From Rails to Recess: A Recap of Laurel Elementary’s Spring Field Trip

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On May 8, Laurel Elementary’s 1st and 4th grade classes took over Metamora with a field trip that started with a local history lesson aboard the Whitewater Valley Railroad from Conductor Paul Hillman.

While 4th graders received the full field trip experience with a pizza lunch at Third Place and chocolate chip cookies from The Blue Umbrella Bistro, the 1st graders received a mini field trip version with ice cream from Granny’s, and feeding the ducks.

The 1st graders learned about past and present times this year in school, so Metamora was the perfect place to try out their developing socialization skills with their teachers, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Bell and Miss Rogers. The 1st grade sponsor was The Enneking Family.

The 4th graders were accompanied by teachers, Mrs. Mefford and Metamora’s own, Ms. Trinity Toles. Ms. Toles was born and raised in Metamora. New for this year ‘s 4th grade field trip was a merchant tour. The SAP Bucket, The Martindale House, Grannie’s Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parloralong with 1838 Photography gave the kids a tour and history of their buildings. They had great questions such as, “Are there ghosts in The Martindale House tavern?”. The group got to see the beautiful new studio at 1838 Photography and learned that it was a Post Office for 50 years. Owner Troy Baker of TB Wooden Creations performed a chain saw carving demonstration and each class was gifted with a carving to bring back to their classrooms by the artist. The 4th grade sponsor was Janis Gabbard.

Both groups received a tour of the Metamora Grist Mill and The Whitewater Valley Railroad’s Nickle Plate Caboose and Armco locomotive #709. The Frankin County Welcome Center provided goody bags for each of the kids. This is the third year for this educational experience and everyone hopes to expand it next year! Thank you to the Sponsors, Vendors, Volunteers and everyone else that helped make this a fun, safe experience for the kids.