This copy of the Eighth Grade Exam for Bullitt County Schools in 1912 was donated to the Bullitt County History Museum. We thought you might like to see what the test looked like more than a hundred and ten years ago. Obviously it tested some things that were more relevant at that time than now, and it should not be used to compare student knowledge then and now.
Bullitt County Schools were mostly one-room schools in those days, scattered around the rural county. Students came together at the county courthouse once or twice a year to take this “Common Exam.” It was apparently a big deal. The local newspaper urged students to do well, even urging seventh graders that it was not too early to start preparing. Some scholarships were provided to those who passed to go on to high school, which was also a big deal back then. In those days, high school was sometimes another county away and a rare thing for many farm children to be able to otherwise attend.
Have a look at the exam below, explore the questions, and have a thought about the possible answers. Be sure to enjoy and have fun whilst taking the challenge. Keep in mind, It’s just a hundred and ten years old.
