We can see the trees and their leaves that change different colors through the seasons. Down the road from the school is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Spence kindergarten went on a field trip there last month. I had a wonderful time visiting the girls at The Spence School. I am sad to say goodbye. I can't wait to make new friends at the next school!
Sincerely,
Miss Columbia
Mountaineer Montessori School
Charleston, West Virginia
Tuesday, April 18, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived in Charleston, West Virginia on Friday, April 14th. I traveled from New York and it was a long journey. There were lots of mountains. That's why it's called The Mountain State. The scenery is wild and wonderful, and dogwood trees were in full bloom.
First, I went to the Kanawha County Public Library and they had a sleepover party just for me! I stayed at the library until Sunday afternoon and then went to Daniel Boone Park where Mountaineer Montessori School held a special turn-of-the-century celebration in my honor! It was called "Past Times: A Family Fun Day." The weather was perfect, sunny and in the seventies. We started with a picnic lunch of sandwiches, hand-dipped ice cream, and popcorn. Then I listened and watched singing and recorder performances by the students; Karen Vuranch, one of the students' favorite story-tellers, told wonderful short stories by O. Henry and Rudyard Kipling; Meg and Pam sang and did mimes for us. There are so many talented people here! Later, I watched a dance team do some Applachian-style clogging. Some of the students did tinikling for us. That's a bamboo stick dance that was popular in the 1900's. We played games from the turn-of-the-century such as marbles, jump rope! , and three-legged races. What a fun day!
I visited the school on Monday and Tuesday. It's a small private school for preschool through sixth grade with about 100 students. The students are divided into three age groups: primary (preschool thru kindergarten), junior (first thru third grade), and advanced (fourth thru sixth grade). Children there don't get grades or take tests. They call their teachers by their first names. I watched them do their morning work using beautiful materials. A lot of this work happened on the floor in front of me. That was interesting. After noon some of the children went off to recorder lessons; others to singing, physical education, art, read-aloud, computer or stitching. In stitching classes, the first, second, and third grade students made me a quilt! It's a patchwork with sequins too. I love it!
I really enjoyed visiting the Mountaineer Montessori School and I will miss the children very much. I thank them for having me, for making the quilt, and I, in turn, I wish them well in their studies.
Sincerely,
Miss Columbia
Grace & St. Peter's School
Baltimore, Maryland
Wednesday, April 26, 2000
Dear Journal,
On Thursday, I was received at The Maryland Historical Society as "The Doll of Honor." However, it was no honor to be stuffed into an overheated box. But I only stayed at the Historical Society for a night. Then I was moved around the corner to Grace & St. Peter's School. There I learned that Baltimore was not always a huge metropolitan area with many suburbs. In fact, it was once only a tiny town on a hill overlooking a harbor. Then it became a little city with rural surroundings. Around the time of the Civil War, a riot took place there. And then in the early 1900's, it stood a moderate-sized city but with little suburbs. I also learned that a couple of blocks down the street is the first monument built honoring President George Washington.
Sincerely,
Miss Columbia
Ridge School
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Friday, May 12, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived at Ridge School on Friday, May 5, 2000. The town of Ridgewood is lovely with many tall trees. About 25,000 people live in Ridgewood and there are many activities for children. They told me that they play on all kinds of sports teams and attend lessons for dance and piano after school. Ridge School has grades kindergarten through fifth grade. There are about 460 students.
I am using a word processor to complete my journal entry because computers are very important at Ridge School. The students do most of their writing using a computer. There are 3-4 computers in each class, a computer lab in the library, and a computer lab outside of the fourth and fifth grade classes. Students have required writing samples which must be completed and sent to the principal for review.
I had a terrific time at Ridge School. I was treated to a wonderful musical performance by the fifth graders. They sang songs from each decade during the past 100 years.
I was honored to know that Miss Columbia 1900 and I will be the topic of a fourth grade drama workshop. The children will learn about changes which have taken place during the last 100 years. They will work with a drama consultant to write a musical production, and they will perform the show for students and parents. I wish I could stay to see the show, but I will have to continue my journey.
I enjoyed watching the children as they listened to my story with amazement. They were very interested in learning about my journey and how the world has changed from 1900-2000. The students told me some of the things that they think will be around in 100 years.
The kids at Ridge made me feel very welcome, and I enjoyed my stay in New Jersey. They truly welcomed me with open arms.
Sincerely,
Miss Columbia
Herrick Park
Tecumseh, Michigan
Friday, May 19, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived in Tecumseh, Michigan at Herrick Park 5th Grade School on Monday May 15,2000 At Herrick Park they have four class teams, the red, blue, yellow, and green teams. They have band, music, gym, and art as encores.
Chief Tecumseh came to Tecumseh which was named after him. He was a great Indian Warrior. At the McDonalds in Tecumseh there are oil paintings of Chief Tecumseh and his tribe. He traveled America to promote peace with the white men.
Laura Haviland is a woman who operated an underground railroad tunnel from Adrian to Tecumseh. There is a statue of Laura Haviland across from the Adrian Firre Station. I went and saw the Laura Haviland statue in Adrian. ( Adrian is the town next to Tecumseh.) Tecumseh was a big part of the undergound railroad to help fugitive slaves. Many of the older houses in Tecumseh have underground tunnels that lead from one house or place to another.
The River Raisin begins in Novell Lake in Jackson County, and then flows through Tecumseh into Lake Erie. (One of the five Great Lakes.) This river is in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the river with the most twists and turns.
May 17, 2000 Today, I visited the capitol of Michigan,Lansing. In Lansing we went to the courtroom and the capital building. It was really fun!! It took us about 70 minutes to get to Lansing from Tecumseh. We also went to the Impressions-5 Deli for lunch and then we went to the Impressions-5 Hands on Museum It was a great day!!
May 18, 2000 I got to go to Tecumseh's three Elementry Schools today. I went with Herrick Park's Honors Band and Choir. They performed great! When I got back I got my pictire taken in the city newspaper. It was great!
May 19, 2000 Today is my last day in Tecumseh. I had lots of fun this week. Before I left Mrs. Beil's class therw me a surprise going away party. Just for me! During the party Mrs. Beil presented me with presants of T-shirt of Cheif Tecumseh in the shape of Michigan, a key chain that says TECUMESEH, MI, a cookie cutter in the shape of Michigan, and a book of Historical Houses in Tecumseh. I loved my gifts! It was very kind of Mrs. Beil and her students to thorw me a surprise party. I really enjoyed my stay in Tecumseh!!!
Love,
Miss Columbia
Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection
New Paltz, New York
June 9, 2000
Dear Journal,
I am writing from the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection at Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz, New York. A lady is letting me use the computer to type in my journal entry. How did I end up in a library? Well, after visiting Professor Susan Stessin-Cohn's graduate class at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz and meeting Mr. Simon's students at Lenape Elementary School, Susan told me I would be staying in a very special place for the rest of my time here. She calls it her "second home" because she loves to do research here. She drove me in her van, and her little girl talked to me all the way and helped carry my luggage. (Aliya i so cute--I wish I could take her with me on the rest of my trip!) For the last two days, I have met many interesting people and overheard their conversations (yes, they are allowed to talk in this library!). I was afraid I'd be loney and bored in a historical collection. Boy, was I wrong!! On the walls are maps of New P! altz that were made even before Miss Columbia 1900 was born!! A man came in yesterday wanting to know how old his house was, and Carol Johnson, the coordinator of this collection, showed him how he could look for his house on the 1853 map, and he found it! Then he looked in some books and found out more about his house. Another man came in who is writing a book about old houses in the area, and the two of them talked about his house some more! While this was happening, Carol helped some of Susan's students find our about people who lived and died here a long time ago. They used the "microfilm" machine to look up "census" records, and got out very old "documents" that told about these people. Marion Ryan, who works here with Carol, showed them some old photographs she has collected in her "picture archives" and they made "laser" copies of them to use in the scrapbooks they are making about these people. I am learning lots of new words from listening carefully and watchin! g closely. Already this morning, a photographer named Lauren came in and had me and Miss Columbia 1900 pose with our arms around each other. Our picture will be in the weekly paper. Then, a whole class of nursery school kids came in and were asking questions about me and learning about my trip. While all this was going on, some library volunteers and board members were stuffing envelopes for the Library Fair, which will be held in July. I wish I could stay for it--they said last year there were clowns and a ukelele player and lots of things to buy, like books, toys and games, food, plants, and books, of course! I haven't even told you about the history of New Paltz! It was founded by 12 French Huguenot families who left France because the were persecuted for their religious beliefs. They settled here and there is a street in New Paltz with six of their original stone houses, the earliest dating back to 1692. There were also Indians here back then, and that's where Lena! pe Elementary School got its name. The other elementary school is name Duzine, after the "12" Huguenots. I never realized words could have such interesting stories attached to them! New Paltz has a beautiful mountain call "Shawangunk" and a river named the Wallkill that runs north! Now Susan is packing my things so I will ask Linda to print out this entry and paste it into the Journal.
