Mabel (Freese) Busdieker
taught at Cappeln 1946-49, Foristell 1950-52
Mabel Freese attended Doeblin School on Oberhelman Road for 8 years, and later graduated from Wright City High School in 1945. A $50 scholarship allowed her to attend Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College at Kirksville. Mabel traveled by train to this school, in one suitcase she had packed 14 pint jars filled with canned meat, vegetables, and fruit.
After one year of college-there was a need for a teacher in the one-room Cappeln School. After passing the county teacher’s exam she was given a teaching certificate. Mabel taught at Cappeln School for 3 years. Starting in Fall 1946. The day would be begin with students gather around the piano as Mabel played songs such as “My Country Tis of Thee” and “Up on the Housetop”
St. Charles County Superintendent Jolly once told Mabel she would have greater opportunities at a City School, Mabel’s response was “but I like it here, at Cappeln”.
Neighboring Doeblin School could not find a teacher, so Mabel was asked to pick those children up along the way and take them to Cappeln school. Her first passenger was a boy brought to her house with horse and buggy by his dad. So along Foristell Rd, Oberhelman, Sneak, Hwy T , D, etc. chugged the ’33 Plymouth with its precious cargo of 7 students and teacher. When roads were icy Mabel’s dad would sometimes put chains on all four wheels so turns could be safely make from Oberhelman to Sneak, Sneak to T, etc. Mabel received an extra $10/week for picking up those students. Mabel remembers she received a $150/month for teaching. Since Mabel was transporting students, a neighbor, Oscar Becker, would start the fire every day.
Mabel’s 3rd year at Cappeln, students from Warren County’s Liberty Grove School were also added to the student roster. Memories of the plays held at night are most vivid in her memory.
The next year, Fall 1949, Mabel planned to marry and did not sign another contract as teacher at Cappeln. But her future husband Lawrence was soon drafted and wedding plans were postponed.
Mabel took correspondence, extension classes, and attended short spring & summer school several times at Kirksville. In 1952, at Kirksville, for a 6 week stay Mabel paid $19.25 for room and iron.
Mabel taught two years at the Foristell School. Again she wrote Lesson Plans to include every student and every subject. These lesson plans had to ready in case someone would stop in and ask. Mabel never remembers anyone else looking at them when teaching at Cappeln. The Foristell School had two rooms but she was the only teacher for grades 1 thru 6. She would allow a couple students to study in the 2nd room if she could trust them. Mabel remembers standing in the doorway sometimes to watch both rooms.
Even though the Foristell School had a bell tower she still rang a hand bell to signify recess is over and it is time to study.
Foristell school had electric, but no inside bathroom. Water was carried in with a bucket and placed in a coat room were children would get their drinks.
The Foristell School was closed Spring 1953. Again Mabel planning to marry resigned from teaching. But the Wentzville superintendent came to Mabel’s house begging her to teach a few weeks. Those few weeks turned into 2 months. The class would be Wentzville School district 8th grade class. It was the only 8th grade class in that district. She remembers it was a challenge, the classroom was full, students were squeezed into benches.
Mabel married Lawrence Busdieker in December 1953. As her children grew, she later would substitute in the Francis Howell School district. Then the Daniel Boone principal asked Mabel to work ˝ time with the Special Ed teacher. There she would teach and/or see grandchildren of her former Cappeln students.
The responsibilities grew to full time and Mabel Busdieker spent 20 years, 1980 to 2000 as teaching assistant to the Special Ed. Teacher at Daniel Boone School in New Melle.
Mabel retired 54 years after her first teaching job in a One Room School.
other photos
Cappeln Contract 1947
Cappeln Contract 1948
Ruth Busdieker September 2009
