Anders’ One Room Schoolhouse #5
Shearer Road, Worcester, PA
This property was purchased 3 Mar 1852 from Philip W Stong and his wife Margaret for $60. There is no definitive source to explain the naming of the Worcester Schools. There are therefore several explanations that have been found. Jacob Heebner states in his report on the Worcester School District that this school was”named of a family of Anders, which family is not known. The land was owned by a party name Stong. At this time there were only a few families by the name of Anders attending this school. This school was an offspring of the Towamencin Schwenkfelder church community school nearby.” However, the deed of sale lists Jacob Anders and Abraham Anders, Jr. as Directors of the Common Schools along with Philip Stong. Many of the school trustees/directors share names with the schools and it could be that this is where the schools got their names.
The following is an incomplete chronology of teachers, class lists and events from the earliest records until the school was sold in 1915. Class lists are often incomplete. Teachers’ ‘Reports to the Board of Directors’ occurred monthly. Students who did or did not appear on one list may have appeared or disappeared on another. Attendance, Progress, and Deportment were tracked. Progress and Deportment were listed as Very Good, Good, Average, Middling, Poor, Very Poor, and Indifferent.
1851-1852 Rev. Reuben Kriebel and M. Erb
1852-1853 Reuben Kriebel
1853-1854 George M Weber
Students: John W Weber, Catherine Ann Weber, Sallie Wile, Cornelius Stong, Mahlon Slough, David Kriebel, Sarah Schultz, Isabella Wanner, John Quinn, Joseph Anders, John Henning, Joseph Schultz, Daniel Kriebel, Susanna Snyder, John Hendrick, Frederick Stong, Mary A Lewis, Fred Henning, Susanna Keyser, George Weigner, Joseph Snyder, Edith Anders, Henry Stong, Mary Salem, Rachel Kriebel, Barbara Stong, Josiah Slough, Sara A Stong, Reuben Kriebel, Charlotte Vanfossen, Margaret Wanner, George Anders, Susanna Wanner, Wm. Quinn, Jesse Kriebel, David Keyser, David Kinchiner, Mary Hendrick, John Stong, Wm Kriebel, Wm Foust, Abrm Weigner, George Stong, Jacob A Weigner, Samuel Rennard
1854-1855 George M Weber
1855-1856 George M Weber
1856-1857 George M Weber
Betw. 1856-79 Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified
Beginning in 1850, the school directors started a building program to replace the school houses leased from the five community or church schools and build the two additional school houses required. On 21 Jun 1856 Solomon Schultz was awarded the contract to build a new school house at Anders for $368.
1857-1858 William Staley
1858-1859 George M Weber
1859-1860 George M Weber
1860-1861 George M Weber
Students: Joseph Anders, Mary Ann Anders, Samuel Adams, Eugene M Beaver, Mary Jane Beaver, Sarah E Brunner, Wm. H. Brunner, William Bry, Frederick Denner, Henry Denner, Susanna Denner, Catharine Detwiler, Susanna Dresher, Mary Dresher, Rachel Dresher, Ben. F. Eaton, Charles Foust, Margaret Grater Sarah Jan Grater, Edwin Gresh, Eraminta Gresh, Clara F Hendricks, John Henning, Josiah Kennedy, Amanda Krieble, Daniel Krieble, David Krieble, Edwin Krieble, Hosea Kriebel, Jesse Krieble, Leanna Kriebel Lydia Krieble, Reuben Krieble, Selina Krieble, Wm. Alex. Kuhnly, Ephraim Mester, Amanda Ruth, Mahlon Ruth, Charles Snyder, Ann E Weber, Susanna Wanner, Sarah Wanner, John Rudolph, Jesse Shield, Jacob Shield, Allen Vanfossen, Amanda Vanfossen, Josiah Vanfossen, Frank Pierce Weber, George Zepp, Milton Ziegler
1861-1862 George M Weber
1862-1863 E K Gresh
The school term was fixed for 6 months. Previously a 5 month term was taught
1863-1864 Phillip Y Eisenberg
1864-1865 Jesse S Kriebel
Teachers salaries were fixed at $25 per month
1865-1866 Jesse S Kriebel
1866-1867 Jesse S Kriebel
1867-1868 Abel Kerr
Teachers’ salaries were raised to $33 per month and the school term was extended to 7 months.
