Teachers preserve history of schools in new book

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • September 7, 2013
  • 429
                        
Summary: Teachers turned authors detail the history of Midvale’s Schools in a new book. Longtime Midvale Elementary teachers Brenda Stafford and Candace Wilson have authored a new book that details a pictorial history of the community’s schools. Mine-ding Midvale’s School: The Tradition Lives On is the third in a series of books the duo penned about the mining town named for the mid-point between the county seat and Uhrichsville that is rich with history. The idea for the book first came about in 2005 when the community was faced with the reality of losing their beloved elementary school. Built in 1917 with an addition constructed in 1927, the building was deemed structurally unsound and slated for demolition. “That’s when we knew we had to write this book,” said Brenda Stafford. “We were faced with the loss of our school and we knew we had to document the history so our kids would not forget about it. Five generations of my own family attended this school.” Heartbroken at the loss of the building that had been a part of the community for so long, the two set out to find information, photos, newspaper clippings and anything else that could preserve the building’s history that they could include in their book for generations to come. “It was crushing to go through,” said Candace Wilson. “When I look back at what we went through and what the kids went through. We had to have school at the Quaker Dome and we could only go until one o’clock because we had no cafeteria, no way to serve meals to the kids.” Communities are emotionally attached to their schools and such was the case for Midvale. Thanks to the efforts of Stafford and Wilson, the residents of Midvale can recall the former building and the memories created in the halls of the once regal center of education simply by turning the pages of the book. “We are not a rich community,” said Stafford. “But we are rich in tradition. The money we have made from our last two books was used to refurbish the decorative markers from our old school. They were included in the design of the new school and serve as a reminder of the building that stood here before. One of the headstones has been placed near the school as well.” With the old school now just a memory the new school that opened in 2007 serves the young people of Midvale quite well. “The kids have a sense of pride and improved self-esteem in this building,” said Wilson. “As educators we are better equipped to teach in the new building, better able to prepare students for the future.” The book details the years before the demolition of the old school on up to the construction of the new, state-of-the-art school that like its predecessor, is a place where goals are attained, friendships are made and young people reach their full potential with the help and guidance of their teachers. Stafford and Wilson are hoping to start a Midvale Historical Society and are seeking help from the community. “The only historical book ever written about Midvale was a small pamphlet made during the bicentennial in 1976,” said Stafford. “Our books preserve the people, businesses and the schools for others to enjoy. A historical society would allow us a place to share some of the memorabilia we have collected as we have researched and written the books.” Mine-ding Midvale’s Schools: The Tradition Lives On is available by pre-order only at a cost of $20. “We wanted to make the books affordable so anyone could buy one,” said Stafford. “Orders are coming in and we are excited to be able to share this with all our friends in Midvale.” Stafford and Wilson will be accepting orders for the book at the Midvale Alumni Banquet on Oct. 12 at the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge. To order a copy, contact Brenda Stafford at 330-339-3692, Candace Wilson at 330-339-3973. Orders can also be placed with Midvale Elementary School by calling 330-339-1191.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load