4th-graders learn appreciation at historic Barnhisel House

GIRARD

After experiencing a taste of what life was like in the 1800s, 10-year-old Jackson Strain, a Prospect Elementary School student, is unequivocally thankful for 21st-century conveniences.

Jackson joined about 60 fourth-grade classmates Tuesday for a tour of the historic Barnhisel House, 1011 N. State St.

Students from E.J. Blott Elementary School in Liberty and St. Rose Catholic School in Girard are also visiting the house this week.

Members of the Girard Historical Society dressed in period costumes and organized interactive stations, which included opportunities to complete 19th-century chores.

The children eagerly volunteered to wash clothes by hand and gather firewood.

“It’s better now,” Jackson said. “They didn’t have cars or electricity. They had to grow everything instead of going to the grocery store.”

Read more about their experiences in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.