1868-1869 Mary Underkoffler
1869-1870 George M Weber
1870-1871 Henriette Bean
1871-1872 Henriette Bean
1872-1873 J C Gotwals
Numbering of the seven Worcester schools begins and Anders is assigned #5
1873-1874 Leah R Landis
1874-1875 Ellen Baker
1875-1876 Samuel Grob
Anders Teacher 1875-79 Sam Grob
1876-1877 Samuel Grob
1877-1878 Samuel Grob
1878-1879 Samuel Grob
1879-1880 Samuel Grob
At the Apr 26, 1879 meeting it was decided to build a new school house with a basement underneath at Anders School. Charles Geyer was given the contract for $1177.
1880-1881 Louis G Wile
1881-1882 William M Geyer
1882-1883 William M Geyer
At the July 19 meeting the Directors for Anders school (Jesse S Kriebel) was authorized to appoint an assistant teacher at $25 per month. The teacher’s salary was raised to $38 for 7 months for 22 days per month
1883-1884 William M Geyer
1884-1885 William M Geyer
Circa 1885 Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified except Row 3: 12 Mary Yerger (she has an ‘x’ on her chest)
1 Jun 1885 a “graded” system was adopted. The highest grade taught was 8th grade.
1885-1886 William M Geyer
The 1885-1886 term saw the first graduating class. There were three graduates — Sadie C Slough [died 17 Jun 1894 of consumption] and Susan W Fisher, both of Anders’, and Clara B. Custer of Fairview. The graduating exercises were held on Saturday evening 24 Apr 1886 in Zieglers Hall [part of the Center Point Hotel], Center Point.
1886-1887 William M Geyer
1887-1888 James L Oberholtzer
[“The Montgomery Transcript”, a German newspaper printed in Skippackville, begins to publish in English, and excerpts from this local paper have been included here when relevant.]
“The patrons of Anders School in Worcester township are putting a cement floor in the basement of the school as to make it pleasanter for the pupils when they cannot take their recesses outside on account of bad weather. The patrons, not the township, will pay for the improvements.” 17 Aug 1888 -Montgomery Transcript
1888-1889 James L Oberholtzer
“The teachers of Worcester township met last Monday evening at Center Point to adopt the questions for the final examinations.” 1 Feb 1889-Montgomery Transcript
“During the present term about every progressive public school teacher is striving to establish a library in his school for the pupils. The means to purchase books, however, is generally lacking, and teachers are using various laudable means to raise money for that purpose, some by collecting of the patrons and others by giving entertainments. In every instance thus far the schools have succeeded in getting a good beginning by purchasing a number of useful books, to which additions will be made from time to time as funds accumulate. Horace K Anson, teacher of Stump Hall School, Worcester township, held a very successful entertainment January 19, Samuel K Brecht, teacher of Metz’s school, in the same township secured by Horne to deliver a lecture.” 1 Mar 1889-Montgomery Transcript
“The directors of the Worcester schools propose to hold the examination of the seniors private. No one but those immediately interested will be admitted. This is not done from a selfish standpoint, but formerly so very many attended, but the noise confused both the examiner and the examined, and even crowed the latter.” 15 Mar 1889-Montgomery Transcript
“Superintendent Hoffecker finished the examination of the senior class of the Worcester public schools last Monday. The following are the names of the graduates, all of whom passed a very creditable examination. Theodore Morgan [Quarry Hall], Bessie Weikel [Quarry Hall], Bessie Grater, Charles K Meschter, Horace A Heebner [Stump Hall], John K Heebner [Stump Hall], Rose Wanner [Quarry Hall], Alice K Anson [Stump Hall], Elwood W Anders [Stump Hall], Katie Schultz, Ida C Slough [Anders], Mary Ella Beyer [Cassel’s], Winfield Place [Roberts], Araminta Anders [Anders], Ambrose Kriebel [Metz’s], Amanda Detwiler [Quarry Hall]. This is the largest class Worcester ever graduated. The Commencement exercise will be held Saturday Afternoon, May 16, in Lowne’s Hall, Center Point. The program will be published in due time.” 5 Apr 1889-Montgomery Transcript
“A week to-morrow (Saturday, May 18,) the public school of Worcester township will hold their fourth Annual Commencement in the Schwenkfelder church, commencing at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, when sixteen pupils representing six schools will graduated and receive their diplomas.