Happily,
Miss Columbia 2000
Point Allerton U.S. Lifesaving Station
Stoney Beach, Hull, Massachusetts
August 5, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived on July 30 at the Hull Lifesaving Museum and was greeted by the Hull Girl Scouts and the livesaving museum staff. What nice people--they had arranged a whole week full of events just for me! On Sunday night I was pretty tired (due to all my recent traveling), but I made it all the way through a delightful ice cream social before falling asleep. On Monday night a woman traveled down from the Wenham Museum to explain to my hosts (and lots of people from around town) the wonders of Victorian dress. On Tuesday the Girl Scouts made beautiful straw hats (they even made one little one for me!) so that they could wear them to the tea party we had on Thursday. Oh, what a party! We enjoyed tea (as well as some cold drinks--it gets HOT here in Hull!) and some delectable butter cookies. I went to sleep that night with pleasant thoughts and dreamt I could still hear the laughter and bubbly talk of all the young children. Friday morning came, and I woke up early to make the most of my last full day at Hull. Beth and Emily gave me one last tour of the museum (I learned more every time I hear it) so that I would remember all about the brave lifesavers who once lived here. Throughout the day, SO many people came to visit me and say goodbye. On Friday nigth we had a sleepover party for the Girl Scouts and we stayed up very late. None of us wanted it to end. So this morning, as I ready myself for travel, it is with mixed emotions that I prepare to leave. I certainly will miss Hull, but I can’t wait to see all the other amazing destinations to which I am headed! So when I next write I shall be somewhere new, somewhere new and exciting...
Miss Columbia
By the way, when I arrived I was greeted by Joshua James, who was just my size! He gave me the nicest letter, and I wanted to keep it forever, so here it is:
POINT ALLERTON U.S. LIFESAVING STATION
Stoney Beach, Hull, Massachusetts
July 2000
Dearest Miss Columbia,
It is with the greatest pride and sense of honor that I welcome you to the Point Allerton U.S. Life Saving Station in Hull, Massachusetts. As a life-long resident of the town, I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce you to its finest aspects. In turn, I am only too grateful to show with my fellow townspeople the pleasure of making your acquaintance.
We have planned a full and exciting visit for you including an ice-cream social, a square dance, a brass band, an afternoon tea, and a sleep-over party. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you are overly fatiqued by any of our activities; I am aware of the delicacy of young women on prolonged voyages.
We wish you a delightful visit in Hull. Thank you for gracing our museum and our town with your charming presence.
Captain Joshua James, Station Keeper
Scituate Historical Society
Scituate, MA
August 11, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived in Scituate six days ago, and what a whirlwind tour it has been! I rode from Hull with some of the Scituate Girl Scouts in an antique car, rumbling and bouncing our way to the Scituate Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum. There I took up quarters just in front of an exhibit about a Boston pilot boat, a sailing ship, that shared the same name as me! Sadly, the boat Columbia wrecked in Scituate in 1898, and the whole crew of firemen was lost...
The following day from where I sat I could see one of the most glorious and beautiful things I have ever laid eyes on. At the annual Scituate Heritage Days celebration the townsfolk raised the world’s largest American Flag, 45 feet high by 90 feet long! I was told that the flag once flew over Mt. Rushmore, another site I hope to see someday.
On Monday morning I traveled to the Scituate Town Library, where young children gathered to listen to stories read by the local Girl Scouts. One story in particular touched my hear. It was called “Mailing May,” and it was the true story of a girl who was once mailed to her grandmother by train as a package, and not a passenger. I somehow felt like I had heard the story before...
Later that day I was taken to the Kathleen Laidlaw Historical Center, an 1893 "Little Red Schoolhouse," where I was greeted by the many volunteers of the Scituate Historical Society. When I awoke on Tuesday morning, 32 bright and shining young faces greeted me, the faces of summer campers from Cambridge. I was so surprised by their visit, I had no chance to freshen up, so I put on my sunglasses. That afternoon I was carried off to a local church for an ice cream social. The Girl Scouts showed me how to make my own ice cream, and we had sack races, drew silhouettes, rolled hoops, tossed water balloons, and blew bubbles. A local woman laid out her collection of antique toys from the early 20th Century, including dolls, teddy bears, and sleds, so that other children might see what kids played with in my older sister’s time. That night, the Girl Scouts and I stood in front of the Scituate Board of Selectmen. I had no idea such an honor would be given to me, as they announced that in honor of my being in Scituate, this week was declared to be "Miss Columbia Week."
On Wednesday, I visited an 1825 homestead, the Mann Farmhouse Museum and its beautiful Wildflower Garden. A local artist came by and said she had been so excited to hear that I was coming and couldn’t believe that I was finally here! She made sure she had her picture taken with me. I learned all about the way people lived nearly two centuries ago. That night I was at the Library again for more books, and more children’s faces.
On Thursday, I took the most special trip of all. I had heard stories all week about two young girls named Abigail and Rebecca who lived at Scituate Lighthouse. That morning, I finally got to hear their story firsthand. It seems that during the War of 1812 a British warship came into Scituate Harbor hoping to steal all of the supplies of the town. The two girls were alone at the lighthouse, and, thinking quickly, they grabbed a fife and drum and played “Yankee Doodle” as loudly as they could. When the British got near enough to hear the music, they believed an entire American army was waiting for them on shore. They then turned their boat around and headed back for their ship, and out of the harbor for good, never to bother Scituate again. The lightkeeper took me to the top of the lighthouse where very few people get to go.
At night we had a lot of fun. I met the Girl Scouts at Egypt beacon for a sandcastle building contest and family picnic. Local stores gave prizes for the best sandcastles, and every child left with a bag of candy and a balloon. I have never seen so many castles in one place! And to think they were all built for me.
On Friday, I said my goodbyes to the Girl Scouts, the Historical Society, and the rest of the people of Scituate. Although I am tired from week’s travels, I am also very excited and happy to have seen and done everything in this little seaside town. I do hope that when I get back home to Wenham, that all of my new friends will visit me and the rest the dolls. I know I will have fun at my future destinations, but I will surely miss all the smiley faces of Scituate.
Richardson-Bates House
Oswego, NY 13126
August 22, 2000
Dear Journal,
I have been here in Oswego, New York, at the Richardson-Bates House Museum for one week today. Miss Columbia 2000 and I were delighted to find that one our "sisters" lives right here in the museum! She is a 1906 Columbian Doll, made near Oswego by Emma and Marietta Adams, the sisters who originally made all of my ancestors.
We have had a very busy week. On Thursday, children from the Oswego Y.M.C.A. came to see us. The next evening, the museum hosted a special reception for us and invited the descendants of Emma and Marietta Adams. Some of the family members brought other Columbian Dolls with them, so we met more members of my "family." It was such a wonderful surprise! We even met Marietta Adams daughter who is 93 years old. Over 40 family members attended the reception.
Today children are to another special reception for us. A local bakery made lovely Columbian Doll-shaped cookies and decorated them to look like me. They will be served with punch to drink. A special story about one of my "Columbian" sisters visiting this house one hundred years ago will be told. Mrs. Betty Moshier, a
retired teacher from Oswego, wrote this delightful story. She also sang us songs and served as hostess for this final event of my stay.
I feel so at home in Oswego, this beautiful small city on the shore of Lake Ontario. It was wonderful to come here and discover my roots. I will leave with many fond memories.
Annunciation Catholic School
Havelock, North Carolina
August 31, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived at Annunciation Catholic School in Havelock, N.C., on a very rainy Monday morning. Teachers were busy working, but the students had not yet arrived because of a two-hour delay due to a break in on of the water pipes. I unpacked and sat up in the school library where classes were to visit me throughout the week.
The 248 children in grades pre-school through eigth were very interested in my travels. They compared my predecessors adventures to mine, and decided that school certainly was different 100 years ago. In between visits from the students I was able to gaze out of the library windows to see the park across the street. Erected near the park is a Harrier fighter jet reminding all who travel through this city of it's connection to the military. Havelock is home to the largest Marine Corps Air Station, the second Marine Aircraft Wing. That would explain the noise of airplanes which routinely engage in training missions right over the school.
The students were kind enough to prepare a farewell party in my honor on Thursday. Everyone in the school assembled in Howard Hall while the seventh grade and Kindergarten students put on a skit. The sixth graders did a great job decorating and serving refreshments.
Students attend Mass regularly on Friday mornings, so it was fitting that I spend my last few hours with them in church singing songs and praising God. I was delighted at the hospitality shown by this small coastal community school, and they assured me that they would keep me in their prayers as I continue my travels.
Schwarzkopf Elementary
Lutz, Florida
September 8, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived at Schwarzkopf Elementary on a rainy Tuesday morning. Florida's nickname is the Sunshine State but it was not sunny the week I was there! I did have a wonderful time even though the weather wasn't sunny all the time. The third graders at Schwarzkopf welcomed me with open arms. They were so interested in the places I had already visited. They told me all about their state and the Tampa Bay area. Florida has such an interesting environment with lots of unusual animals like manatees, flamingos, and alligators. Unfortunantly many of the animals in Florida are endangered. The Tampa Bay area is also home to many professional sports teams. If there isn't a professional game to go to, you can always visit one of the amusement parks or museums that are in the Tampa Bay area. The week I spent at Schwarzkopf was so enjoyable....
