St. Joseph observes day for Lewis, Clark

Merriwether Lewis and William Clark would have been proud of the care Morgan Campbell took in dressing for school Tuesday morning.

With the help of her mother, the 7-year-old made a brown, fringed dress and hot-glued beads and feathers on it. A construction paper headband over her braided pigtails completed the ensemble.

She wasn't alone. Many of her classmates at St. Joseph School in Scott City also donned period costumes in honor of Lewis and Clark Day at the school.

The idea for the special day came to St. Joseph teacher Denise Brinkmeyer after the school received a special grant last year from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The grant included a trunk filled with Lewis and Clark-inspired objects, including furs, animal tracks and books.

Lewis and Clark Day began with an all-school assembly. As part of the festivities, students created boats and moccasins using paper and a teepee made of bamboo and muslin.

"The kids got to know Lewis and Clark," Brinkmeyer said. "They experienced the food of the period, clothing of the period. It's not just reading about it, it's experiencing it."

In the afternoon, representatives from the Missouri Conservation Department and the Red House in Cape Girardeau gave presentations.

Amber Glenn, with the conservation department, brought animal furs and a 16-foot-long dug-out canoe with her. Glenn House representatives brought period items such as a rifle, a tin cup and leather pouches.

Students also brought in related items from home, including furs and American Indian crafts.

Morgan Campbell said her favorite event of the day was using a microphone to tell fellow students about the great American pelican.

"This can be fun and we're learning things that scientists want to know," Morgan said.

Brinkmeyer said the Lewis and Clark story teaches children more than history.

"I think this teaches children you really need to dedicate yourself," she said. "With hard work, you can really accomplish something."

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128