In a previous blog post I mentioned a weekend roadtrip I took in the fall of 2014 to Illinois: http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2015/04/starved-rock-state-park-illinois.html
A wonderful part of this little trip was having the chance to get inside Hamilton Primary School with my camera in Otterville, IL. What makes this place so special? This is the first free school in the state of Illinois... and also it was the first fully integrated school in our nation.
This beautiful place that is so rich in history has been designated a "Top Ten Most Endangered Historic Place" in the state of Illinois. Supporters continue to work on the structure and provide necessary upgrades like a new roof, paint, and more. However, they can always use your help, too.
I was able to photograph this beautiful building because of facebook (of all things). Annette and I have many mutual friends, we both share a love of photography, and in time we became "facebook buddies." I noticed one year she was asking for raffle prizes for a picnic to assist this school. I jumped on the opportunity to donate artwork for this cause.
Despite the miles, I was humbled to not only have the chance to photograph her family portraits this past fall, but she offered to let me in to photograph Hamilton Primary School. It was an amazing experience to say the least.
Stepping inside this building was like stepping back in time. From textbooks to chalkboards, it's almost as if you could feel the appreciation for learning that took place here. For the first time in Illinois, students could attend for free. For the first time in our nation, anyone regardless of race was welcome to learn.
The school can always use your help. For more information about the Hamilon Primary School and how you can assist them, visit this website: http://www.hamiltonprimaryschool.com
They also have more information available on wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_Primary_School
Until next time,
~ M of MK Designs Photography
Susan Gay: Those desks look familiar!
ReplyDeleteYes they do!
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