MINOT – The Minot Historical Society met on May 8 at the Minot Town Office. Eleanor Thayer introduced her sister, Wilma Irish, on the staff at the Norlands Living History Center in Livermore, as the speaker.

Irish introduced herself as “Clara Howard,” living in the year of 1853. She said she taught before she was wed and after she was widowed. “Clara” said Catherine Beecher, sister of Harriet Beecher Stow, was on the National Board of Popular Education, sending teachers out on the plains, living in a soddy, surrounded by Indians. She said before getting too late in life, she wanted a little adventure, but decided that was a little too much.

“Clara” said a teacher of “experience” would be paid $2 a week plus room and board and men would get three times as much as women.

She said school was in session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week. Winter classes began Monday after Thanksgiving and would end in February. “Clara” said there was no school during haying and mud season. The teacher would start the day with prayer, asking God to keep them safe.

She pulled a thimble out of her pocket. She explained that if children didn’t pay attention, she would bop them on the head with the thimble on her finger. A child who whispered would have a block of wood put in his mouth.

Children were up by 5 a.m. Boys would have to milk the cows, feed the animals and other chores before school and before breakfast. Girls had their share of chores also. After breakfast, they would walk to school. At 4 p.m., the children were sent home where they had chores to do again.

“Clara” ended her talk by saying pens were made from wing feathers of a goose, and willow bark made a brown ink. They used to put it on the wood stove and let it simmer. It was also possible to buy a packet of ink powder to make ink during warmer weather when the stoves were not being used for heat.

The historical society will hold round robin on the life of Susie Campbell. longtime Minot town clerk, on Tuesday, June 12.

Anyone willing to share stories of her life is encouraged to attend the 7 p.m. meeting at the Minot Town Office. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.