Ditt School
Taney County, Missouri
These are the students of Ditt School, a one room school located in Taney County, Missouri. My Grandfather Andrew Jackson Simmons in sitting on the front row far right. He is 11 years old. This photo was taken in 1899. At that time there were 23 male teachers and 7 female teachers employed in the Taney County school district. The average school term was about 4 and 1/2 months and a teachers average salary was about $25.00. (The Land of Taney by Elmo Ingenthron)
"Miss Effie" The New School Marm
"Miss Effie" is anxious to take up her position as the new school marm at the Ditt School. She is 18 inches tall, made from cloth and stuffed with wool roving. Her hand sewn mid 1800's reproduction print dress has pagoda sleeves with cotton lace edged under sleeves.
Her hand sewn under garments consist of a cotton lace edged petticoat, pantalettes and a red wool petticoat to keep her warm on those cool fall days. Her collar and decorative lace are hand crocheted cotton.
Her wool hair is braided and fashioned into a high bun.
Her dress has hook and eye closures with 3 decorative vintage shell buttons.
She carries a vintage basket. Just perfect for packing her lunch or carrying those school supplies.
Her hand crocheted shawl will keep her warm on the buggy ride to and from the Ditt school.
"Miss Effie's" straw spoon bonnet is lined with muslin and embellished with velvet flowers, composition and spun cotton fruits and vegetables and a creme silk ribbon.
Her boots have little shoe laces.
Her face is hand embroidered. Her fingers and nose are hand stitched too.
She is signed and dated on her body and has a special wooden "Make Do Doll" tag.
She is signed and dated on her body and has a special wooden "Make Do Doll" tag.
