History of the Summer Vacation : Why does the American school year start in September and end in June? It's something of a mystery. Did children once "bring in the harvest" on the family farm all summer in the distant rural past? Historians at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that recreates an 1830s New England farming village, say not. According to the web site and schoolmistress there, farm children went to school from December to March and from mid-May to August.

History of the Summer Vacation : Why does the American school year start in September and end in June? It's something of a mystery. Did children once "bring in the harvest" on the family farm all summer in the distant rural past? Historians at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that recreates an 1830s New England farming village, say not. According to the web site and schoolmistress there, farm children went to school from December to March and from mid-May to August.

Adults and children alike helped with planting and harvesting in the spring and fall. Working Families: Then and Now - Urban schools in the 1800s also lacked the long summer vacation modern Americans take for granted. Like working families today, new immigrant families needed a safe and affordable place for children to stay while parents worked. In large cities, children of parents who worked in factories, shops, or mills learned English and other subjects during an 11-month school year.

Adults and children alike helped with planting and harvesting in the spring and fall. Working Families: Then and Now - Urban schools in the 1800s also lacked the long summer vacation modern Americans take for granted. Like working families today, new immigrant families needed a safe and affordable place for children to stay while parents worked. In large cities, children of parents who worked in factories, shops, or mills learned English and other subjects during an 11-month school year.

naneebug says:
Beautiful page!!
Aug 25, 2010

milliec says:
Fabulous page!
Aug 23, 2010

amelia123 says:
Beautiful old photo and page Sacha,love the story huny, well done xxx
Aug 23, 2010

Granny Franny says:
This is just so lovely, and I thoroughly enjoy the history you add to your work...Just reading Claudia's note with the Italian children having 3 1/2 months of summer holidays....wow...to be a child again (in Italy!!) Super page!!
Aug 23, 2010

Claudia says:
Oh..Rose-Marie, What a Beautiful page and story! The photo is GORGEOUS! The colors are LOVELY! Interesting information!
I love everything you do!! Hugs & Kisses..Claudia
PS In Italy chidren stop school June 1st & start September 16th! 3 and 1/2 months of vacation in the summer!
Aug 23, 2010

cbl3mom says:
Wow, very beautiful page!
Aug 23, 2010

Sk8tingmom says:
Beautiful vintage photo and page! The colors are gorgeous! Interesting information!
Aug 23, 2010

Liz MX says:
very beautiful page!
Aug 23, 2010

Lavender Passion says:
Beautiful girls and wonderful summertime scrap!
Aug 23, 2010

savannah's grand mawmaw says:
wonderful page
Aug 23, 2010