Our Connection to History

The more things change, the more they stay the same. While this may not always be true, this is a lesson that I, along with several students and families at Lincoln School learned first hand last week. While we were unveiling the personalized bricks as part of our new sign in front of the school, I was looking for a brief but meaningful way to connect the bricks and the students to the history of Lincoln. After all,  the entire "Brick Campaign" was titled Be A Part of History. The sign and bricks were meant to look just like the existing bricks of the original school that was constructed in late 1800's. So it was only fitting that we ponder how we will be remembered generations from now.

Through my 6 years at Lincoln I have found many items and connections from the past. However, I think one of the best connections is the collection of historic photos and yearbooks we have. As I opened the box that contains the yearbooks, I noticed a piece of paper sticking out of the "Lincoln Log" from 1938. It was a letter written by then Principal, Bertha Davis. Ms. Davis served as Principal of Lincoln from 1929-1953. Lincoln was a K-8 school at the time and her letter was to all future Lincoln students who choose to work on the yearbook. While some parts of the letter are specific to the yearbook, the second part was really intended for all Lincoln students and it is the section that I realized was the connection to our history that I was looking to share.

Lincoln School Principal, Bertha Davis, Cir. 1910

In her letter, she was encouraging students to do their finest work and to be proud, so long as they tried their best.

"...May these experiences help you to succeed in future years! No impossibilities will be asked of you - just that, you do your best. Each step in advance means a backward glance toward your home & school life. With each ringing challenge that faces you, the mistful echo will drift back and say - What will my home folks and early teachers expect now? It is the answer within that will drive you on. Honor and uprightness are your heritage and all of us are waiting to cheer your success as the results of your right attitudes and loyalty to the best within you
                                    - Bertha S. Davis
                                                Principal "







My message to the students, families and staff that were present, was that nearly a century later, we still ask and expect the same of our students and children. These bricks are their symbolic footprint that adds to the history and lore of Lincoln School. The one line within Ms. Davis's letter that struck me most,

"No impossibilities will be asked of you - just that you do your best."