Modern children will be able to turn back the clock and experience the classroom as local predecessors did. The second floor of the Provencal-Weir House, c. 1823, has been transformed into a one-room schoolhouse, circa 1900, complete with benches, individual chalkboards and McGuffy Readers. They will even be able to dress-up in old-fashioned costumes to complete the experience.

Our curriculums replicate what lessons were taught in the 1900s and show how they are different - and the same - from lessons taught today. The room can accommodate up to 30 students, their teacher, and two parent volunteers. The school day runs from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Curriculums for the second, third and fifth grades are currently available. Teachers are welcome to follow these curricula, but are not limited to them. Any teachers who are interested in bringing their classes should call the Society at 313-884-7010.

The one-room schoolhouse brings history to life for children and gives them an experience, not just a lecture. They get to touch, taste, smell and feel a part of history. The experience can give them a new appreciation for the "luxuries" of life we now enjoy everyday... There is nothing like lying down on a horse hair mattress to help you appreciate your own bed, or explaining the outhouse to help you appreciate indoor plumbing, or cooking dinner from scratch to help you appreciate the microwave, or doing your homework on a chalk slate to help you appreciate the computer.

The one-room schoolhouse features a display of photographs from old schoolrooms including the 1890 Cook School and the early Kerby and Trombley schools and artifacts like 1900 classroom rules and day plans. The Society is looking for donations of Grosse Pointe School memorabilia to enhance the exhibit.