“As predicted the Commencement of the public schools of Worcester Township Saturday afternoon, was a great occasion for the township, and a larger audience never occupied the basement of the Schwenkfelder church than that which crowded itself into the building. The hour was set at 2’oclock, but all who came at that hour were obliged to remain outside, and there were many of these. It would have required a room again is large as the basement of the church to comfortably seat all who were inside and outside. People were present from Lansdale, West Point, Norristown, Upper Merion Township, Ironbridge, Zieglersville, Skippack and other places, all whom agreed that Worcester is in the front rank in educational matters. All of which is due to the progressive Board of Directors in that township. 24 May 1889-Montgomery Transcript
1889-1890 Alice Hendricks
abt 1890 Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified except Row 1: 1 Frank Landis and his sister 8 Mary Landis
Tuesday evening February 4th, Bethel, Anders, and Metz’s schools of Worcester Township will be presented with flags by Washington Camp, No. 33, P. O. S. of A. (Patriotic Order Sons of America) of West Point. The exercises will be held in Lownes Hall, and will be participated in by several schools. Exjudge H C Hoover, of Camp No. 322, will deliver the presentation address in behalf of Camp No. 33. After the flags have been received by the Schools, James H Wolfe Esq., of the Philadelphia Bar, will deliver an address. The public is invited. 24 Jan 1890-Montgomery Transcript
“Measles are still prevailing and spreading over the township. The attendance of all the schools is more or less affected. Cassel’s school has been closed for over a week. H K Anson opened his school Stump Hall again last Monday.” 21 Feb 1890-Montgomery Transcript
”Measles are still in our midst, Metz’s school has been reduced from sixty pupils to eighteen. When it was decided to close until next week. Anders school may also be closed.” 28 Feb 1890-Montgomery Transcript
”The following are the names of seven graduates of the schools of this township who have passed an examination by Superintendent Hoffecker, last week: Samuel H Schultz and James W Cassell, Metz’s School; Mary Yerger, Nora Meschter and John G Stong, Anders’ School; Allen S Beyer, Cassel’s School; Daisy Gotwals, Bethel School.” 11 Apr 1890-Montgomery Transcript
”Superintendent R F Hoffecker, Monday examined seven applicants for schools in Worcester township. All succeeded but one. The School board elected the following teachers after the examination. Clara B Custer, Fairview Village School; Bessie Grater, Roberts School; Wm. M Geyer, Metz’s school; H K Anson, Stump Hall School; A L Anson, Bethel School; Alice Hendricks, Anders school; the teacher for Cassel’s school has not yet been appointed. 20 Jun 1890-Montgomery Transcript
1890-1891 Alice Hendricks
“The teachers will hold an examination for the senior pupils of the public schools Saturday, at Stump Hall School House, beginning at 8 o’clock in the morning. The object is to ascertain the general standing of the pupils. It is thought the passing average will be raised. This would be a good step forward.” 2 Jan 1891 – Montgomery Transcript
“The School Directors Tuesday finished their annual visiting tour of the schools. Water Street and Stump Hall schools being the last on the list. The Board was entertained at the residence of David Roberts, where an excellent dinner was given by the veteran President of the Board, now about to retire. 27 Feb 1891 – Montgomery Transcript
“After 27 years of continuous service as a member and President of the Worcester School Board, David Roberts will this year retire from the Board. His successor, Joseph H Hunsberger, was elected Tuesday. Jeremiah K Anders was elected to the late Abraham K Anders who was a member of the Board for 21 years.” 20 Feb 1891 – Montgomery Transcript
