Recollections of Amenia Union and One-room Schoolhouses
The Sharon Womens’ Club welcomed Indian Rock Schoolhouse to their April 18th meeting in Amenia Union. A group of Sharon women devoted to public service, these legendary ladies were a warm and interested audience for an Indian Rock trunk (in this case basket)show.
One of the previous and much-loved members of this organization of outstanding Sharon women was Kay (Humphreys) Kane, last school "ma'arm" of the Leedsville Schoolhouse
A short talk on the history of Amenia Union was presented before the illustrated lecture on the Amenia Union Schoolhouse (NYS side of the state line) and other nearby schoolhouses. The conversation quickly turned to legendary teachers of local schools on both sides of the State line.
One of the outstanding teachers in the Webutuck School District was Ella Staunton who began her career at the Amenia Union school. Ester Pollard and Bynon Kipp attended the Amenia Union School when Ella Staunton was a teacher there.
Ella Stauton’s name was very familiar to the assembled ladies of the Women’s Club. As we know Ella taught in several district schools, transferring to the brick high school, now known as the Amenia Elementary School when the Webutuck School District consolidated.
Another legendary teacher was mentioned: the unique Nettie Bump of South Amenia. Here is a topic where everyone has personal memories of the meanest, nicest, most special teacher at their school when they were children.
Thanks for inviting Indian Rock, Ladies!