Calling All Ten O’Clock Scholars

"A Diller A Dollar"by Kate Greenaway

“A Diller A Dollar”by Kate Greenaway

A diller, a dollar, a ten o’clock scholar!
What makes you come so soon?
You used to come at ten o’clock,
But now you come at noon.

I remember, in my nursery rhyme days, wondering what, exactly, a ten’o’clock scholar was.  Every one knew that school started at nine o’clock.  I think the rhyme’s sarcasm was lost on me — probably because I don’t really remember tardiness as a problem.  Not when I was a student and not when I was a teacher.

But now, seven-plus decades later, “ten o’clock scholar” is taking on a whole new meaning here in Oysterville.  For the next two months, every other Thursday beginning tomorrow, we can all be ten o’clock scholars and be right on time for the ‘Spring 2015 Oysterville Schoolhouse Lecture Series.’

Sponsored by the Oysterville Community Club and organized by Diane Buttrell, this is the third series of lectures by community members — each an expert in his or her field and each willing to share their knowledge with friends and neighbors.  The sessions are free, though five dollar donations help defray expenses and pay for heat and light.  The atmosphere is informal and friendly and the information often cutting-edge and riveting.

Schoolhouse Clock

Schoolhouse Clock

Tomorrow Dr. Clayton Ralph Nichols will talk about “Living Fear-Free on Our Peninsula,” particularly with regard to natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis that are of special concern here.  Dr. Nichols” knows of what he speaks.  He served as chairperson of the National Academy of Science’s Committee on Earth Resources and on its Boardon Earth Science and Research for 12 years,retiring Dec. 31, 2014.  Locals know him better as ‘Clay’ — a member of the Bayside Singers and currently serving as President, Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Clay’s description of himself on FaceBook is perhaps the most appropriate preview of tomorrow’s lecture:  I am a semi-retired scientist and engineer interested in scientific revolutions.  At present, I’m fascinated by the present debate over global climate change as an example of changing paradigms.  Most of all, I like his favorite quote:  “We have met the enemy and they is us.”  Pogo.

I don’t know if Oysterville’s is the oldest remaining school building in Pacific County or not, but tomorrow’s lecture will definitely be the most cutting edge ‘class’ in session.  Ten o’clock scholars dasn’t be late!

 

2 Responses to “Calling All Ten O’Clock Scholars”

  1. Stephanie Frieze says:

    Sorry to be missing this. Please take notes!

  2. Diane Buttrell says:

    Oh, Sydney, Thank You!

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