This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Bring back elocution society long revived in memory
Don Buchan reflects on a vanished rural pastime. In Palo Alto County one room schools hosted elocution and debating, with locals of all ages reciting classic pieces from Scots to stage melodrama. The piece celebrates homegrown oratory, community warmth, and the expressive power of amateur performers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Palo Alto
Elocution Society
Ma'am
Old Alec
Wallace
Alec
Sam
Soen
Cylin
Granny Davis
Barbara Frietchie
Frederick Town
Granny
Frank
Ostler Joe
Lorelei
Phryne
Annie
Joe
London
J. D. Buchan