OCPS's A New Century (1900-1919)

A New Century (1900-1919)

In the early 1900s, Henry Hotz drove students to school in the Piedmont area of Orange County in a wagon pulled by two horses.

After the turn of the 20th century, Orange County and the school district continued to grow. One of the most prolific concerns was transportation. 

Almost every board meeting between 1902 and 1906 was concerned with requests for transportation, and the awarding of bids to prospective drivers who provided their own horses and wagons.

After permission from the board in 1915, teacher Mattie Chapman became the first student-transport driver to use an automobile. 

Teacher Mattie Chapman was given three days to learn to drive the first automobile school bus in 1915.

She had only three days to learn to manipulate the new machine.

Automobiles gradually replaced wagons and horse teams throughout the district.


During this period, the district also began moving beyond traditional subject areas.This was the beginning of vocational agricultural education, home economics, industrial arts, and music classes.

The district also hired its first social worker in 1918.


    

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.