One of the things I love about photography is the ability to capture historical heritage. The rapidly receding history of our shared civilisation springs to life through my lens as I photograph old buildings, rusty machinery, and historical landmarks. Adding costumed characters to my shoots not only enhances the photographic cohesiveness, but also allows my models a taste of yesterday. The main concept is to portray and enjoy these special locations, costumes and stories while sweeping the viewer down the road to the past.
The Dungeness School is a historical schoolhouse building located in the old township of Dungeness, Washington. The school was conceived in 1892 by the settlers of the Dungeness area. On May 10, 1892 a meeting was held in which settlers created a bond for land and a two-story school house. The school house opened on February 27, 1893.
Ringing in the early students.
Ringing in the early students.
The school had one teacher who lived on the second floor of the school house. As a rule, female teachers were unmarried because marriage was considered to be a full-time duty and so when a female teacher married, she had no choice but to give up teaching.
Teaching was a lifetime commitment.
Teaching was a lifetime commitment.
Older students often facilitated the education of younger students.
The school originally had 73 students from the ages of 5 to 20. Teachers were required to educate students of various ages and abilities. Older children would teach younger ones, helping out the teacher, and giving the younger classmates the benefit of their knowledge.
Learning to read.
Respect and discipline went both ways.
The majority of these early schools had a single teacher, pot-bellied stoves, and a wood pile. At the front of the classroom would be a large wooden blackboard mounted to the wall. Close to the teacher's desk would be a free-standing wood (or coal) stove giving off a cheery heat during the cold winter months.
Whispering the answer.
The blackboards were hung on the front walls along with a few pieces of chalk with which to write the lessons of the day. The desks were small, and sometimes supplies and even books were shared.
Always time for gossip!
Always time for gossip!
I'm so confused... but learning every day.
Besides reading, writing and arithmetic, there was music and dance, as well.
Besides reading, writing and arithmetic, there was music and dance, as well.
Sometimes an entire family of students would study together.
Reading opened up an entirely new world for early students.
Reading opened up an entirely new world for early students.
Classes were taken in the ‘three R’s’ (reading, writing and arithmetic). Girls were generally taught sewing and needlework, as well.
No! Read your own book!
Some read to each other, and some to their toys.
Some read to each other, and some to their toys.
Little girls become young ladys.
Little girls become young ladys.
The excitement of summer break.
In 1955, the Dungeness and Sequim School Districts were consolidated, and the old Dungeness School was closed.
Over the past years, I have had the pleasure and privilege to teach a variety of art and drawing classes at the old Dungeness schoolhouse. I used the chalk boards, walked the creaky floors and absorbed the ambiance of antiquity, connecting me to the ghosts of previous teachers.
Models: Nataliya Nasonova, Natalie Tripp, Laci Fries, Layla & Macey Parker, Aurora Tobin, Linda Nasonova and Ethan Corey. A special thank you to Sequim Museum & Arts and personally to Executive Director Judith Reandeau Stipe for making it happen. Also, a special thank you to the accommodating parents: Trisha Parker, Vanessa Tobin, Minda Corey, Nataliya Nasonova, Galina Shipova and grandparent, Pam Fries.