A Mountain Villa
Monte Sano Elementary School History Club
April 13,

For this History Club meeting on April 13, we went to the James O'Shaughnessy homesite, pond, orchard, and “refrigerator.”

First, we went to James O'Shaughnessy's Lily Lake . James O'Shaughnessy built this for his family and for guests who were staying at Hotel Monte Sano. He wanted it to look like Monet's painting. There was a bridge that led across the lake to a Gazebo. The path that led there was called, “Flirtation Path” because people would go there on dates or to “court”. Mrs. Holden led us in square dancing by Lily Lake .

The next place we went to was the O'Shaughnessy's homesite. Mrs. Smith (dressed as “Mrs. O'Shaughnessy”) told us that if you were there in the 1890's you would be greeted by a huge entrance gate to the beautiful house. But now there isn't anything left there except a large stone where a carriage house was and a few flowers. Some of the plants they had were elephant ears, lilies, and cannas.

Next was the site of the apple orchard that was owned by Robert Fearn but later bought by the O'Shaughnessy's. Mrs. Ellison gave us an apple snack there and taught us about apple trees.

Finally, to end, we went to the Chalybeate Spring which was owned by Robert Fearn but later bought by the O'Shaughnessy's. You climb down these stone steps and then you look to the right and there used to be a stone house over a spring so they could keep some of their food cold, like butter. Ms. Letson shared information about the spring.

Sadly, this was our last History Club Meeting for this school year, but we are looking forward to next year's exciting adventures.

Submitted by,
Rachel Brock
History Club Secretary

FIRE TOWER
Monte Sano Elementary School History Club
February 9

It was a cold but fascinating History Club meeting on February 9.  At the beginning of the meeting, we made our own trail mix for snack (thanks Mrs. Smith).  Then Mrs. Ellison helped us hold our very first officers election!  Our officers are:  Emily, President; Bruce, Vice President; Rachel, Secretary; Michael, Treasurer.  Then we carpooled to the fire tower at Monte Sano State Park .  We learned from Mrs. Letson that it was first built in the 1940's out of wood and was replaced with a metal tower in 1968. Its historical significance is connected with the Space Age.  It was used by NASA for the temporary tracking of satellites such as Explorer I and Sputnik.  We learned a lot today about the fire tower! 

by Rachel, Secretary
Wynton, Photographer

INDIAN/SETTLER TRAIL
Monte Sano Elementary School History Club
November 17

Another great Friday afternoon for the Monte Sano Elementary History Club!  We hiked the Indian/Settler trail in the State Park, cooked over an open fire, read a book about Squanto for the Thanksgiving season, and played some pilgrim and Indian games. To top it off, a hayride took us to and from the Park (many, many thanks, Mr. Wilkinson!). The air was fresh and crisp after the previous rainy days. Excluding their laughter, the children were as quiet as Indians, scouting on the wet leaves.

HOTEL MONTE SANO
Monte Sano Elementary School History Club
October 20

What fun the History Club had last Friday afternoon!  We had guest appearances by 3 of our mountain residents.  After our brisk walk, enjoying the fall leaves, we were served "high tea" with our lace napkins, punch cups, tea cakes, and cheese straws by hotel hostess Mrs. Darden.  Brenda Letson presented the history of the ol' chimney, and we drew what we thought the hotel might have looked like in 1900.  We will present our drawings to all students on Mountaineer Peaks (the school's morning broadcast) one day soon!  A special thanks to Mr. Miller who told us about his Hotel Monte Sano painting that exists on our school hall behind Mrs. Ealy's room.  Next month on Nov 17, we will HIKE  (not walk) the Indian/Settler trail in Monte Sano State Park.

Mrs. Ellison Parent Sponser
Faculty Sponser