“The examination of the senior class of the schools of this township by Superintendent Hoffecker was held Saturday in the Fairview Village school house. The entire class, fourteen in number passed. Eleven are girls. The names of the graduate and the schools which they attended are as follows: Allen Seipt, Warren Anders, Flora A Heebner, Stump Hall; Irene Seipt, Katie Brecht and John R Keyser, Metz’s; Anna Morgan, Emma Detwiler, Mary Morgan, Mattie Markley and Andrew Trucksess, Fairview; M. Anna Dotts and Jennie Wilkinson, Bethel; Tillie Walker, Anders School. The commencement will be held in the Schwenkfelder church, Saturday June 6.” 8 May 1891-Montgomery Transcript
1891-1892 Alice Hendricks
“The schools of this township opened Monday. The number of pupils in attendance was as follows: Stump Hall 29, Water Street 34, Fairview Village 38, Metz’s 40, Anders 42, Cassel’s 35, and Bethel 26.” 4 Sep 1891-Montgomery Transcript
“Last Thursday and Friday Superintendent Hoffecker examined the senior class of Worcester Township. The following composed the class and passed the examination: Mamie E Schultz, Bertha I Moyer, Sallie Seasholtz, Katie Place, Etta Custer, Howard Beyer, Charles Kriebel, Wilson Freeman, and John Bossert, the commencement will be held on the afternoon of May 28th in the Schwenkfelder Church.” 6 May 1892-Montgomery Transcript
“The commencement of the public schools of Worcester in the Schwenkfelders church last Saturday was a grand success. The singing by Heebner quartette was especially fine. Dr. George K Meschter addressed the graduates, his chief theme being every man to his own work. Jesse S Kriebel, in presenting the diplomas, made some very appropriate remarks and encouraged the parents to take a personal interest in schools and encourage the children by visiting the schools. Superintendent Hoffacker made a strong address. He upheld the necessity of education. In the course of his remarks, during which the Superintendent grew warm, he said: I speak somewhat excitedly to-day, because I heard that one of the townships intend to lower the school tax by lowering teachers salaries and shorting school term. He urged Worcester to hold the standard high.” 3 Jun 1982-Montgomery Transcript
“The School Board has increased the salaries of the teachers from 40 to 45 dollars per month, and made the following appointments: Anders, Miss Hendricks; Cassel’s, Miss Ella Moser; Metz’s, Isaiah M Stover; Stump Hall, H K Anson; Robert’s, A L Anson; Fairview Village and Bethel are still vacant. 24 Jun 1892 – Montgomery Transcript
1892-1893 Alice Hendricks
bef 1900 Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified
1893-1894 Alice Hendricks
1894-1895 Horace K Anson
1895-1896 Horace K Anson
1896-1897 Horace K Anson
abt 1896 Anders’ School Worcester
Row 1: 1 Teacher Horace Anson , 2 Alverda Henning, 3 unidentified, 4 unidentified, 5 unidentified, 6 unidentified, 7 Lens Krauss, 8 Lydia Fisher, 9 unidentified, 10 unidentified
Row 2: 1 George Bobb, 2 unidentified, 3 Vernon Kriebel, 4 unidentified, 5 unidentified, 6 unidentified, 7 Raymond Dresher, 8 unidentified, 9 unidentified (short boy), 10 unidentified, 11 Wayne Rothenberger
Row 3: 1 Minnie Schultz, 2 unidentified, 3 unidentified, 4 unidentified, 5 unidentified, 6 unidentified, 7 unidentified, 8 unidentified, 9 Irving Henning, 10 unidentified, 11 unidentified
Row 4: 1 unidentified, 2 Ada Meschter, 3 Lillie Rothenberger, 4 unidentified, 5 Amanda Krauss, 6 unidentified, 7 Edna Weigner, 8 Joe Van Fossen, 9 Jacob Weigner, 10 Amos Rothenberger, 11 unidentified, 12 Ellsworth Geyer, 13 unidentified
(Notes: Adam and Jessie Fisher unidentified because they were listed in two places; Lillie Rothenberger married the bus driver Lindale Hileman; married names-Henning-Heebner, Krauss-Ludwig, Fisher-Kratz, Schultz-Shelly, Meschter-Markley, Rothenberger-Hileman, Krauss-Keller, Weigner-Stoudt)
Donated by Marian Weigner Wambold 1989
1897-1898 Horace K Anson
1898-1899 Horace K Anson
1899-1900 Horace K Anson