I will always remember the children and the time we spent together.
Love,
Miss Columbia
Livingston Elementary School
Covington, Georgia
September 15, 2000
Dear Journal,
I was disappointed that I arrived late to Georgia. Corey Reid and La Darrius Maddox helped the teacher bring the trunk to class. The students were very excited to meet me.
The school I visited was Livingston Elementary. The students are in grades pre-K - 5th. The principal, Mr. Wardlow, told everyone about my visit on "Good Morning Livingston." He even put me on T.V.
I learned some interesting information about Georgia. It is the "Peach State." President Jimmy Carter is from Plains, Georgia. He was a peanut farmer which is also an important crop for Georgia. The capital is Atlanta and there are many things happening in the largest city Southeast of the Mississippi River. Atlanta is the home of the Braves baseball team, the sight of the 1996 Summer Olympics, and truly an International city.
Covington is only 35 miles east of Atlanta. I found out that it has many antebellum homes and historic sights. The classes are sending postcards of some of the places I visited.
I was also able to see some filming of movies. Newton County is a favorite sight to Hollywood. I remember hearing about the T.V. Programs, "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "In the Heat of the Night." I visited many of the scenes from these programs.
I hope some day I will get to visit the mountains and beaches in Georgia. It is a beautiful state. I sure do feel sad that I must leave so soon.
Piney Grove Center for Communication and Science
Kernersville, North Carolina
September 20, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived in Kernersville, N.C. during hurricane season. Fortunately I just missed one. Instead we had heavy rain which is common in the N.C. climate where summers are hot and humid. Kernersville is a small town in between Winston Salem and Greensborough. It is in the peidmont region at the foothills of the Appalacian Mountain Range which runs through the western part of the state. People in N.C. get to travel to beaches, mountains, plains and plateau while other states may only have one or two landforms.
In the center of the state where the plains and plateaus are they grow vegetables such as corn and sweet potatoes and also a plant called cotton. North Carolina also grows a lot of tobacco. I saw the green leaves in the fields. They are almost finished being picked. When I listened to the kids at Piney Grove School talk about their homes I learned even more. Did you know most of the country's Thanksgiving turkeys come from N.C.? Many of the Christmas trees sold throughout the U.S. come from the N.C. mountains. President Clinton got his turkey from this wonderful state. N.C. also makes most of the world's furniture. That's impressive! I heard that N.C. had many lighthouses, but I never knew so many could be in such a small place. They named one Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. They had to move it so the ocean wouldn't wash it away. The lighthouses keep boats from crashing into the barrier islands that protect N.C. So many ships have sunk in the Atlantic next to N.C., that people started calling it "The graveyard fo the Atlantic."
Now that I have to leave I wish I had time to visit the old city of Salem which the children told me about. I guess the Moravian star and candle will me me to remember the Moravians. They came from Germany to this country looking for freedom to practice their Moravian religion. Perhaps, if I return, I can see all the wonderful sights the children told me about.
St. Gabriel School
Charlotte, North Carolina
September 25, 2000
Dear Journal,
I arrived at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte, North Carolina about 10:00 a.m. local time. Boy is it hot!
Mrs. Sharon Broxterman, the Principal, went to get Mrs. Emily Dunning, one of the Fifth Grade Teachers, to open the box and let us out.
Mrs. Broxterman and Mrs. Debbie Butler, the Assistant Principal, came to visit me and welcome me to St. Gabriel School.
I then went with Mrs. Ellen Chase, the Librarian, to her classes. I met a lot of wonderful children. We talked about items encountered by Miss Columbia 1900 and compared them with things available today that I will see in my travels.
At the end of the day I was brought back to Mrs. Dunning's room.
After school I was presented with my first gift from the Charlotte area. Molly and Anna Boda, Godchildren of Mrs. Dunning, and Julie, their older sister, gave me a Carolina Panther Handkerchief and a pom-pom. The Panthers are the professional American football team here in the Carolinas and are based right here in Charlotte. They told me they go to all the home games.
It was a great day. The children are very friendly and want to learn everything there is about my travels and me.
September 26, 2000
Dear Journal,
Today was a dress down day at St. Gabriel School. The children were able to wear jeans and tennis shoes like I have been wearing.
The highlight of the day was my DARE class. Officer Ed Fowler from the Charlotte Police Department comes to class for 17 weeks and talks to the children about the importance of being drug and alcohol free. He sure is funny and full of life.
September 27, 2000
Dear Journal,
It was a beautiful fall day in Charlotte. I was in fifth grade today. We studied adding and subtraction of decimals. We also started to prepare for our chapter test on Friday. In Social Studies we learned about foreign money and exchange rates. Boy was it confusing.
Eleanor Beatty helped me today. She is my look-a-like. It was fun. We were able to fool some of the teachers.
Christina Stevenson's grandmother, Barbara Arnold, made me a uniform just like the girls at St. Gabriel School. She did a very good job. It was fun to be just one of the girls!
In the afternoon we had a Bubble and Scribbles party with our kindergarten prayer partners. Scribbles I found out are popsicles that look like crayons. They were good.
It was a busy day, but a lot of fun.
September 28, 2000
Dear Diary,
Today was another fun day at St. Gabriel School. We had a speaker, Mr. Wade Carmichael, come to the school and speak on how toys have changed since the 1900. Wow!
Things were sure different.
On Thursday at St. Gabriel you get a Thursday Packet to bring home, a large brown envelop. Inside is all the information of upcoming events at the school and all your papers from the week before. I received my Thursday packet today also. I did a good job on my papers.
The school presented me with a going away present, a St. Gabriel coverlet. They said it would keep me warm while I travel in the fall and winter.
Today was a big day in Charlotte. At the Lowe's Motor Speedway they are getting ready for the big 500 race next Sunday. NASCAR is very popular here in Charlotte. They gave me a book to help me get to know some of the drivers.
This is a very sad day, because I have to leave all my new friends that I made here at St. Gabriel School. I hope to see them soon.
September 29, 2000
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
Dear Diary,
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
Thursday
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
11-30-00
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
December 19, 2000
December 20, 2000
December 21, 2000
Dear Journal,
January 17, 2001
January 18, 2001
January 19,2001
Dear Journal,
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Dear Journal,
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Dear Journal,
Wednesday
Thursday Friday
Dear Journal,
Dear Journal,
I shared excerpts from the original journal of my travels. I pointed out how much the world has changed since I came through here in 1900. The clothing styles and what women are now allowed to wear is very much different from my original outfits. My means of transportation have changed from steam engines and horses to car, jets and ocean liners. Computers were unheard of in 1900, and now most of the girls have a home computer and a cell phone. I also showed them some of my souvenirs and maps from the places I have been.
Dear Journal,
March 14, 2001
March 16, 2001
With a thrilling ride from Mr. Ramirez (fourth grade teacher) in his bright red 1960 Chevy Impala, I arrived at Lura Kinsey Elementary School in Flagstaff, Arizona. A special welcoming assembly was held for me. 540 children from Kinsey participated and the crowd included the City of Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson.
After the assembly I went to visit the world famous Lowell Observatory. The Planet Pluto was discovered here in 1930 by Dr. Clyde Tombaugh.
March 20, 2001
March 21, 2001
March 22, 2001
March 23, 2001
I just arrived at La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla, California. It’s really part of San Diego. I was so relieved when the trunk was opened and Mrs. Hamilton, the director of the lower school and Mrs. Brown, a fourth grade teacher, took me out. Mrs. Brown took me to her class to meet the children. They were so happy to see me!
Miss Columbia 1900 and I got to stay for lunch but then went to the library where we were on display. Tuesday evening there was a viewing for anyone in San Diego who wanted to come. The artist who made the replica of Miss Columbia 1900, Connie Tagnoli came to meet us!
April 18, 2001
April 19, 2001
April 20, 2001
Dear Journal,
Today Ashton Ives presented me with my passport stamp before I was packed up. I said good-bye one last time and thanked everyone for everything they have done and for taking good care of me.
Mrs. Dunning is going to pack me and Miss Columbia 1900 up and off we go to Knoxville, Tennessee!
Beaumont Elementary Magnet Academy
Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.A
Monday October 2, 2000
I arrived here at Beaumont Elementary Magnet Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee barely I time for a huge assembly in the gymnasium in my honor. The gym was decorated so nicely with posters made by the children here at Beaumont. Three were red, white and blue balloons and streamers everywhere. I was so honored!
The Kindergartners, First and Second Grade classes were the first students I got to meet. Student members of Dance Works and the Polka Dots performed quite a few dances representing the last century, including the Charleston, the Polka and the Waltz. Students from the fourth grade performed skits on several historical figures of the past century, including Helen Keller, Henry Ford, Amelia Earheart, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Princess Diana. I learned so much from them and really enjoyed it when I saw it again for the third, fourth and fifth graders came to meet me. They even had a television crew there and I was on the news today. Thank you Beaumont for such a great day.
Time to close after such a busy day!
