To the stories of our grandparents - trudging for miles through knee-deep snow in threadbare coats - students in Richard Hildner and Susan Ledford's U.S. history/english block class can add stories of their own about the day they had to make shoes made of straw and rags.
And wear them.
On Oct. 28, students simulated conditions under Gen. George Washington during the winter at the Revolutionary War battle of Valley Forge. The soldiers during this winter suffered from cold, disease and little food.
"Mr. Hildner said (the soldiers) ate the (leather from their) boots and then had to use straw and cloth to make their boots," said junior Sarah Wedding.
Junior Rachelle Christiensen, the first student to make a pair of serviceable boots, received a dollar from Hildner for her efforts.
Christiensen was also pleased with the outcome of her boots, "They actually kept my feet warm."
Said Wedding, "The soldiers had to eat something - so they ate their boots."