Union-Frick’s/Bean’s-Stump Hole Hall One Room Schoolhouse #3
Valley Forge Road and Stump Hall Road, Worcester, PA
Union or Frick’s School house was located opposite the farm of Henry Frick on Krause Ave (later Potshop Road) about 1/3 mile east of Valley Forge Road. The name “Union” referred to the fact that the Trustees were of different church affiliations, and the students living in the community were largely Reformed Mennonite (on Berks Road) and Schwenkfelders (on Trooper and Township Line).
In 1849 Fricks school house was leased by the public school trustees from the community school’s trustees. It was used by the school district until 1856, when a new school building was built at the corner of Stump Hall and Valley Forge Roads. Henry L and Elizabeth Kratz sold a plot of ground to the public school trustees for $75. The old community school was razed.
The school was named “Beans” for one year, although no explanation for the name has been found.
There are two stories told as to how the school got the name of Stump Hall. The first says that it was named after a large oak stump leveled at the front door, and “many a sport was found in maintaining possession of the stump.” The second, from an undated edition of the Norristown Times Herald, says, “It was situated on the road from Fairview Village to Center Point [Valley Forge Road], where the road once made an S-shape turn. The twist was eliminated in 1927. The school gained its name from the huge stump of a chestnut tree in the highway in front of the building.”
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. Teacher ‘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.
Union-Frick’s
1849-1850 Amos H Cassel
1850-1851
1851-1852 Benjamin Bartch
1852-1853 George M Weber
Class List: David Anders, Jacob Anders, Joseph Anders, Nathaniel Anders, Ann Bean, Hester Bean, Isaac Bean, Jos Bean, Joseph Bean, Catharine Beyer, Enos Beyer, Hannah Beyer, Isaac Beyer, Mary Beyer, Nathaniel Beyer, Sarah Beyer, Elizabeth Boorse, Rachel Boorse, Ann E Bossert, Theodore Bossert, Amanda Bruner, Jos Bruner, Susanna Bruner, Abraham Cassel, Adaline Cassel, Amanda Cassel, Cornelius Cassel, Edwd Cassel, Elizabeth Cassel, Isaac Cassel, Isaiah Cassel, Jonas Cassel, Margaret Cassel, Susanna Cassel, Benjamin Custer, Mag Custer, Paul Custer, Jacob Denner, William Denner, Ann E Frick, Ephraim Frick, Sarah Frick, Susanna Frick, Lydia Galvin, William Goodwin, Anthony Heebner, Henry Heebner, Mary Ann Heebner, Nancy Heebner, Sarah Heebner,
David Heist, Elizabeth Heist, Sarah Heist, Amanda Hendricks, Oliver Hendricks, Sarah Hendricks, Michael Hist, Nancy Hoover, Sarah Hoover, Peter Houck, Reuben Houck, Barbara Keyser, Lydia Kletzing, Henry Kooker, Lydia Kooker, Amos Kratz, Joseph Kratz, Joel Krause, David Krause, Susanna Krause, Sarah Krauss, Ann Landes, Hannah Landes, Rachel Landes, Fannie Potts, Isaac Mester, George Reiff, Mary Reiff, Susan Reiff, Adaline Schultz, Elmira Schultz, Isaac Schultz, Jo? Schultz, George Seipt, Wm Seipt, Sarah Spear, Danl Thomas, Henrietta Thomas, John Thomas, Leonard Thomas, Sarah J. Thomas, Jesse Tyson, Margaret West, Thomas Yeakel
1853-1854 George M Weber
1854-1855 Jacob Anders
1855-1856 Jacob H Anders
Class list: Susanna Krause 12 ½, Amanda Krause 8, William Krause 6, James Schultz 14, Isaac Schultz 11, Jacob Denner 18 ½, William Denner 16, Andrew Denner 11, Mary Roberts 16, Urias Krieble 7, Joseph Z Kratz 11, Amos Z Kratz 9, Anna Kratz 7, Henry Bean 14, Susanna Brunner 10, Oliver K Hendricks 16, Emeline Spare 12½, James Brunner 14, Margaret West 13, Joseph Anders 15, Susan Heebner 14, Anna Heebner 8, Joseph L Bean 10, Anna Shut 7, Sarah Schultz 8, Amanda Brunner 17, Mary Ann Force 11, Sarah Strunk 7, Henry Strunk 5, Anna Hover 9, William Spare 9, Joseph J Bean 16, Isaac J Bean 11, Mary L Bean 8, Anna W Kratz 6, George Hover 7, Theodore Bossart 10, David H Krause 15, William Seipt 14, Amanda Hendricks 9, Emeline K Hendricks 6
Subjects: Orthography (spelling), Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, Mensuration (measuring).