E.B.W. Stoner Hill Elementary Lab School
Shreveport, Louisiana
October 13, 2000
Wow!This Louisiana land is a lively place! Miss Columbia and I arrived at E.B.W. Stoner Hill Lab School around 10:00 a.m. on October 9, 2000. Stoner Hill is a magnet school in inner-city Shreveport, which is the third largest city in Louisiana. For a short period of time during the Civil War, Shreveport was the capital of the Confederacy. It's a lovely city in northwest Louisiana, built along the banks of the Red River.
Mrs. Martha Cook's fourth and fifth grade students were busy practicing for a play in the auditorium when we came. They were surprised when they came to the Discoveries room, and found us quietly waiting in our box. The kids loved us immediately! (By the way, we learned that Discoveries is an enrichment class for high-achieving students from second through fifth grades.)
On Tuesday there was a schoolwide assembly in the morning. We were introduced in play form by the Discoveries students. Then the kids asked if we would like to learn about the founding of Shreveport. Of course, we politely agreed so they went backstage and donned beautiful hats, parasols, topcoats, and such. When they returned, they performed a play about Captain Henry Miller Shreve clearing the Red River in the 1830's. The students also sang and danced to a song about Shreve and his snagboat, the Archimedes. We recognized the music as "Proud Mary," but what a different message! We could hardly keep our feet still while they danced. Then the Fifth Grade Choir, under Becky Hatcher's direction, sang some spirited Louisiana songs. Drummers ended the program with a dramatic rhythmic beat. It was a great experience to be a part of it all.
The next day an incredible event occurred. After school the fourth and fifth grade Discoveries students and we boarded a school bus and drove to a tall building in downtown Shreveport. On the fifteenth floor we finally arrived at the Petroleum Club. Student and teacher representatives from elementary school all across Caddo Parish were there, dressed in their finest, many wearing hats. The Stoner Hill kids hosted the party, and you could tell they were really loving it. Everyone brought dolls, which were placed on long tables in the background. The dining tables were beautifully decorated by art teacher Sophie Duke. Mrs. Juanita Odom played a lively piano as everyone chattered happily. Then Mayor Keith Hightower read an impressive document, proclaiming October 11, 2000 as Miss Columbia Doll Day! He even gave us a key to the city! Miss Columbia 2000 and I were simply overwhelmed with pride and humility. Next our hosts performed their for the audience--to raving reviews. For the grand finale, they all sang "Aren't They Sweet?" as the students held their dolls. It was so touching that we could hardly hold back the tears.
On Thursday, the SHREVEPORT TIMES ran a super article about us and the Dolls'Tea Party. The Stoner Hill kids were so excited about their picture in the paper. It is fun to be a celebrity! We visited with more classes for the rest of the day. These students really love geography and dolls! After school a "Fais-Do-Do" was held. All the classes performed Louisiana songs and dances, and fried chicken was served. Did we not tell you this was a happening place?
Finally on Friday our troop traveled across town to Riverside Elementary to perform our play again. It seems to be a big hit wherever we go. The Riverside students were having a mother-daughter tea party, but we had to get back to Stoner Hill to prepare for our departure. Mrs. Tharpe, their Discoveries teacher, sent treats back with us. Wasn't that sweet?
We have had a ball with our Louisiana hosts. They really do know how to make you feel at home, and Shreveport is such a beautiful city. We'll never forget the lesson we learned from Captain Henry Shreve--to persist until the task is done. How we'll miss these delightful people, but the truth is, we need some rest!
Until our next adventure,
Miss Columbia
P.S.
As they were putting us in our traveling box, I overheard one little girl say, "Mrs. Cook, how I wish we could freeze time, and the Miss Columbia Dolls could be with us forever!" That made me know that our visit had been a great success.
Red Bird Elementary
Madison, Ohio
October 20, 2000
On October 16th I was supposed to arrive at Red Bird Elementary School in Madison, Ohio. But something unfortunate happened and UPS lost us in Cleveland. My host teacher, Mrs. Swackhamer, called UPS and after a sleepless night, I finally made it to Red Bird. Red Bird Elementary is a public school in northeast Ohio, only a stone's throw from Lake Erie. There are almost 600 atudents in this school. The third graders were happy to see me. On Monday they held an assembly without me. So on Tuesday, Miss Columbia 1900 and I rode in a special cart around to the third grade classrooms. They learned a lot from me and I learned a lot from them. The students were working on special projects. In Mrs. Hadden's room each pupil made a time line with special events from the 20th century. They used adding machine paper. What a busy century! Mrs. Ungers' students each brought their favorite doll to school and she read them a book called BEST FRIENDS. It was a story about a pioneer girl and an Indian girl who shared a special doll about 100 years ago. I wish I had a doll like Mrs. Ungers had. Mrs. Roby taught her students all about the Morse Code. She even brought in a real telegraph machine. I also saw the library display case. Mrs. Roby is a doll-maker and she filled the display case with dolls she had made for the children to enjoy. The students in Mrs. Swackhamer's class each designed their own paper doll. Everyone named theirs "Madison", boys as well as girls. The dolls are writing a special journal about third grade activities. At the end of the year the RBE Publishing Room will bind them into books for the students to take home. Mrs. Swackhamer also had lots of old stuff to show us-like a pair of baby shoes that fastened with buttons that had belonged to her Mother. The third graders didn't want to be greedy and keep us in their hall all week. So we were placed in the BIG display case by the office along with all of our things. We were surprised and happy not to be alone there. The Red Bird t
P.S. My friends are going to have other activities this year to celebrate the new millenium. Mrs. Swackhamer has asked the staff to contribute to other super display cases. The themes are "Toyland" (old toys from the 20th century), "Frozen in Time" (old brown and white photos from each decade), "School Days" ( a display of old books, slates, lunchboxes, etc.), and "Guess What I Am" (unusual things so students can try to guess what they are.)
Eastern Elementary
Lexington, Ohio
October 27,2000
What an unbelievable week!! I safely traveled from Redbird Elementary School, in Madison, Ohio, and arrived at Eastern Elementary School in Lexington, Ohio via UPS. Thank goodness the key to my trunk was in the morning mail, and I and my companion could be freed from its confines almost immediately. Mrs. Montague's students were so excited to see me, but they were also very careful with my handling. They really treasured my Passport book and Journal, along with Miss Columbia 1900's scrapbook. I relaxed the rest of the day, in preparation for a busy evening and the week ahead.
I was scheduled to speak at Mrs. Montague's PEO Chapter CJ meeting Monday evening, however, she took me first to visit a lovely lady who was unable to attend the meeting, so she could meet me. What delightful couple she and her husband are! Mrs. Thoss was so excited that I was able to come to her home, that I am afraid I caused her undo stress in her already frail condition. Mr. Thoss, who is blind, greatly appreciated my visit, and gently felt my features, and those of my companion, while Mrs. Montague described me to him.
The ladies of Chapter CJ were extremely kind and enthusiastic. They were very interested in everywhere I have been and all the adventures I have had on this trip. They suggested that if I ever get close to Kansas City, perhaps I can visit Cotty College, near Nevada Missouri, which is a private girls' school, that their organization supports. They were very gracious and promised to follow my adventures via the Internet.
Monday night we returned to Mrs. Montague's house, Leland Manor, an English Tudor, where I met her husband, /*Robert, an interior designer, and had late night tea. I stayed in the antique guest room with a collection of other dolls, and we chatted most of the night, exchanging stories of all our many adventures. By early morning, we finally settled down to get a few hours sleep.
Bright and early Tuesday, we were up and off to Eastern Elemantary again. What a busy day. Almost 600 children in this building, that houses only 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, that was once a thermostat factory. A sprawling building on one floor, it is handicapped accessible, very brightly lighted, and very clean. It has only one drawback, however. The building has no windows to look from to see the gently rolling hills and the beautiful colors of the late autumn foliage, but with all the hustle and bustle of a busy school, one soon forgets the need of them. I spent the day visiting classrooms, where all the children were very glad to see me. They knew so much about me, through their studies on the Internet, that they never referred to me as a doll, but rather as a "doll with a mission". They will remember my visit for a long time, and plan to follow me as I journey around the United States and world.
The teachers held a luncheon in my honor, Tuesday, at noon, and, oh, the food, you wouldn't believe! Salads, desserts, fancy breads and fruits: what a spread; and all because of my visit! They even had a "Welcome Miss Columbia" sign on the dry-erase board--and all for me!
Tuesday afternoon I visited the Lexington Branch of the Richland County Library. There I was put on display where the public could see me and look at my journals. The librarian said I was quite a success. Mrs. Montague picked me up, and again I went to her home and spent a pleasant evening telling the "girls" in the guest room all about my day's adventures.
Wednesday was a pack full of fun day! The fourth grade classes of Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Johnson, along with the reading teacher, Mrs. McDaniel, had a surprise tea party in my honor. Oh, how excited those children were! They dressed up in their very best clothes, served tea and cookies on glass plates, with linen napkins and table cloths. How well mannered they were! They even brought their favorite dolls, so I could meet them. They also had a good time making paper dolls and deciding what to send to the museum to represent this part of Ohio. What will it Be?
