This well-worn school book from 1901, “The New McGuffey Third Reader,” was printed by the American Book Company and sold 120 million copies of its series of McGuffey Readers between 1836 and 1960. Ed and Betty Holt recently donated this book to the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture and it is displayed in the educational section upstairs along with other books and artifacts. Previously, this reader was in the collection of their aunt, Catharine Stoner Peaslee, who grew up in Santillane. Many things have changed throughout the 120 years since this book was used for teaching students, however, some lessons remain the same: “If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try again…” page 147. Recently, all fifth grade Botetourt students and a group of homeschool students visited the Botetourt Museum to learn more about the history of their county.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
