Bulletin Article - September 2004

THIRD GRADE TOURS AND THE GROSS-OUT FACTOR
by Ann Biddle

Every spring the Haddonfield third grade social studies curriculum features local history and government. Most teachers like to include a trip to Greenfield Hall as a way of enriching their classroom study. The proposal of a few hours out of school always provides us with an enthusiastic audience. Our young visitors are usually well versed in Haddonfield history and local lore. Our challenge is to make the Greenfield Hall experience exciting and memorable. As the mother of two boys, I know a guaranteed way to hold a child's attention is what I like to call the "Gross-Out Factor." As any parent can tell you, if it is inappropriate, silly, or disgusting, a child will remember every excruciating detail (and bring it up in front of their grandparents). Luckily for us, Greenfield Hall has just enough of the Gross-Out Factor to keep the interest of a third grader. Here are some of the tour highlights, from the nine year old perspective.

The lovely fire screens which are featured in the Elizabeth Haddon Parlor and the Victorian Parlor are in themselves just another bit of odd furniture to children. It's amazing how the group comes alive when you add a story about ladies using the screens to protect their faces from the heat of the fire so their wax-based make-up would not melt.

Frankly, I think the wicked witch melting at the end of the Wizard of Oz is what the children picture, but at least they remember the story. I can guarantee they will never see a fire screen again without telling the tale.

The "hair picture" in the Victorian Parlor always leads to an energetic exchange when the children are asked to guess what material is used to make the flowers. They have lots of ideas, "Yarn?" "Dried flowers?" "Thread?" "Paper?" There is a look of astonishment followed by revolt when they learn it is human HAIR. "Disgusting," "Yuck," "Gross," and "Awesome" is the chorus. Suddenly the boys, who had been yawning over a picture of flowers, are right in front trying to get a better look. We actually had one Tatem student, Jayne Yost, correctly guess the answer this year.

Even poor Mrs. Warner, whose portrait graces our rear parlor, has been subjected to the Gross-Out Factor. The portrait gives us an opportunity to discuss primitive art. What makes the painting memorable to the children is the reason for Mrs. Warner's somewhat stern expression. She has been described by the children as "grouchy," "mean", "cranky", "scary," and "witch-like." Poor Mrs. Warner, her personality is being judged by her missing teeth even in posterity. On the upside, the dentists in town will be thrilled to know that Mrs. Warner's portrait has inspired renewed third grade dental hygiene and an appreciation for toothpaste and fluoride.

Sometimes historical items in the house get a glamour boost through the entertainment industry. A current star of the upstairs bedroom is the brass bed warmer, thanks to the very popular movie, The Pirates of the Caribbean. When we hold up the bed warmer and ask, "What did the maid do with this before she clunked the pirate on the head?" they always know. Thank you, Johnny Depp.

Probably the winner of the Greenfield Hall Gross-Out Factor is the commode chair in the second floor bedroom. (Surely this is no surprise to anyone who has ever spent time with young children.) Amazingly, only a handful of children can guess what the purpose of this odd piece of furniture is. The explanation is followed by shock and hilarity. I have had several reports that the commode chair has been the topic of lengthy dinner conversations.

In between these colorful stories, the children learn how people lived in Haddonfield during different periods of our history. They use their imaginations and knowledge to discover history first-hand. They learn that although we have very different lives from our forbearers, we have many things in common too. When our young visitors leave, we invite them to come back with their own families and give the tour themselves. Hopefully, the Gross-Out Factor will help encourage them to return.