History 21 The Podcast - 3.20 Pearl Schenk on the Howling Hound Farm

Pearl Marea Schenk was born in 1911 on her family’s farm along the Mississippi River in Ramsey (city). Over 90 years later she sat down to share her memories of growing up on the Howling Hound Farm, the changes as highway 10 became busier and busier, and the transition from horses, to cars, and then greyhound bus on her school commute along the way.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Pearl Marea Schenk

“Pearl Marea Schenk was listed in the 1966-1967 edition of Who’s Who of American Women as an educator who had made a contribution in the areas of teaching, school counseling, and school psychological services.

A graduate of Anoka High School, she earned her B.S. degree (1945) at St. Cloud State University and a M.A. degree (1952) at the University of Minnesota followed by additional graduate work at Colorado State College of Education and the University of Minnesota.

She taught in the elementary and secondary schools at St. Paul Park, Red Wing, and Willmar, She was a special class teacher and counselor in the Roseville Area School District 623 and served the elementary and secondary schools of Roseville as a consultant and school psychologist.

Among the professional organizations of which she was a member were the National and Minnesota Education Associations, the Roseville Area Education Association, Minnesota Counselors Association, Minnesota Psychological Association, American Personnel and Guidance Association.”

Obituary

“Schenk, Pearl M. age 95, of Anoka, died July 26, 2006. Preceded in death by brothers, Sherwin and Warren. Survived by sister, G. Patricia (Jim) Vomhof; brothers, Dr. C. Perry (Lola) Schenk and Steven P. (Sherry) Shenk and 19 nieces and nephews. She was a former educator for MN schools. A personal thank you from the family to the caring employees at Anoka Care Center. Memorial service 1:00 PM Monday, July 31 at Central Lutheran Church, 1103 School St., Elk River. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Volunteers of America. Cremation Society of MN Mpls. 612-825-2435”

Published in the Star Tribune on July 30, 2006

Sherwin Schenk and friend with Poncho the pony in front of School District 16

Schenk family, 1919.

The Vault

• Full video interview with Pearl Schenk.

Anoka County Library Minute

Further Reading:

This Library Minute encapsulates several of the themes covered in the episode. There is a nonfiction book about teaching in Minnesota in the first half of the century, as well as fiction books about rural life, and/or life in the country in the early 20th century.

• They Called Me Teacher: stories of Minnesota country school teachers and students, 1915-1960 by Tom Melchior (371.1 MEL)

• Good Night, Mr. Wodehouse by Faith Sullivan (FICTION SUL)

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (FICTION RIC)

• Night Came With Many Stars by Simon Van Booy (FICTION VAN)

• Harbor Secrets by Melody Carlson (FICTION CAR)

• Under Northern Skies series by Lauraine Snelling (FICTION SNE)

• The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig (FICTION DOI)

• The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber (FICTION WEI)

• Virgil Wander by Leif Enger (FICTION ENG)