Spring in early Plainsboro meant the start of long, busy days on the farm—and kids were an important part of the work. Children in farming families helped plant crops in the spring and harvest them in the fall, often working alongside adults from sunup to sundown....
Plainsboro Schools
Industrial Arts Desk
This Industrial Arts Desk was used as an entertainment and education use for kids who were at home. The desk would include a bunch of...
National History Day Club presentations
Yesterday, May 28, 2023, the Wicoff House Museum hosted the National History Day Club from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North. The National History Day Club brought and presented their research projects about Frontiers in History. The students presented their...
A Visit from Wicoff School Alumni Carol Bakely
The other day the museum had a special visit from Wicoff Elementary alumni Carol Bakely. Carol went to JVB Wicoff School from 1954 through 1960, back when it was called Plainsboro School and taught grades K-6. She gladly told stories from her life growing up in...
Exhibition Highlight: Classroom Materials from the Early 20th Century
Materials used in the classroom certainly have changed over the years. The main school supplies children had in the 18th and early 19th centuries were small chalkboards called slates which were used to practice math problems, writing and spelling. In every subject,...
Children’s Toys and Games of the Early 20th Century
Now that our new temporary exhibit "The School That Started a Town" is open, we'd like to share a glimpse into a child's life in the early 20th century. These toys and games were owned by children in Plainsboro in the early 1900's and donated to the Wicoff House...
Collection Spotlight – 1923 Industrial Arts Desk
Chautauqua Industrial Arts Desk - Cardinal Model, manufactured in 1923 by Louis E. Meyers & Co. Donated to the Wicoff House by the children of the late Mr. & Mrs. George Luther. This art desk served as "a plan to promote the culture of work and play among...
John V. B. Wicoff School Ceremony
John V. B. Wicoff School Ceremony Since schools are starting again in a few days, let’s continue exploring the history of Plainsboro’s schools. We previously discussed the creation of the new Plainsboro’s Four Room School House. Today, we will be discussing this...
Plainsboro’s Four Room School House
Plainsboro's Four Room School House In honor of school starting in a few days, let’s continue exploring the history of Plainsboro’s schools. We previously discussed the Mapleton School and the creation of Plainsboro’s Two Room School House. Today, we will be...