Novelist Researched Hornbine School
Rhode Island author Kimberly Newton Fusco’s newest young adult novel is set in a Massachusetts town during the years of the Great Depression of the 1930s.
As part of her research, Kim visited the historic Hornbine School in Rehoboth since a portion of “The Wonder of Charlie Anne” is set in a one-room schoolhouse. She first visited on a raw, overcast day in the fall of 2008 to meet with Evelyn Rose Bois and Frances Magan Jones as they recalled their lessons and adventures at Hornbine School during the 1930s.
Kimberly returned in the spring of 2009 with her mother, Priscilla, and her daughter Laura to experience the recreation of a day at the one-room schoolhouse. This historical school program is offered at the Hornbine School to area classes every spring and fall.
Much of what Kim saw and heard on both of her visits has been incorporated into her novel which is available in local book stores is already receiving outstanding reviews.
Don’t miss Charlie Anne and her friend Phoebe as they create a friendship that outlasts hardship, sadness and racial tension, reminding us all that courage and a heart that cares can overcome most anything.
Frances Magan Jones and Evelyn Rose Bois examining the newly published, The Wonder of Charlie Anne. Their childhood experiences were incorporated into the young adult novel.
Rhode Island author Kimberly Newton Fusco along with her mother and daughter at the Hornbine
Visiting Historic Hornbine School
Remembrances of Old School Education
Elementary school classes from several towns visit the historic Hornbine School to re-enact a 19th century school day where they were truly “kickin‘ it old school” even visiting the outdoor “sanitary.”
Third graders from Rehoboth’s Palmer River Elementary School visit every spring. The class that spent their day on June 1, 2010 enjoyed an special visitor, Frances Magan Jones, a lifelong Rehoboth resident and grandmother of Jonathan Drown, a student in Mrs. DelPrete’s third grade class.
When Frances was a girl, she was a student at Hornbine along with her brother Clarence. Their father, Manuel S. Magan, Jr. and her uncles Henry and Arthur also attended Hornbine School.
Every morning when Frances was a little girl, her mother would get up very early each morning and walk to the school a short distance from their house. It was her responsibility to start the stove, sweep the floors, and fill the drinking water container. After returning home, she would wake Frances and Clarence and cook breakfast for the family.
Mrs. Jones shared many stories and photos of her own days at Hornbine School with the contemporary students who were dressed in period attire for the day. She and her grandson often visit the school during open house hours on Sunday’s during the warm weather months.
The public is welcome to visit Rehoboth’s historic one-room schoolhouse, open from 2 to 4 PM on the second and fourth Sundays of each month during the summer.
Frances Magan Jones and her grandson Jonathan Drown inside the historic Hornbine School.
HOURS: The Hornbine School will be open to the public from 2-4 p.m. on Sundays. You may have a chance to speak with local residents and other visitors who frequent the open houses.
HISTORIC MAPS: Rehoboth maps and other materials related to Hornbine School available.
Hornbine School In Winter
Hornbine School was closed and shuttered for the winter. It took a little more effort this year because the school was vandalized in mid-October. Rocks from the stone wall that surround the property were thrown through several windows on the south side of the building. One front window was damaged by a gun shot.
With the help of two local businesses, the damage has been repaired. Jim Pike of Silver City Glass in Taunton used his expertise to replace the shattered wood and glass in two sashes. Ken Abrams of ABCO Glass on Rte. 44 in Rehoboth helped with the repair of two more windows.
His use of antique glass helped to preserve the integrity of the damaged pieces. Each business donated time and materials making sure the repairs were completed before winter weather set in.
Hornbine School wishes to acknowledge the help it received. Due to the efforts of two good neighbors, the school is secure again.
Latest News
News from the Hornbine School
This summer, not only did Hornbine School receive a much needed new coat of paint, but a considerable amount of restoration work was done to preserve the windows as well.
The Rehoboth Historical Commission purchased supplies to paint the outside of the Hornbine School. The Bristol County Sherriff’s Department power washed and painted the school. That work was accomplished in August.
In September, thanks to a grant from the Community Preservation Committee, restoration craftsman John Taber from Marion repaired all the windows. Mr. Taber built several new window sashes and replaced numerous panes of glass. He glazed and painted all the windows. This attention to the windows was greatly needed.
All of us at Hornbine School wish to express special thanks to Historic Commission member Cathy Potter. Thanks to Cathy’s tireless efforts, arrangements were completed and supplies were gathered; snacks were delivered and a generous dose of good cheer and support was given to all the Bristol County Sheriff Department workers.
Since the schoolhouse was first restored in the 1960’s, it has taken the tireless effort and enthusiasm of small groups of Rehoboth residents to maintain this gem of a historic site. This summer Cathy Potter stepped in where many others have gone before. We are very grateful.
Historic Hornbine School gets some attention with assistance from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department.
Historic Hornbine School
is a publication of Image Communications, Copyright 2012
