The spring planting was a huge success. We got so many things done in a one hour period. In that hour we made walkway with two flower beds on each side. At the back of the meetinghouse, we cleaned up the weeds that were in between the bricks and pulled weeds from the flower beds as well. On the side of the meetinghouse, we planted bulbs, flowers and we cleaned that up too.

     I thought that the spring planting we had this year was one the best plantings we’ve ever had. I hope it will be the same next year and the year after that.

many of us believe global warming is a major problem with a connection to automobiles and received the same response.

      Betsy remarked that even though we are concerned about global warming we still use cars despite their harmful effects. She said that it was the same way for Quakers and slavery in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Slaves were something – like cars today – that people could not imagine living without. This comparison offered us a different view of slavery.

      We learned that Quakers did own slaves and were not always against slavery. Betsy told us she first began research on this topic when she learned her Quaker ancestors, living in Rhode Island, owned slaves. Betsy explained how everyone of that time period

was somehow connected to slavery. She used an example, “I don’t
own slaves, but the blacksmith does and I need new shoes for my horse.” People in this time period supported slavery because there was no alternative.

     As time progressed many Quakers began questioning their way of life. Friends Meetings gradually began advocating not to engage in the slave trade or to own slaves.

     First Day School students listened to Betsy’s presentation with much interest. Many students participated in the discussion. We were introduced to a relevant historical topic which increased our knowledge of Quakers views of slavery. We wish to thank Betsy for speaking with First Day School students.

     On Sunday, June 3rd Betsy C. came to speak to First Day School about her research concerning Quakers and slavery. Many First Day School students showed interest in this topic.

     Betsy asked the group, “What makes a person a slave?” Students raised their hands and offered definitions of slavery. Betsy explained slavery and put it into our perspective. She asked, “How many people came to Meeting today by car?” Everyone raised his or her hand. She then asked how