"I call it the 'The Burnt School.'
The back has a label for H. F. Warren, Photographer, Waltham, MA, and an inscription
'Arthur C. Willington
Little boy leaning against rocks - about 8 yrs old'
It's a photo that really wants to tell a story. If you look at the left, that building looks like it's had a recent fire.... you can see the rafters.
Everybody is standing outside. There's snow, but few people have coats .
Some people (mainly girls) have books and a couple are trying to read.
Some people (mainly boys) are celebrating their freedom, and a couple have climbed trees.
Many people are huddled near what appears to be a church door. There is a Historical Society in Waltham, and I am hoping that by contacting them I might get 'the rest of the story'."
Many thanks to Mrs. Leisch for all of the work which she has done for the book and for working with this study group. As you can see, Mrs. Leisch has provided us with supplementary material and will work with me to form assignments for the book study.
Assignment Instructions
In the comments below, please answer the following questions and respond to someone else's comment.
1. What information stood out, or surprised you, in Chapter I?
2. What sources of information would be best for providing more information on these topics?
3. Look at the image above. How can you use it to grow your knowledge of Civil War civilians?
Please post your comments within a week, so we have the following week to make responses. Please read Chapter II: Everyday Life in America by February 15th and return on that day for the next installment of this exciting discussion.
Thank you for participating.
Den Bolda