Teaching Artifact Donated to FSU

A Fairmont State alumnus has donated a teaching artifact to Fairmont State University.

Daniel Poe of Fairmont, a 1957 graduate of Fairmont State College, presented Devanna Corley, Director of Alumni Affairs, with a one room schoolhouse traveling teacher's aid kit. The kit, which is copyrighted with a date of 1887, will be placed on display in the Education Building.

"We are pleased to have our alumni help us remember the traditions and practices on which our most important profession has been built," said Dr. Van Dempsey, Dean of the School of Education. "Mr. Poe's gift on behalf of the Rogers family helps to remind us that in an age of rapid change and transition for the teaching profession, we have strong roots and a proud history at Fairmont State University."

The teacher's aid kit was used by Archie Rogers in the early 1900s. Rogers was a teacher in Preston County who taught in many one room schoolhouses. The artifact was passed on to his son, Claude Lee Rogers, as he followed in his father's footsteps and also became a teacher in Preston County. Joyce Rogers, the widow of Claude Lee Rogers, gave the teacher's aid kit to long-time family friend Daniel Poe because she knew he would make sure it was put to good use. Poe's donation will allow the kit to be enjoyed by generations of Fairmont State students.