Frances Magan Jones Visits Hornbine School

Mrs. DePrete’s 3^rd Grade Class

The Hornbine School is a restored 19th century one room school house located in Rehoboth at the corner of Hornbine Road and Baker Street. This year, during May and June, over thirty, third grade classes from several towns visited the school.

On Monday, June 1st, the first of seven Palmer River third grades visited Hornbine School to reenact a 19th century school day. Frances Magan Jones, a lifetime resident of Rehoboth, spoke to the class about her family’s involvement with the Hornbine School. She was a student at the school many years ago. Frances Magan’s father, Manuel S. Magan Jr. and her uncles Henry and Arthur, as well as her brother Clarence also attended the Hornbine School.

Frances Magan Jones’ father, Manuel S. Magan Jr. and her uncles Henry and Arthur, as well as her brother Clarence

 Although most children ate their lunch at school, Frances and her brother Clarence walked home for lunch. They lived just a few houses from the school.

While Frances was a little girl, her mother would get up early each morning and walk down to the school. It was her responsibility to start the stove and sweep the floors as well as to keep a container of water available for the students’ thirst. After returning home, she would wake the children and cook breakfast for her family.

Francis in her twenties

Mrs. Magan with her son Clarence

Frances’ grandson Jonathan Drown, who is a student in Mrs. DelPrete’s third grade class at Palmer River School, enjoyed listening to his grandmother’s recollections of her involvement with the school. Frances and Jonathan visit Hornbine School often during the open house Sunday’s.

Frances Magan Jones and her grandson Jonathan Drown at the Hornbine School

The public is encouraged to take advantage of Rehoboth’s historic schoolhouse and visit any second and fourth Sunday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. during the summer. Who knows, you may have a chance to talk with Frances Magan Jones and other interesting visitors who frequent our open houses.