Special Days and Their Observance

This concise guide, produced by the New Jersey Department of Public Instruction in 1919, outlines how public schools were expected to mark a series of patriotic and civic holidays. From Arbor Day to Flag Day, the pamphlet details the legal framework that shaped classroom celebrations and the spirit of community they aimed to foster.

Inside, teachers will find practical suggestions for opening exercises, poems, and activities crafted by experienced educators such as Jennie Haver and Louis Burch. Illustrated with familiar symbols—the Liberty Bell, Lincoln statues, and Washington portraits—the material offers ready‑made programs for days like Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day, encouraging students to connect history with lived experience.

Listening to this snapshot of early‑20th‑century schooling provides a window into how civic values were woven into everyday lessons, making it an engaging resource for anyone curious about the evolution of American education and community rituals. It also reflects the collaborative spirit of teachers, foresters, and librarians who contributed to the project, highlighting the community effort behind these educational traditions.