Small Town Chronicles: Second Graders steal hearts

Almont Second Graders take over downtown Almont! I must alarm The Bells, well the school bell at least and share how downtown was invaded by smiles, giggles and wide eyed seven-year-olds.

Since 2018 the Almont Community Historical Society has hosted second graders on their journey through time. The program got off the ground when Almont Teacher, Gina Martinez, was taking an evening scroll downtown and noticed the historic building that houses the Museum. It was after hours but she managed to track down James Wade, in the parking lot as he was leaving.

Wade, then President of the Historical Society and Martinez hatched the idea of a short 30-40-minute presentation on Almont’s founding at the Musuem. From there the program evolved to an annual end of school year field trip, featuring stops at The Bells (formerly the Almont K-12 School), Maria’s Restaurant and the Museum.

At Maria’s they had pancakes while they learned the history of various downtown buildings from Stacy Kemtz Braidwood. They learned that Muirs’ building was once a hotel, then a hospital before it became a funeral home. They also learned about the various fires downtown had suffered in the 1800s.

Then they walked two doors down to the Society’s Museum where Jim Wade talked of bears, trolleys and more! Some classes even got to wind up a recently restored 1917 Victrola and march out to ragtime music. For some it was a revelation as many never have seen a record player before. Jim told them the classic frontier days story of pioneer Oliver Bristol being surprised by a bear right here on what we now know as St Clair Street. Jim, with the assistance of the Society’s archives and photos, showed the youngsters how at one time Almont had a trolley system that operated from 1914-1924, coming from Detroit to Romeo.

Then the topic turned to Wade’s family and one of his ancestors in the Civil War. I ask the youngsters if they even know what the Civil War was? I am so proud of them and their teachers, as hands flew up and answers were provided. Because of that, these second graders were given the “exclusive” news. The Historical Society recently acquired Dr Addison Stone’s collection from Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which, after it is cataloged, will go on display. The children’s eye grew wide when I explained that Dr Stone was an Assistant Surgeon in the Civil War and in this collection, there is a bullet from a “rebel’s leg” at Gettysburg battlefield. Dr. Stone was a physician in Almont from the 1860s to the 1890s.

It was heartwarming to see their expressions. Their inquisitive minds really help us, who volunteer at local museums and libraries, by giving us ideas and ways to pass on the love of history and learning. Hopefully, we can keep growing this program so these very kids own children will be visiting our lovely community museums in the future! It was a fantastic day for the Almont community, uniting generations over our history.

A shout out to Stacy Kmetz, Jim Wade and Carolyn Rayl from Almont Community Historical Society for hosting the stops at Maria’s and the Museum. And to all the teachers, aides & parents that supervised the walk and kept things humming along. We appreciate all you do all year long for our kids and communities.

Please stop into your local museums and support the work your neighbors are doing there.

Almont, Capac and Imlay Museums are open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Volunteers and donations are always welcomed.

More on Dr. Stone in a future “Small Town Chronicles” column.

Contact Lynn at tct@pageone-inc.com