Books Used: Cobb’s, Comleys, Parley’s, Roses Greenleaf’s, Mitchells, Bonnnycassles
1856-1857 James H Schultz
Beans
1857-1858 Joel H Krause
Stump Hall
1858-1859 Joel H Krause
1859-1860 Franklin Hoffman
1860-1861 George W Snyder
1861-1862 Lervis H Gehman
1862-1863 A K Gresh
The school term was fixed for 6 months. Previously a 5 month term was taught.
1863-1864 William S Anders
1864-1865 William S Anders
Teachers salaries were fixed at $25 per month
1865-1866 William S Anders
1866-1867 Mary Allebach
1867-1868 Samuel D Cassel
Teachers salaries were raised to $33 per month and the school school term was extended to 7 months.
1868-1869 John R Weikel (attended Methacton School?)
1869-1870 David Godshall
1870-1871 Lewis Wile
1871-1872 Lewis Wile
1872-1873 Bessie Jennings
Numbering of the seven Worcester schools begins. Stump Hall is assigned #3.
1873-1874 Bessie Jennings
1874-1875 Louise Harley
1875-1876 Frank Zimmerman
1876-1877 John Wanner
1877-1878 John Wanner
1878-1879 John Wanner
1879-1880 John W Wanner
1880-1881 John W Wanner
In April 1881 the contract was given to Harrar and Baker to build a new school house at Stump Hall for $1080. This building contract was revoked at the May 1881 meeting due to the dissatisfaction of many patrons of the Stump Hall district that the new building would be too small. The contract was increased by $150 for a building 2 feet longer with a basement. This contract was also soon revoked.
1881-1882 John W Wanner
1882-1883 John W Wanner
The teacher’s salary was raised to $38 for 7 months for 22 days per month.
At the April 21, 1883, school directors’ meeting it was again decided to build a new school house at Stump Hall, but this decision was cancelled at the May 12, 1883 meeting.
1883-1884 Hattie M Clarke
After 1883, Stump Hall School, Worcester – All unidentified.
The teacher’s salary was raised to $40 for 7 months for 22 days per month.
At the Feb 7 directors’ meeting the report of Stump Hall School was bad, and teacher seems to have no control.
1884-1885 Horace K Anson
In June 1885 a “graded” system was adopted. The highest grade taught was 8th grade.
1885-1886 Howard R Teany
1886-1887 Horace K Anson
1887-1888 Horace K Anson
1888-1889 Horace K Anson
“The Montgomery Transcript”, a German newspaper printed in Skippackville, begins to publish in English. Excerpts from this local paper have been included here when relevant.
