Teaching local history through a coloring book
The city of Farmington has a new way to promote itself when the mayor and other municipal officials visit local schools — a coloring book that tells the history of the largest of St. Francois County’s cities.
Farmington Mayor Larry Forsythe introduced the coloring book at a recent city council meeting.
“I’m very pleased that we have the city of Farmington History Coloring Book,” he said. “It’s been a year in the making. It’s been a long time. Tomorrow I will be in Jefferson School with the third graders. I’ve got 89 of these to hand out. There will be 24 colors — the Crayola colors, not the little cheap waxy ones — but the real Crayola colors. And not five — 24.”
He held up one of the coloring books for all those on the council and in the gallery to see.
“This is the coloring book,” he said. “It’s very nice. [City Administrator Greg Beavers] and [City Librarian Travis Trokey] worked their tail off on this. They’ve got a little wagon that tells you about the Plank Road and it’s just very nice.”
Beavers noted that it was a challenge to find an artist to illustrate the coloring book, but after going through three or four possibilities they selected Brandon Warren to do the work.
“I’m very pleased about that,” Forsythe said. “Next week I go to the Catholic school for the second graders’ government class and then in the spring, all of the first graders in the school system will learn government. We will be handing these out also with Sarah Barton Murphy — she will be there. Thanks again guys.
“This is really going to be special for the kids because what I do is, I go to these classes and I tell them about what government is and what I do and what you all do, and they ask me what’s my favorite food and what’s my favorite dog. It’s really a joy, but you have nothing to give them. I got with Greg and Greg come up with this idea of the coloring books and I’m very proud of this — very happy with this.”
Following his visit to the schools to meet with the students, Forsythe presented a report to the council, expressing his joy in presenting the coloring book to the children.
Holding up a photo, he said, “This is the third-grade class at Jefferson School. I was there Friday of last week and it was very enjoyable. Those little third graders had some questions about government.
Forsythe next held up a photo of the second grade class at St. Joseph School.
“This is their government section,” he said. “Can you see what they’re holding? They’re holding coloring books on the history of Farmington. There was 19 there. Mrs. Armstrong’s class had 94 students that I gave coloring books to and a box of 24 Crayolas — and they loved them.
“It was very worthwhile, and we will be giving these out to the first grade class in the spring and hand out these books to them while Sarah Barton Murphy, portrayed by Elma Jennings, tells them about Farmington.”
“This is really going to be special for the kids because what I do is, I go to these classes and I tell them about what government is and what I do and what you all do, and they ask me what’s my favorite food and what’s my favorite dog.” — Mayor Larry Forsythe
Farmington Mayor Larry Forsythe poses with a class at St. Joseph School. Each student is holding a Farmington History Coloring Book given to them by the mayor.
Ninety-four students, all taking a government class at Jefferson Elementary, gather in the school auditorium to hear Farmington Mayor Larry Forsythe. Each received a coloring book and Crayolas to take home with them.
During a recent city council meeting, Farmington Mayor Larry Forsythe holds up a copy of the brand new Farmington History Coloring Book he takes along with him when visiting local schools to speak about government. Along with the coloring books, students receive a box of 24 Crayola crayons.
Kevin R. Jenkins is the managing editor of the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-756-8927 or kjenkins@farmingtonpressonline.com
