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EDWARDSBURG — Busloads of Edwardsburg second grade students arrived at the Edwardsburg Area History Museum and the Ontwa Township Hall September 28 and 29 for a lesson in history and civics.

The history museum rotated groups of students around four stations that provided information about the community’s history as well as hands-on operation of old school technology.  The kids dialed rotary phones, whacked keys of a typewriter, and even viewed –but not used – an outhouse.  The trip allowed students to hear stories and view photos and replicas of old schools, farms, railroads, kitchens, and lake resorts.  

“It’s so wonderful to have so many volunteers from our community show up to support the kids,” said Museum organizer Della Holdread of the trip. “We invite everyone to come to the museum and explore the exhibits at their own pace.”

Meanwhile, just across the tracks at the Ontwa Township Hall, classes learned about civics and government from Clerk Tina Van Belle and Treasurer Sharee Leist.  The kids held a mock election and paid property taxes.  The last presenter was School Resource Officer Phil Esarey, who shared important safety lessons and let students view the specialized equipment he uses.

It is said, “it takes a village to raise our kids.” People in the Edwardsburg Community were up to the task with this field trip.