Thomas T. Taber Museum featuring West Branch School exhibit throughout April
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For over 50 years, the West Branch School had educated children in the community, approaching the process in a creative and unique way. The private school closed its doors in 2022 due to a decline in enrollment.
The building located on Moore Avenue in Newberry has been sold, but many of the contents have been compiled into an exhibit: "Celebrating the Legacy of the West Branch School," which will be featured at the Thomas T. Taber Museum during the month of April.
Among the artifacts that have arrived at the museum is a chalkboard which had been stored in the garage of Sandy Elion, a former teacher at the school.
"Yesterday, we received 'Charlie the Chalkboard,'" said Gary W. Parks, the museum's executive director. "That was apparently an iconic artifact. On one side there are mathematical problems and on the other side, is her little note saying 'I love Charlie.' I'm sure many of the kids will remember that."
He thinks Elion is donating the artifact to the museum, although storage could be a problem.
"It's rather large," he laughed.
Other items included in the exhibit are student-produced banners, tee-shirts, plaques, DVDs, posters, yearbooks and ceramic pieces.
And of course, thousands of photos.
"That is simply because there were a lot of photos. Photos of the students in action, doing those theatrical productions or working on a craft project or out on a field trip," Parks said.
"Very kindly we have a group of individuals who either taught at the school or were parents and they are coming in to identify approximately 2000 photos, plus there are scrapbooks and photo albums," he said.
Costumes from several of the theatrical productions held at the school will also be on display.
"They're very clever. One -- I guess you would call it a young man's tunic -- is made out of men's ties, so it's striped and colorful and very inventive," Parks said. "They were doing 'The Iliad,' they were doing 'The Odyssey.' They were doing Shakespeare plays and they were in sixth grade."
The materials from the exhibit will be archived and permanently stored at the museum.
"People are finding more stuff in their attics and garages, saying it should be placed with the collection. I'm thrilled with that," Parks said.
The West Branch School exhibit continues through May 5. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an admission fee charged.
A reception to view the exhibit will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., May 3. Alumni and their families as well as former teachers are encouraged to attend the reception. No admission fee will be charged on the night of the reception.
Light refreshments will be served and those planning to attend the reception are asked to call the museum at 570-326-3326 to R.S.V.P.
Organized in 1971, the school was founded by a group of parents who were concerned about their children's education and envisioned a school that offered a "developmental, functional, child-centered educational program."
Information about the museum is available on their website, www.tabermuseum.org.