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By: Jim Fitzpatrick |
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Email: jim@nunica.com |
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Local Farmer in Polkton Township writes for the Coopersville Observer. |
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Along Brandy Creek By Jim Fitzpatrick
The Coopersville Observer November 24, 2008- - No. 97 |
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The kids from the Hanchett School hadn't been out to play together at recess time for over forty years. A lot more than that for some. So, several months back Larry and Glenn got to thinking that there ought to be a first annual Hanchett School reunion. It was about time!
The little one room schoolhouse on the hill above Brandy Creek, at the intersection of Cleveland (Old US 16) and 88th Ave., first opened its doors over one hundred years ago. The building is still there, turned on its foundation and moved back from the road a bit. The school bell and belfry are obviously missing. There is no sign of the woodshed that was once part of the landscape. The family that lives there these days has a garage and entryway attached.
The reunion came off pretty well, just a few days ago. John was the oldest student to show up. You could still see that kid-like twinkle in his eyes as he told of his days at the old school. He is 92 years old now. The youngest guests at the reunion were Craig and Keith. They finished up kindergarten the year the place closed its doors forever. Miss Betty L. was there for the evening, too. She didn't seem a whole lot different than when we had her as our teacher back in 1955. Dick got up and played a couple of songs on his guitar. One of those tunes was all about "that one room school" that we have all thought so much about as the years and years pass by. There were many stories told and the applause was overwhelming after each one. For awhile it seemed that we might not get to the table of food that was laid out as part of the evening celebration.
When driving down 88th Ave., consider slowing down for a moment as you approach the old Hanchett School building. Stop and listen quietly for a time. Use your imagination. You will surely think that you can hear and see the whole bunch of us up there on the playground; playing some of those games that Rhea Mae reminisced about the night of the reunion. |