Students: George Bobb 1885-15, Samuel A Bookheimer 1890-10, William G Bookheimer 1889-11, Raymond Dresher 1883-17, Adam Fisher 1888-12, Jesse Fisher 1882-18, Lydia Fisher (Kratz) 1885-15, Ellsworth Geyer 1889-11, Alverda Henning (Heebner), Irving Henning 1886-14, Amanda Krauss (Keller) 1890-10, Lena Krauss (Ludwig) 1884-16, Vernon Kriebel 1885-15, Ada Meschter (Markley) 1892-8, Amos Rothenberger 1891-9, Lillie Rothenberger (Hileman) 1887-13, Wayne Rothenberger 1885-15, Minnie Schultz (Shelly) 1885-15, Joe VanFossen 1892-8, Edna Weigner (Stoudt) 1890-10, Jacob Weigner 1892-8
(Vernon Kriebel and Wayne Rothenberger are both mentioned as class of 1900 alumni)
1900-1901 Horace K Anson
1901-1902 Horace K Anson
1902-1903 Horace K Anson
undated Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified
1903-1904 Horace K Anson
1904-1905 Horace K Anson
1905-1906 Horace K Anson
abt 1905 Anders’ School Worcester – All unidentified except Row 3: 3 William Cassel (in the white shirt) and his sister 11 Gertrude Cassel (both have ‘x’s’ at their feet)
Donated by Wesley Beam
1906-1907 Horace K Anson
1907-1908 Horace K Anson
abt 1908 Anders’ School Worcester
Row 1: 1 Teacher Anna Rosell, 2 Leroy Bobb, 3 William Cassel, 4 Alfred Rader, 5 Claude Brunner, 6 Gertrude Cassel, 7 Helen Rader, 8 Albert Bean, 9 unidentified, 10 Claude Allebach, 11 Michael Jury, 12 unidentified, 13 unidentified, 14 unidentified, 15 unidentified
Row 2: 1 Abram Cassel, 2 Anna Jury, 3 Mildred Kriebel, 4 Alverda Weigner, 5 Irma Rothenberger, 6 Viola Weigner, 7 Elva Weigner, 8 Mabel Rothenberger, 9 unidentified, 10 unidentified, 11 Marian Weigner, 12 Bertha Van Fossen, 13 William Ingersol, 14 Frank King, 15 David Hileman
Row 3: 1 Walter Krauss, 2 unidentified, 3 Harold Allebach, 4 Herbert Weber, 5 unidentified, 6 Raymond Stong, 7 Stanley Hileman (holding sign), 8 Paul Geyer, 9 unidentified, 10 Harold Krauss, 11 Albert Schultz, 12 James Cassel, 13 Wilbur Cassel, 14 Walter Godshall
(Notes: possible names- Joseph Weigner, George Meschter, Russell Weber, Marvin Rothenberger, Rubin Kriebel, Bob Gibson, William Kipp, Jesse Yerger
Donated by Marian Weigner Wambold 1989
1908-1909 Horace K Anson
Students: Claude Allebach, Harold Allebach, Albert Bean, Leroy Bobb, Claude Brunner, Abram Cassel, Gertrude Cassel, James Cassel, Wilbur Cassel, William Cassel, Paul Geyer, Bob Gibson, Walter Godshall, David Hileman, Stanley Hileman, William Ingersol, Anna Jury, Michael Jury, Frank King, Willliam Kipp, Harold Krauss, Walter Krauss, Mildred Kriebel (Drummond), Rubin Kriebel, George Meschter, Alfred Rader, Helen Rader, Irma Rothenberger (Stong), Mabel Rotherberger (Lill), Marvin Rothenberger, Albert Schultz, Raymond Stong, Bertha VanFossen (Long), Herbert Weber, Russell Weber, Alberta/Alverda Weigner (Yerger), Elva Weigner (Reed), Joseph Weigner, Marian Weigner (Wambold), Viola Weigner (Clemens) Jesse Yerger
The tax rate was fixed at 4 mills in preparation of opening a High School, which was decided on June 15, 1908 in Farmers Hall, Center Point. Professor Harvey G Allebach was appointed as Principal. The assistant teachers were eliminated for one room schools.
1909-1910 Horace K Anson
1910-1911 Horace K Anson
1911-1912 Horace K Anson
1912-1913 Mr. Overholtzer
1913-1914 Harry Gerlach
1914-1915 Gertrude Heileman
1915-1916
to Center Point Consolidated School
In 1916 the building and three fourths of an acre of land were sold on February 28 at public auction at the Farmers Union Hall for $500 to James Shiery. Bidding was started at $300. School bells were sold for 70¢, $1.25 and $ 1.50 respectively. A stove was sold for $1.40, curtains for 50¢, two black boards for 10¢ and other articles for 15¢. The total sale of properties [for all seven schools] amounted to $2,765.60.
Sources:
Heebner, Joseph R., “A Century of Public School System of Worcester Township Montgomery County, Penna.”
Deeds, Montgomery County Records Archive
“The Montgomery Transcript” Extracts by Lester Landis
Anders Teacher Annie Geiger
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