“An entertainment will be given by the pupils of Stump Hall School on next Saturday evening. The proceeds will be used for the benefit of the school library. A full house will be appreciated. Tickets 10 cents.” 18 Jan 1889 – Montgomery Transcript
“We had the pleasure of attending the entertainment given in Stump Hall School Saturday evening last, and was highly gratified with the exercises. The teacher and pupils merited much praise in rendering an interesting programme. They were amply repaid for their trouble by a large audience, and proceeds amounting to about $20. Worcester can boast of an anthem club, of which Josiah D Heebner is teacher. They made their first public appearance at Stump Hall Saturday evening. Their singing was highly appreciated by all.” 25 Jan 1889 – Montgomery Transcript
“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
“Stump Hall School now boasts of having one of the best libraries in the township purchased by the proceeds of an entertainment recently held.” 1 Feb 1889 – Montgomery Transcript
“County Superintendent Hoffecker spent two days visiting our schools last week. We have to believe that he never found them in better conditions.” 8 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 Lownes 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 crowed itself into the building. The hours was set at 2 o’clock, but all who came at that hours 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 Horace K Anson
”Horace K Anson has closed the school (Stump Hall) for several days, on account of the epidemic measles prevalent in that part of the township.” 24 Jan 1890 – Montgomery Transcript
Stump Hall School
“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, Ander’s 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 Horace K Anson
“Stump Hall School is closed this week. The teacher, H K Anson, went to Ohio to be married. The lady is Miss Marion Lewis. They will return to his home in Worcester township to-morrow (Saturday).” 26 Dec 1890-The Montgomery Transcript
”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 Horace K Anson
“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 Horace K Anson
Class list: Emma Alderfer, Vincent Alderfer, John Anders, Mary Anders, Morrell Anders, Ida Bitting, Henry Biting, William Biting, Laura Bowman, Claude Brunner, Marvin Brunner, Ella Coleman, Charles Davis, John Davis, Katie Davis, Howard Fegley, James Fegley, Bertha Grater, Charles Heebner, Debora Heebner, Elsie Heebner, Paul Kinsey, Clara Krause, Ella Krause, Mattie Krause, Minerva Krause, Nelson Krieble, Ora Weber, Alice Weber, Clinton Weber
Circa 1892, Stump Hall School, Worcester
Row 1: 1 John David, 2 Charles Heebner, 3 William Bitting, 4 Morrell Anders, 5 Clinton Weber, 6 Charles Davis, 7 John Anders, 8 Ida Bitting, 9 Debora Heebner, 10 Mary Anders, 11 Clara Krause, 12 Laura Bowman, 13 Minerva Krause, 14 Alice Weber, 15 Bertha Grater
Row 2: 1 Henry Bitting, 2 Marvin Brunner, 3 James Fegley, 4 Nelson Krieble, 5 Howard Fegley, 6 Paul Kinsey, 7 Emma Alderfer, 8 Elsie Heebner, 9 Ella Krause, 10 Ora Weber, 11 Mattie Krause, 12 Katie Davis, 13 Ella Coleman
Row 3: 1 Claude Brunner, Vincent Alderfer
(Notes: Teacher Horace Anson behind group on left side)
1893-1894 Horace K Anson
1894-1895 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
1895-1896 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
“A Lincoln Anson, teacher of Robert’s and Theo H Morgan, teacher of Stump Hall school, about June 1st, will leave for Valparaiso, Ind, where they will attend school. They will make the trip on their wheels. Bicycles. The distance is about 700 miles.” 18 May 1896 – Montgomery Transcript
1896-1897 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
1897-1898 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
1898-1899 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
1899-1900 Theodore H Morgan (Class of ’89)
1900-1901 Katherine Place
Undated, Stump Hall School watermelon party – all unidentified.
1901-1902 Isaac R Kriebel
1902-1903 Isaac R Kriebel
1903-1904 Mary S Rittenhouse (‘93)
1904-1905 Mary S Rittenhouse (‘93)
1905-1906 Mary S Rittenhouse (‘93)
1906-1907 V Rose Yost
1907-1908 V Rose Yost
The tax rate was fixed at 4 mills in preparation for 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.
