Lewiston Minnesota School House and Garden 1914 Real Photo Postcard

School gardens emerged as a significant educational movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a broader Progressive Era emphasis on practical learning and civic responsibility. These initiatives aimed to connect children with nature, teach basic agricultural skills, foster an understanding of food production, and instill values such as diligence and cooperation. For communities like Lewiston, Minnesota, a predominantly agricultural region, school gardens served as a vital link between classroom instruction and the local economy and lifestyle.