10 Rare Photos Of Maryland Schools In The Early 1900S

Maryland has changed immensely within the last century. From development to traditions, our ever-growing society is out with the old and in with the new. Check out the following 10 images that show just how much the school system has changed since the early 1900s. It may surprise you.

Home economics class was much more popular decades ago, as it was a requirement for most young women to take. This shot was captured at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, 1942.

William Perlitch / Library of Congress - LC-USE6-D-007134

Senior prom didn’t look too much different, except for of course the music, dancing, and attire. Check out those dresses! Photo taken in Greenbelt, 1942.

Marjory Collins / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-003462

Male students were expected to wear ironed dress shirts and slacks, while the girls wore dresses. Photo captured in Greenbelt, 1939.

Arthur Rothstein / Library of Congress - LC-USF34-027091

These students are taking a field trip to a farm as they help farmers produce food towards war efforts. Can you imagine students doing this today? Photo taken in Montgomery County, 1942.

Howard Liberman / Library of Congress - LC-USE6-D-004912

Montgomery Blair High School operating a nursery, for children whose parents work during the day for war work such as factories or overseas. Photo circa 1942.

William Perlitch / Library of Congress - LC-USE6-D-007131

Rather than taking a bus to and from school, many students took trolleys as they were more abundant in Maryland long ago. Photo captured in Baltimore in 1943.

Marjory Collins / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-022042

There was no second thought given to young children walking to and from school. Traffic was sparse and communities were safer. Image taken in Prince George’s County in 1942.

Marjory Collins / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-003534

Model airplanes were a popular project for students of all ages. War times brought a fascination with planes in general, and there weren’t televisions and video games to distract from intricate activities. Photo taken in Montgomery County, 1942.

William Perlitch / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-024629

Girls running around and playing jump rope at recess, still wearing their dresses. Photo taken in Greenbelt, 1942.

Marjory Collins / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-003707

A Memorial Day church service held in an elementary school in Greenbelt, 1942. Look at all those fancy hats!

Marjory Collins / Library of Congress - LC-USW3-003563

Did you grow up in the early 1900s or hear stories from parents or grandparents about these times? Share below, and be sure to also check out these 13 farms from Maryland’s past.