Through the miracle of technology, I was able to visit the grandeur of north-central Ohio. The beautiful rolling hills with the purples, reds, and golds of the leaves, provided a perfect background as I was whisked to Malabar State Farm to visit the home of famous author Louis Bromfield. It was here that actor and actress, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married. Up the road and around a bend is an old stagecoach stop called Malabar Inn, where guests can come for a quiet luncheon or a candlelight dinner.
Lexington is also known for the Mid Ohio Sports Car Race Track where Indy cars compete several times a season. Auto racing is big news in this area of Ohio.
We strolled through beautiful Kingwood Center in Mansfield, the former home of Charles Kelly King, industrialist and founder of Ohio Brass Company. Here one can spend hours touring the greenhouses and the beautiful botanical gardens.
We took a quick spin on the carousel in downtown Mansfield; one of the largest indoor rides of its kind in the country. All the horses and animals were handcarved and hand painted by local artists. We visited the carousel factory where they were made. How interesting!
This area also sports two ski resorts: Snow Trails and Clearfork Ski Area, for downhill skiing. I shall have to return at a later time to try my luck on the slopes!
With Mohican State Park and Resort Hotel nearby, this part of Ohio offers a wonderland of vacation opportinity and relaxation all year round.
Thursday was a different day. Ohio has F O G So much fog that school was delayed for two hours! I worried that I would not be able to see all the children in the school before my visit was over on Friday, but with some rearranging of some schedules and adjustment of my time on Friday, I personally saw all of the children in their class rooms. What a busy, but enjoyable time I had at Eastern. I'm sorry to leave so soon, but I know I must go on, as there are children at St. Simon the Apostle School in Indianapolis, Indiana, waiting to greet me too.
St. Simon the Apostle School
Indianapolis, Indiana
October 30, 2000
I made it safely to St. Simon the Apostle School in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 30, 2000. St. Simon is a large Catholic School (K-8)containing approximately 740 children. I am visiting Mrs. Crouse's fifth grade class this week.
Indianapolis is the home of the world famous Indy 500 race as well as the Nascar Brickyard 400 and the Formula One road course race.
It's been a very busy week with Halloween parties and the presidential election events that I did not get to spend as much time with the children as I would have liked. Perhaps I can visit again in the future.
Bent Elementary School
Bloomington, Illinois
November 10, 2000
I have spent a wonderful week with the 350 students here at Bent. I arrived on time Monday, but due to a rainstorm, I didn't get my ride in a 1933 Hupmobile.
The school was decorated for my arrival. A timeline of the decades of the century is in the Main Hall, as well as paper dolls all the children made.
I was entertained by Dan Keding, a storyteller and singer on Monday. Tuesday I visited many classrooms. A real Barbie came too! Wednesday the entire school went to the History Museum to see things from 1900. The 4th Graders took me to meet the Mayor of Bloomington and to the Frink House, a home built in 1865.
On Thursday I attended an assembly about games from the turn of the century. Parents decorated the cafeteria with large paper dolls for "Restaurant Day." Wood carvers, crafters, and five special 100 year old special guests entertained me on my last afternoon.
Thursday evening was Family Reading Night. I got to meet many parents and had my picture taken with many families.
Friday morning I went back to the local History Museum so that people from all over McLean County could meet me. I met dolls at the Museum from the past 150 years.
As the week ends, I am very tired and will rest up over the weekend as I fly on to Chicago, my other stop in Illinois.
The children at Bent wree so good to me and marveled at my shipping box. I will treasure many things I saw and did. I saw the world's largest private rock collection, as well as the baseball used in the first World Series in 1884.
I bid a fond farewell to the Bent Superstars of Bloomington, Illinois.
Enjoyed being on T.V., radio and newspaper.
A variety of activities were planned to relate curriculum surrounding my visit to the Bent
Elementary School in Bloomington, Illinois. These pictures exhibit samples of some of our activities.
Visitors brought in demonstrations of crafts,
games, and music from the Turn of the Century.
A Twentieth Century Timeline, created by each grade level, lined our hallways.
While visiting classrooms, children brought their own dolls and made journal entries.
The Ancona School
Chicago, Illinois
Tuesday
November 14, 2000
I arrived in Chicago, Illinois on November 13th 2000 after a safe journey from Bloomington, Illinois. The weather here is beautiful and this being autumn, the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are falling from the trees.
We are staying with the students of THE ANCONA SCHOOL which is lovated in the historic Hyde Park/Kenwood area of Chicago. The school itself is charming and very modern, and the students have been very hospitable. They had a warm welcome planned for me with the whole school assembled in the gymnasium to sing songs and present me with a lovely patchwork quilt made by the children in the third and fourth grades. The Alderman of this ward of the city, Mrs. Toni Preckwinkle, read a proclamation declaring November 14th to be Miss Columbia Day which was passed by the City Council and signed by the Mayor, Richard Daley. We were very honored by this grand gesture. After the assembly, we were the guests of honor at an old fashioned ice cream social attended by all of Ancona's pre-primary students and first and second grade students with their dolls. While were getting to know each other and eating our ice cream, a wonderful gentleman by the name of Leon Despres visited with the middle school students and told th
em all about the century of change here in Hyde Park. Mr. Despres is ninety-two years old and was alderman here for many years. He is too young to remember my companion's first visit to Chicago one hundred years ago, but he certainly remembers just about everything else since her last trip here.
Later, in the afternoon we went to the school library and watched a movie entitled Pollyanna with the third and fourth grade students. We all enjoyed the movie, but my companion was particularly fond of this story which is set in the time period of her first journey around the world and is about an orphan girl and a doll and a small town that raises money to build a new orphanage.
It has been a very full day and we are looking forward to a good night's sleep before we begin attending classes tomorrow with the children of The Ancona School.
November 16, 2000
Dear Journal,
What a busy day we have had today!
We began our day with the first and second grade students in John Zurbrigg's room who were keenly interested in taking our measurements. I am 51 cm tall and my companion measures 46 cm in height. She was somewhat more difficult to measure due to her full dress and petticoats, but everyone managed the best that they could. We found out that a "cubit" is the measurement of distance from the tip of ones fingers to the elbow. My cubit was 13 cm while companion's cubit was only 11 cm.
We then shared stories and answered questions at line time in the preprimary class rooms. We stopped for a bit of lunch with the third and fourth grade students in Nancy Willis and Scott Robert's class room and the continued our school activities with the first and second grade students of Jenn Hempel and Annelise Pederson. They read excepts from our journal out loud and the students were able to learn all about the places we have visited before coming to Chicago. We visited next with the third and fourth grade students and we were measured once again by the teachers, Janet Gray McKennis and Bert Rice.
We are looking forward to using our new quilt tonight as the weather
Tuesday
21 November 2000
Dear Journal,
Today was our last day with the students at Ancona School. We spent much of yesterday and part of today attending art classes with Janet Musich. We met a wonderful old bear named Jello who is temporarily lodged in the art room with his own rocking chair. He has many stories to tell and we enjoyed spending time with him while the students drew pictures of us.
I am feeling much better and I am grateful to all who have taken care of us and entertained us during our visit here in Chicago. I hope many of the children that we have met will come to Wenham and visit us when we return from our world travels.
Tomorrow we are off to Wisconsin!
Miss Columbia
La Rabida Children's Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Friday
November 17, 2000
This morning I did not feel good. My chest was tight and it was hard to breathe. I made a wheezing sound when I took a breath. Two teachers from Ancona School took me to La Rabida Children's Hospital. I went to the Emergency Room. It was pretty busy there with lots of nurses, doctors, and other kids. Dr. Jaudes took care of me. She examined me and told me that I was having an asthma attack. I got an I.V. in my arm and I got lots of "nebs." (Nebs are breathing treatments that help people breath better.) Since I was still having trouble breathing, they admitted me to the hospital. I went to room 216 on the second floor. I stayed in my bed for awhile to rest, and the nurses kept listening to my heart and listening to my breathing. They also put a little clip on my finger to test my oxygen level. (It didn't hurt.) Every couple of hours I got another breathing treatment. I started to feel better and they let me go the Pavilion. The Pavilion is a huge room with lots of toys and games where the k
ids come to play. They have a lot to do there. I watched the movie Matilda, played KidPix on the computer, played Uno, listened to the radio, and made sculptures out of clay! i played with other kids who were in the hospital. In the afternoon I got better and better so Dr. Jaudes said I needed to take a PFT test. I had to blow as hard as I could into a tube. I did well on the test and my asthma attack was over, so Dr. Jaudes said I could leave the hospital and continue on my journey. I said goodbye to the doctors and nurses and Child Life workers and volunteers, and I thanked everyone at La Rabida for taking such good care of me.
St. Jerome School
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
27 November 2000
Greetings from beautiful Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I almost thought I wouldn't make it here on time. After I left Chicago on Tuesday (11/21). I spent the Thanksgiving weekend resting comfortably. I was due to arrive at St. Jerome School in Oconomowoc by 10:30 Monday morning (today). However, due to some unexpected delays, including UPS saying I was nowhere to be found; I arrived at SJS at 1:40 p.m., just in the nick of time for the children's 1:45 p.m. assembly to welcome me. Phew!!!
