RICC gave a lesson on proper table manners to students from two local elementary schools.

While most students were learning their times tables, one group of Barrington, R.I., youngsters were learning their table manners, reports The Providence Journal.

Inside the Rhode Island Country Club (see “Rhode Island CC Shows Real Staying Power,” C&RB, August 2010) this month, students from two elementary schools sat down at tables dressed with spotless linens and awaited instructions from Clubhouse Manager Jules Olley.

The second graders belonged to Jackie Pereira’s class at Sowams School, while the fifth graders belonged to Glen Simmons’ class at Hampden Meadows School. The children are pen pals who correspond frequently and visit each others’ classrooms. This winter, they embarked on a joint writing project, a research paper on the topic of manners and etiquette

Dressed in their Sunday best, the 40 students were on their best behavior so Olley didn’t waste any time getting started.

“Get your place settings,” he told them. Then, he pointed to a model table setting on a big board and asked them to duplicate that arrangement. The next challenge was folding a cloth napkin into something that resembled a tricorn hat, a complicated maneuver that baffled several boys.

In 30 minutes, the lesson was over and the students returned to class.