Shedding Light on the Question of School Teachers and Schools in Prekmurje: Two Letters from 1779

Abstract

In the 17th century, regular schools were already in operation in the Prekmurje parishes. The teachers were both organ players and bell-ringers. Empress Maria Theresia had in 1777 decreed the general compulsory primary schooling, and transferred the schools from the Church to State control. The two letters however, dated 1779, point to the fact that the decree was not fully brought to effect in Prekmurje.