Oconomowoc is located in the heart of "Lake Country." Potowatomi and Winnebago Indian tribes used this area in pre-colonial times for hunting and fishing. Trails were established later by traders. Two of them eventually became Hwy. 16 and Hwy. 67, which is today the heart of the city of Oconomowoc. The origin of the name Oconomowoc is not clearly known; although some say it means "a place where the river falls."\
Whatever it's true meaning, there are many beautiful lakes in this area. These lake shores provided land for many palatial homes to be built for people from Milwaukee, Chicago and as far away as St. Louis. many of Oconomowoc's summer mansions are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As I said, I arrived Monday, just in time for the assembly, attended by Grades K-5. By the way, SJS is a Catholic School with an enrollment of 300 with grades K-8. The two third grade rooms, put on a skit, explaining all about me and why I am on this journey. It was delightful. After being viewed by students, teachers and parents, I spent the night very comfortable in the school's showcase.
On Tuesday, many of the students came to see me. They were extremely polite and welcoming to me. Mrs. Lesczynski's class let me watch them practice for their Christmas program in Music class. Oh, their parents will be so proud of all of them. Oh - Mrs. Lesczynski is one of the third grade teachers who hosted me at SJS. She has two daughters who wanted to meet me, so I got to go home with her and go to Hartford, WI, which is a bit Northeast of Oconomowoc. This little trip provided me with an opportunity to see the beautiful countryside around Oconomowoc. The Lesczynski's were very hospitable to me while I was there overnight.
On Wednesday, I was honored to attend morning Mass with all the SJS parents and children. There were so many people there! I got to sit at the front of the altar. The children's singing and music to go with it is surely to be commended. Fr. John, their pastor, spoke of St. Andrew who spread the "Good News" in his travels and related it to my travels to hopefully spread goodwill. I was touched by his kind words. Also on Wednesday, I sat in on a 3rd grade Phy.Ed. class. Thank goodness I wasn't asked to play "Battle Ball." They got quite a work-out!
On Thursday, both 3rd grade classes, Mrs. Lesczynski's and Mrs. Benes', had a "hot cocoa and cookie" gathering for me. That was so nice because they had just gotten some snow the day before. They presented me with my own personalized cocoa mug which I can't wait to use on those chill Massachusetts nights when I return home!
During the week First graders in Mrs. Wehner's class made morse code messages and placed Miss Columbia in different cities around the U.S. They then had to decode the messages. Second graders in Mrs. Humphrey's class did the "History Mystery" activity and paired up with a partner to describe dolls they brought in. Fifth graders in Mrs. Thiede's class also did some activities and watched the movie "1900 House."
Along with my cocoa mug, I was presented with a Wisconsin Badger jogging suit. "Go Badgers" in the Sun Bowl!! i also received my own SJS school uniform like the girls wear here. It's always nice to have a new outfit!
I thoroughly enjoyed my week here in Oconomowoc at St. Jerome's. What a warm, welcoming place! Now I'm off to Wausau!
Love,
Miss Columbia
St. Michael's School
Wausau, Wisconsin
December 2000
I arrived at St. Michael School in Wausau, Wisconsin on Monday, December 4th, 2000. The fifth graders put on a skit when I got there. Each day I went to a different class. I helped fifth grade journal. In fourth grade the students did decoding and in third grade the children looked at the differences between Miss Columbia 2000 and myself. In second grade I baked with the children and in Kindergarten, preschool, and first grade the children learned about the history of Miss Columbia 2000 and myself.
On Thursday I went to the students' Christmas program and sat in the front row. They sang beautifully!
On Friday, the students had a Bon Voyage party with treats and juice. It was really fun! I am very sad to leave St. Michael!
Miss Columbia 1900
Vera Ralya Elementary School
Haslett, Michigan 48840
December 18, 2000
My goodness, I can't remember the last time I have seen so much snow. I wasn't sure I would ever arrive in Michigan, but other than being a little delayed due to the weather, I arrived here with no problems. I mentioned all of the snow first thing and the students here tell me that the weather man says there hasn't been this much snow in December in Michigan since 1929. There is nearly two feet on the ground! Ms. Tegreeny, Ralya's principal, unpacked me very carefully from my trunk just the minute I arrived and everyone was so gracious. However, just as soon as I thought I was getting my bearings she packed me back into the trunk. I was shocked and could not understand what was happening! Well, I have to say I was a bit embarrassed a while later when I was unpacked again before over 400 Ralya Roadrunners (that's their mascot) and was the guest of honor for a terrific assembly. The children were all so polite and seemed to be very interested in me and my history. It was such a rewarding first day.
Today I was very pleased to have the opportunity to be part of Mrs. Jackson's social studies classes. Over the course of the day I was able to visit with 66 fifth grade children and hear about their holiday preparations (they only have two days left of school before their holiday break) and I was able to share my journal, passport, and scrapbook album with all of them. They were very interested in my trip to the hospital a month ago and were glad to hear I had made a complete recovery! They also told me that they had made me a book that is all about Haslett Schools and the Haslett community. I plan to read it tonight once all of the children go home. I especially want to read about the S.T.A.R.S. because that is what this team of children call themselves, and they said I would have to read the book to find out what that stands for. I also visited the library today, the computer lab, and the art room. I had my picture taken in the basic classroom with six of the nicest boys and girls. They were thril
led to hold me and all of them had such happy smiles for the picture. Two of Mrs. Jackson's students took me to visit Mrs. Brandell's second grade class. They were just setting up an old wringer washer. Boy, it has been such a long time since I have seen one of those! I couldn't imagine what that was doing in a classroom.
Now I know what that wringer washer was all about. Today was "VINTAGE DAY" at Ralya! My how this day spurred on memories of my past. Each classroom had a different activity in it and all of the students were rotating around the school to all of the activities. There were old fashion toys in one room. What fun it was to play with them again and teach the children how to use them. In another room we actually made our own ball and cup game! The wringer washer I saw yesterday was set up in Mrs. Brandell's room with all sorts of other tools and toys used 100 years ago like a yoke for carrying buckets of water, a washer board, a stereoscope, and so forth. I had to tell them that by 1900 stereoscopes were not as popular as they had been a few years earlier. I enjoyed seeing all of the old skins and furs in another room. I had to help the students figure out what some them were. They really had a hard time guessing them. We listened to one of the Ralya parents play a dulcimer. Oh it was so beautiful to
hear. My favorite room was probably the "tasting room". We tasted venison stew, rabbit stew, venison jerky, hunter's sausage, corn muffins, cranberries, pumpkin pie, homemade butter (we had made that in another room), yummy jam, sweet potato casserole, and so on and so forth. I have to say I stuffed myself. I haven't tasted such good eating in a LONG time! What a fun day this was! I'm sad to think that I will be leaving here tomorrow, but I look forward to caroling at the historical village in town in the morning.
I slept like a log last night after that wonderful tasting party yesterday. The teachers had holiday treats in the teacher's lounge and I have to say I helped myself to some of those before going to bed. Today we went caroling at 10:00. The snow was so deep and the air was bitter cold, but I have to admit that it was the most perfect day for making me think of the holidays and everything I am thankful for. I am especially thankful for all of the wonderful children I have met so far on my journey. Each of my experiences have been unique and my memories are priceless! Thank you Ralya for a terrific visit.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!
Simpson Elementary School
Arnold, Missouri
January 16, 2001
Today was great! I arrived at Simpson Elementary in Arnold Missouri. They have over 800 students in grades K-6. Their school mascot is RAGS, the Golden Retriever. I was a little tired from my long journey. The children instantly cheered me up. During the school day I spent time in the school library. I spent 30 minutes with each class telling them about my journey. Do you know I'm a T.V. star? Channel 4 (CBS) and Channel 5 (NBC) came out and interviewed me, along with several of the newspapers. After school I went out to dinner at Lombardo's, and went to the Fox C-6 School Board Meeting. It was a thrilling, but tiring day!
Dear Journal,
Today started with a welcoming skit over the school intercom. Each class seems so excited to meet me and learn about whree I've traveled.I went to the Arnold Rotary Meeting for lunch today. I was the guest speaker. Boy, I sure felt important! I love all the attention! A girl could get spoiled.
Dear Journal,
The morning started with another special program over the intercom. The Drama Club talked about different inventions over the last 100 years. I then spent the day doing what I do best, teaching students how our world has changed over the last 100 years. The cooks at Simpson Elementary serve the best food.I had breakfast and lunch there today. I noticed in the hallways there were paper dolls everywhere. Students made paper dolls to represent themselves. They did such a nice job!
Dear Journal,
It's not fair, My week is already up at Simpson Elementary. Boy, do they send you off in style here. First, the Simpson chorus sang songs over the intercom from the turn of the century. Next, Mrs. Furrer, one of the 3rd grade teachers wrote a poem (listed below) about me and read it over the intercom. Finally, the kindergartners had a farewell ceremony for me and presented me with a gift. It was a Bear with a Simpson Shirt on it. I haven't been in Missouri in over a 100 years it was so nice to be back. I will miss all my new friends at Simpson Elementary.
(POEM)
A hundred years ago a little doll took a trip
Around the world she went, this doll was really hipNow a hundred years later
A new doll's in town
And Simpson Elementary
Will be showing her around.