1908-1909 Corienne G Schultz (‘99)
1909, Stump Hall School, Worcester – All unidentified except Row 1: 3 Allan Kriebel (tallest)
(Notes: Notice flowers on four of the boys’ coat lapels)
1909-1910 Corienne G Schultz (‘99)
1910, Stump Hall School, Worcester – All unidentified
1910-1911 Albert Reichenbach
1911, Stump Hall School, Worcester
Row 1: 1 Elizabeth Landis, 2 Lloyd Heebner, 3 Blanche Hendricks, 4 James Earl, 5 Sara Bruner, 6 Lena Arnold, 7 Reba Heebner, 8 Paul Anders, 9 unidentified, 10 unidentified, 11 Russell Heebner, 12 Lillian Doak
Row 2: 1 unidentified, 2 unidentified, 3 unidentified, 4 Lowell Hendricks, 5 Marion Godshall, 6 Helen Krause, 7 Russell Hendricks, 8 Florence Bean, 9 Sara Anders, 10 Ethel Farley, 11 Walter Place, 12 Gladys Heebner, 13 Mary Godshall, 14 Pearl Miller, 15 Teacher Albert Reichenbach
Row 3: 1 Marion Heebner, 2 Anna Doak, 3 Florence Stong, 4 unidentified, 5 Louise Arnold, 6 Blanche Godshall, 7 Charles Peel, 8 Jeanette Casselberry, 9 Sara Schultz, 10 Percy Miller, 11 Irene Mathias, 12 Lester Landes, 13 Rose Arnold, 14 Russell Place
1911 Stump Hall boys – All unidentified, Russell Place possible 4th from left
Donated by David Place (2009)
1911-1912 Albert Reichenbach
Class list: Paul Anders, Sara Anders, Lena Arnold, Louise Arnold, Rose Arnold, Florence Bean, Sara Brunner, Jeanette Casselberry, Anna Doak, Lillian Doak, James Earl, Ethel Farley, Blanche Godshall, Marion Godshall, Mary Godshall, Gladys Heebner, Lester Heebner, Lloyd Heebner, Marion Heebner, Reba Heebner, Blanche Hendricks, Lowell Hendricks, Russell Hendricks, Helen Krause, Elizabeth Landis, Lester Landes. Irene Mathias, Pearl Miller, Percy Miller, Charles Peel, Russell Place, Walter Place, Albert Reichenback, Sara Schultz, Florence Strong
1911, Stump Hall School, Worcester
All unidentified except Row 2: 8 Mary Godshall, Row 3: 1 Russell Place, 7 Teacher Albert Reichenbach, 9 Lillian Doak
1912, Stump Hall School, Worcester
All unidentified except Row 1: 6 Russell Place, 7 Teacher Albert Reichenbach, Row 2: 4 Mary Godshall
1912-1913 Albert Reichenbach
“Albert Reichenback, son of Prof. and Mrs Alcide Reichenback, who for several years has successfully taught Stump Hall school in Worcester township has resigned that position and on May 21st went to Newport, Pennsylvania, to accept a position with a photographer. Mr Reichenback has done considerable amateur work and has decided to make photography his business. The School Board of Worcester regrets Mr Reichenback’s action, as his service in the Township’s school have been satisfactory.” 29 May 1913-Montgomery Transcript
1913-1914 Norman Jones William Brown???
“A well attended parents’ meeting was held in Stump Hall School house of which William Brown, of Sanatoga, is teacher, on Tuesday evening. The meeting was opened by literary exercises by the pupils. Addresses were delivered by Prof. J Horace Landis, Emanuel A Heebner and John K Heebner.”
Between 1907 and 1921, Stump Hall School, Worcester
Note trolley tracks just to the east of Valley Forge Road.
1914-1915 Eva Drissell
About 1915, Stump Hall School, Worcester ; Teacher Eva Drissel with Irma Schultz,and Ada Anders
1915-1916
Students were transferred to Center Point Consolidated School when the one-room school houses were closed.
The building and one half acre of land were sold at public auction on February 28, 1916, at the Farmers Union Hall for $680to Isaiah S Anders. Bidding was started at $200. School bells were sold for 70¢, $1.25 and $ 1.50. 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 one-room 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