The life story of education pioneer Erna Wentzler Achenbach and the legacy of The Open Air School, as told by her daughter Irma Scudder Achenbach.
The Open Air School was the first private school in Orlando.
My mother said that she had to go around and when she saw a bicycle, tricycle or wagons and things she would go in and tell the people what kindergarten was and how good it was. She had been trained in Germany by professionals. So that’s how it started and gradually, gradually people just got used to people going to kindergarten.
Soon the school at 26 W. Steele Street became the school for the mayor’s children and the school pediatricians suggested to mothers in the area for their children.
Mrs. Achenbach who served as a Red Cross nurse during the war caring for the Red Baron and others, would bring that same dedication and care to her students. The school’s reputation in the community was outstanding.
Irma Scudder Achenbach tells the history of The Open Air School which she took over as principal when her mother, school founder Erna Wentzler Achenbach retired. Interview conducted on July 25, 2013.
LISTEN (21:08)
View photos of the College Park school, the students, instructors and read the history:
Erna Wentzler Achenbach: An Interesting Life: 1896-1996 – part I.
Erna Wentzler Achenbach: An Interesting Life: 1896-1996, part II.
Listen to an archival interview with Erna Wentzler Achenbach conducted on June 25, 1975.
LISTEN Part I (31:18)
LISTEN Part II (32:40)
Erna Wentzler Achenbach
Education pioneer Erna Wentzler Achenbach was trained in Germany by Maria Montessori and Friedrich Froebel. She and her husband came to settle...
The life story of education pioneer Erna Wentzler Achenbach and the legacy of The Open Air School, as told by her daughter Irma Achenbach Scudder.
Oral history interview with Ms. Scudder on July 25, 2013 at Orlando Lutheran Towers in downtown Orlando.
21:03 minutes
Interview with Erna Achenbach, part I
Founder and operator of one of the earliest and longest running pre-schools in central Florida, the Open Air School.
We are grateful for the Orange County Regional History Center for making this recording available for Orlando Memory.
31:18 minutes
Interview with Erna Achenbach, part II
Founder and operator of one of the earliest and longest running pre-schools in central Florida, the Open Air School.
We are grateful for the Orange County Regional History Center for making this recording available for Orlando Memory.
32:40 minutes
Erna Wentzler Achenbach: An Interesting Life 1896-1996, part I, pages 1-32.
Erna Wentzler Achenbach: An interesting Life 1896-1996, part II, pages 32-62.
Does anyone have Open Air photos from 1958-59? I would love to see one!
Greetings Robert! Thank you for visiting the Open Air School post on Orlando Memory. There are a few photos in the links on the post to: Erna Wentzler Achenbach: An Interesting Life: 1896-1996. We wish you luck in finding additional photos, and hope you continue to share memories with everyone! THE ORLANDO MEMORY TEAM
I, too, attended Open Air around 1958 -59, and can still clearly recall many details of the school! I remember Susan, Neal, “Hoppy,” and other friends.
I went to Open Air in the early 60’s. I remember Mrs. Scudder.
I went to the Open Air School and have fond memories with pictures too.
I went to this school and many fond memories are still in my mind. I finally looked up the address and find that a house is being built at that address and selling for well over 1,000,000.
Sometime, I plan to visit that site.
Any info on the site would be appreciated.
Greetings Ms. Kropf! Thank you for visiting Orlando Memory and commenting on the post for the Open Air School. We hope you find other posts that bring back fond memories of growing up in Orlando and share them on Orlando Memory. ORLANDO MEMORY TEAM
I went to the Open Air School in 1950. I still remember it well and Mrs Achenbach. Fondly. Ann Frances (English) Maybank. Are there any class pictures? I was blonde with braids and bangs.
I have pictures. I went there.
Greetings! We do not have any photos other than the ones on the post. If you ever come across any, we’d love to post them! Thank you for visiting and sharing your Orlando Memories with us! Orlando Memory Staff
I attended from 1958 to 1960. I was in a play that was recorded on for tv. The movie was about a family in the Soviet Union, and I played the son. Could I get a copy of that movie?
Thank you for visiting Orlando Memory! The play sounds amazing! Was it filmed by a local television station? Was it broadcast locally or nationally?