Her name is Miss Columbia
She's been halfway through the states
She keeps a journal of her travels
She thinks traveling is great.
We're the only school in Missouri
That is hosting this cute gal
We'll do all kinds of fun stuff
And treat her like a pal.
We'll learn about geography
Math and writing too.
As history comes alive for us
Through two dolls, old and new.
Miss Columbia
Valentine Elementary School
Valentine, Nebraska
Monday
January 29, 2001
At ten o'clock today, I arrived at Valentine Elementary School. Valentine is a beautiful city nestled in the Sandhills of north central Nebraska. About three hundred strdents were at school to greet me. I heard the students brainstorming the many, varied, and unusual things that represent the community of Valentine and the state of Nebraska. It seems like a wonderful place to be as they listed cattle, windmills, waterfalls, Husker football, Valentine's Day cards, ice skating, fishing, quilts...ooh, it sounds so fun and cozy!
Fun and cozy it is! Students designed paper doll friends for me and had a multitude of other dolls with whom I could visit, including
dolls from an International Barbie collection and a collection of First Lady dolls dressed in
inaugural gowns. There was a doll who came all the way from Vietnam and one that was over seventy years old! I am in fabulous company!
January 30, 2001
The sun is up and it seems like it should be time for students to be arriving, but it is still very quiet. Oh, dear! Outside the school are snow drifts and more snow is falling and blowing; no wonder the students aren't here.
At nine-thirty one of the teachers and three students came to take us on an outing. We drove down the snow-packed street of the city to the KVSH Radio Station where we were the stars of the Comment Program. The disc jockey wanted to know all about our trip. The students helped tell the public of our journey and the purpose of our travels. It was an educational experience for me. I'm glad we were able to make it out on such a dreary day.
January 31, 2001
It's still very cold here in Valentine. The students are all coming to school very excited because they got the day off yesterday due to the snowstrom. Another reason they are very excited is because they are celebrating the century today through a living time line. The fifth grade class worked all last week to bring important historical events of the twentieth century to life. I really enjoyed this because I got to meet people like Orville and Wilbur Wright, President Eisenhower, and even Elvis- He is alive! The whole school got to tour the time live just like I did and ask questions of the students, they did such a great job, and I learned so much. Thanks, fifth graders!
February 1, 2001
The Valentine Rotary Club held their weekly meeting today, and I was asked to do the program. In front of a crowd of about thirty-five people, I once again told about my travels, and Miss Columbia 1900 told of hers. Three students came along to tell about everything going on at Valentine Elementary School this week because of my visit there. We had a delicious meal and after our presentation, had our picture taken with the Rotary Club President.
After dinner, we came back to the school where we watched the students' gymnastics program. They did everything from somersaults and cartwheels to the parallel bars. They are so agile; two of the girls even did the splits! What a busy and fun day it's been!
Miss Columbia
Monroe Elementary School
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Monday
February 5, 2001
At ten o’clock today I arrived safely at James Monroe Elementary School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma via UPS. It is a cool sunny day. It is chilly outside, but warmer than it is in Nebraska. Mrs. Aberson, my host teacher, and Mrs. Goodwin, a fourth grade teacher, immediately unpacked me. They were admiring me and showing me to all the other teachers. I enjoyed all the attention and all the compliments after my long voyage from Nebraska. I was then placed in a glass display case along with my map.
It was almost noon and still not a single child in sight! I was very worried. Then I discovered that today was parent-teacher conference day. Phew...I thought the students were gone forever.
I was lonely until Mrs.Aberson showed me the art corner. Oh my! There on display
were dozens and dozens of paper dolls all dressed up in colorful outfits. The dolls were from every class and were made in honor of my visit. I feel very honored,and I am looking forward to learning who the winners are and having those dolls join me at my home in Wenham when I return from this trip.
Mrs. Aberson also showed me a copy of a newpaper called Oklahoma Studies Weekly. I was wondering why she was showing me this newpaper. I looked at the front page and there was a large article about me. It was all about my visit to Oklahoma. It told about my journey around the world in 1900. I learned that Oklahoma wasn’t even a state in 1900. It was called Oklahma Territory and Indian Territory. Boy, I am old. Mrs. Aberson put me back in my display case and told me that I would have a lot of company tomorrow and that I should get a good night’s sleep. I was tired,but I was too excited to sleep.
Miss Columbia 1900
February 6, 2001
Today I was awakened by the excited voices of many childrend standing around my display case. I was very pleased to have so much company. I was introduced to the two fifth grade classes. They were a very good audience. They showed me a lovely yellow invitation to my tea party on Thursday. They also invitied other dolls, stuffed animals,and action figures to keep me company. I am looking forward to making new friends.
Mrs. Aberson’s class invited me to share their history lesson,and I learned about the Trail of Tears in 1830. Congress passed the Indian Removal Act that called for the removal of all eastern Indians from their homelands. They had to move to a new Indian Territory in present day Oklahoma. Men, women, and children had to make a long, hard journey. This journey was known as the Trail of Tears.
The students also showed me the timeline they are making out in the hall. They have researched important inventions and events from 1900 to 1920, and they are planning to continue the timeline through 1999.
February 7, 2001
Today I took part in Farah Shaukat’s report on her great grandmother, Aline Patterson, who is 93 years old. Mrs.Patterson was born just thirteen days before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. She grew up on a farm where they grew most of their own food, and they had very little money. They did not have electricity or indoor plumbing. Mrs. Patterson helped her family by doing chores in the house and working in the fields. She only had a 6th grade education. The class compared and contrasted Farah’s great grandmother’s life with their lives today. Then the students did a history mystery game by dividing into teams and trying to guess items would and would not have been invented in 1900.
Around 2:30 this afternoon Ms. Lawson, Monroe’s principal, and young Brandon Cameron drove me to the Administration Building down south in Ms. Lawson’s red car. I was introduced to the Superintendent of OKC Public Schools, Dr.Sconzo. I also met Dr. Toure, the Director of Elementary Schools for OKC. Brandon explained that I was making this second journey around the world to celebrate a century of change. He also explained how Monroe’s fifth graders were researching changes in Oklahoma andOklahoma City over the past one hundred years. Brandon described the fifth graders’ trip last week to a home called the Overholser Mansion. I wondered why he mentioned that place, and he told me that I would find out more about this house tomorrow. Now he has aroused my curiousity. I am eagerly looking forward to Thursday.
Miss Columbia
February 8, 2001
Today was a very busy and exciting day. I have been the guest of honor at tea parties in the library almost all day. The wonderful mothers and supporters of the Monroe PTA were the hostesses. The library was transformed into a beautiful pink and white tea room with miniature bunnies, rabbits, and bears in different poses and tea party scenes on top of the bookcases. All the hostesses wore matching pink aprons over black pants and white shirts. The boys and girls from all the classes sat at round tables covered with lovely pastel colored tablecloths and sipped pink lemonade and ate sugar cookies. I had such a good time eating, visiting, and explaining my first trip around the world and my current trip.
I did get a break at 11:00 AM. The fifth graders had a guest who was dressed as Mrs. Henry Overholser. That’s why the fifth graders visited the Overholser Mansion last week. Mrs. Overholser told us all about early Oklahoma City. The Overholsers built their mansion in 1904 and were worried that their friends wouldn’t come to call because their new home was so far from downtown, all of fifteen blocks. The Overholsers were leaders in Oklahoma City society and entertained frequently in the parlor and ballroom of their lovely new home. Mrs.Overholser even described visiting theWhite House. That really impressed me. Mrs. Overholser brought a college student from Japan with her who taught all of us how to make origami cranes. Origami is the art of folding paper. It was just marvelous.
Late in the afternoon, I was invited to Ms. Allen’s third grade class. They were making valentine sacks for their Valentine Party next week. I wish I could stay at Monroe for the party. The third graders asked me to explain why I was named Columbia, and I told them that Columbia was another name for our country, America.
I finished the day with the fifth graders who invited me to a farewell assembly tomorrow. I hope they will announce the winners of the paperdoll contest. I am tired after all the events today, and I hope I get a good night’s rest.
Miss Columbia 1900
February 9, 2001
I can’t believe that this is already the last day of my visit at Monroe. I have had such a good time. The farewell assembly was so much fun. I enjoyed watching and listening to my new fifth grade friends sing to me 1900 songs. Grandpa Jim, one of Monroe’s marvelous grandparent tutors, wore a straw hat and bow tie and strolled around when the students sang “In The Good Old Summer Time,” and I especially enjoyed “East Side, West Side.” The hearing impaired students from Mrs. Asbury’s class all waved their Hershey bars when they talked about Mr. Hershey, and Mrs. Goodwin’s fourth graders waved their straws. They did announce the winners of the paper doll contest. I will forward to meeting my Oklahoma City doll friends again when I return to Wenham.
Sadly, I had to be packed for my next trip. I will miss my OKC friends and hope they will come to visit me in Wenham.
With fond memories,
Miss Columbia
Southern Ute Indian Academy
Ignacio, Colorado
Tuesday
March 6, 2001
Today was such an exciting day! I arrived in Ignacio, Colorado. I have not been here since my original journey in 1900. After arriving, I remembered that Ignacio was established in the 1870's at the Southern end of the Pine River Valley in beautiful Southwest Colorado and was named after a Ute Indian Chief. The Ute Indians are the oldest continuous residents of Colorado and Ignacio is the home of their reservation and a major part of their community. I will be staying at the Southern Ute Indian Academy. This is the Academy's first year. It is a Montessori school offering education from birth through age 9. It is owned and operated by the Southern Ute tribe. I was welcomed to the school by the children with an assembly in the dining hall. They were all very excited to meet me as they had heard from their teachers that I had been in the community 100 years ago. I am looking forward to spending the next three days here and getting to know the children.
March 7, 2001
I had another fun day with the children at the Southern Ute Indian Academy. I went on a field trip with them to the Education Center to a workshop called "The Little Shop of Physics". It was so much fun! There were two rooms filled with experiments for the children to explore. We had fun exploring electricity, motion, sound, microwaves, lasers, along with much more. The most exciting part was when we made a human circuit and a current of electricity traveled through all of us. What a shock we all felt! I am also learning how to do bead work. The Elementary children are learning to bead their own designs and turn them into barrettes, bracelets and key chains in their Ute Language and Culture class. The Utes are famous for their gorgeous beadwork. I wish I had time to stay and complete a design of my own.
March 8, 2001
Today I woke up and saw that it had snowed several inches during the night. What a gorgeous sight. The children were excited and so was I. I have had several visitors today. The classes have been coming to see me and read about my past adventures in my journal. They have been very interested to see where I have been and everything I have done. A troup of girl scouts came to see me today also. We had a great time, although I wish they would have left a box of those delicious Girl Scout Cookies with me. I have been learning more about Montessori Education also while I have been here. It is so interesting to see the children working at their own pace on such beautiful materials. There are four educational levels in which students are grouped by age, with no traditional grades. Each educational level at the Academy had a name given by the tribal elders. Each name is directly related to the level and its stage of learning: Atukach, Ute for Grasshopper - for the infants and toddlers because they are small and always moving. Pawaa, Ute for Bald Eagle - for the 3 to 6 year olds, because they are very sharp-eyed, with nothing escaping their attention. Kuch, Ute for Buffalo - for the 6-9 year olds, because they are strong and steady. In the dining hall, each student is a Paa'at, Ute for Raven, because they are ready to eat anything and everything. Even the administration and faculty have a Ute name describing their fierce protectiveness of their young - Tuk, for Mountain Lion.
March 9, 2001
Maiku tuguvun,
Hello (how are you)my friend,
I have come to the end of my stay with the children at the Southern Ute Indian Academy. After a walking field trip to a Nutrition Fair where we learned about good food choices, we returned for a delicious lunch of spaghetti. Then I sadly needed to pack my things and prepare for my next journey. I can truly say I will miss my time spent in beautiful Igancio, Colorado. Tavuchu tugwaiyak'. Thank you very much for a wonderful time and I hope to return to Ignacio again.
I have just completed my four day stay with the children of the Southern Ute Indian Academy in beautiful Ignacio, Colorado. During the
time I spent there, I was treated to a welcoming assembly, two field trips, and many visitors. I even met a direct descendent of my 1900 host family, the family of Chief Sevara. The school I visited is a brand new Montessori School owned and operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
Miss Columbia
Girl Scout Troup 1016
Ignacio, Colorado
March 8, 2001
Today I met with Girl Scout Troop 1016, in Ignacio, Colorado, USA. They told me about having been a troop since 1995. The names of my new friends are: Tesia, Jody, Brenna, Amy, Jeana, Beth, Jentrie, Sherisa, Emily, Savannah, Jenn, Lizzy, Pearl, and Michelle. Their leaders are Jennifer and Patsy. They shared with me some of the challenges and rewards of living in rural America within a tri-ethnic, Anglo, Hispanic, Native American, community. I learned that they enjoy various hobbies such as; reading Harry Potter books, horseback riding, snow skiing, bike riding, playing games on home computers, and listening to music by artists such as Brittney Spears and George Strait on CD. I found out that they are interested in different world cultures and in traveling around to other countries. They wanted to know if I had ever been to any of the Girl Scout World Centers, and how many girl scout troops I had met. The girls presented me with my very own hand-made Junior Girl Scout sash. I am now an honorary m
ember of Troop 1016.
I really look forward to some day returning to this beautiful part of the world and meeting descendants of these wonderful girls. I can't wait to see what amazing changes will have come about. Maybe I will have my own spaceship to travel in.!
Miss Columbia
University of Northern Colorado Lab School
Greeley, Colorado
March 12, 2001
I arrived at the University of Northern Colorado Lab School. It was a sunny day with a light breeze. i was greeted by the smiling faces of the students in Pat Heino's third and fourth grade class. I was suprised to learn that all the students called her Pat instead of Ms. Heino. The students crouded around me and Miss Columbia, 1900. The students took off my backpack and looked at what was inside. They said I must be a pretty good student. They also said I was pretty. They looked at our clothes and shoes and compared them. Then we had a picture taken with the whole class.
After we had our picture taken I watched the students study my passport book journal, photo album, and maps. Then we met two high school students who escorted us to a glass case near the library so other students in the school can see both of us.
Yesterday, Miss Columbia 1900 and i spent the day resting in a display case near the library. We chatted with some paper dolls that the students made to welcome us. Lots of kids came by to say hello.
today, I went to the kindergarten room. Their teacher, Mrs. Riggs, read part of my journal to them. The kindergarten class has a large carpet map of the United States. They stood on all the states that I have been to. They looked at me with eyes as big and shiny as gold buttons.
Yesterday a reporter and a photographer from the Greeley Tribune came and took pictures of me and Miss Columbia 1900, and the students. The reported was interested in the history of our trips and also what the students had learned.
The students held a reception for us last night at the school. Parents, brothers, and sisters came to see us. I lost count at fifty people. The students put on a skit about what was happening in the early 1900's. I really loved watching their performance. The audience must have too because they sure did applaud long and loud. After the performance the people enjoyed some refreshments and looked at the exhibit. I stuffed myself with so many cookies I can hardly walk today.
I will miss all of the students but have many happy memories. I wish I could stay, but I have to go on to Arizona.
Miss Columbia
lura kinsey
flagstaff, Arizona
March 19, 2001
I awoke feeling great though I had been warned of possible side effects from the high altitude. Flagstaff is nearly 7,000 feet high. In fact World Class Olympic athletes train here at the High Altitude Training Center. I was later to see the Chinese Olympic Swim team train at the Northern Arizona University Natatorium.
My host Mrs. Aldworth (fifth grade teacher) took me to meet and spend some time with Mrs. Rice and her third graders. I joined a large collection of Mrs. Rice’s dolls and we had a great time catching up on doll talk. I went to many classrooms so they could view us and get a bit of information.
This afternoon Ms. Wilcox from the Pioneer Museum came to do a presentation for several classes. I found out so many things about Flagstaff 100 years ago and today. The City of Flagstaff was founded in 1882 and it’s chief industry was logging. Flagstaff sits in the middle of the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa Pines. The population today is around 50,000 people. The average snowfall is about 100 feet! I was told just a week ago Kinsey School had a two hour snow delay.
I had pictures taken with Mrs. Hazelton’s first grade class and Mr. Rice’s fifth graders. Both classes had created very special dolls for my visit. Whew! Quite a busy day!
Today was off to a brisk pace with many classes visiting me in Mrs. Aldworth’s class. All the children seem to enjoy the information given about me. Mrs. White’s sixth graders made my 1900 voyage timeline to display in the hallway. I was also able to see the annual science fair.
This afternoon I went 80 miles to see the Grand Canyon. No wonder it’s named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was absolutely breathtaking! Miss Columbia 2000 and I joked about what a long fall it would be, but we were in very protective care.
Again I was involved in many class presentations and also posed for pictures with the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, the tallest being 12,000 feet.
I went to a nearby school, Manuel DeMiguel Elementary. I was the special guest for Mrs. Larson’s fourth grade and Mrs. Whistler’s second grade. My host told me that when she found out about my visit one year ago her children begged that I come to their school too!
The announcements today included some Ragtime music in honor of my visit.
My last morning here was spent with a few more classes and much picture taking.
Everyone was so nice to me and I really enjoyed this little mountain town!
It’s time to pack up for Casa Grande, Arizona where I hear it’s very warm.
Mr. Leroy Shingoitewa, Kinsey School Principal says in Hopi
"Um Hu-li-quang ang wy-num nee." "Be happy on your journey!" He hopes to visit the Wenham museum this summer.
Miss Columbia
La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla, California
April 17, 2001
Another busy day! Miss 1900 and I went to a school assembly and were the main attraction. Mrs. Brown’s class had been doing research about the differences between what things were like in 1900 and what things are like now and gave a presentation.
After the assembly we were put in a window and so many children came to look at me.
Thursday afternoon the fourth grade girls had a tea party for me. They each brought a doll to the party. Each girl wore a pretty dress, ate cucumber tea sandwiches, and drank tea.
I can’t imagine leaving this dear school. I will leave treasuring the moments spent with these boys and girls.
Miss Columbia