The Power of History

Imagine an elementary school without electricity, indoor plumbing or a heating or air-conditioning system, but with dedicated parents and teachers, children never late for school, used textbooks, used desks, well water, pot belly stoves, outhouses, a piano and a determination to be the best. First, the Second and Third grade was taught in one classroom. Fourth, the Fifth and Sixth grade was taught in the other area of the room that was separated by an accordion door. The School motto: “Good, better, best never let it rest until the good gets better and the better is best. Don’t settle for anything less.” Children walked to school on unpaved dirt roads and the excitement of an educational opportunity was contagious and celebrated by the parents. This community treasure still stands tall.
A typical school day began at 8:00 am after children had completed early morning chores such as feeding chickens or milking cows and after the school day ended, children performed chores such as chopping or picking cotton and then completing daily homework. The day ended at 3:00 pm. In addition to the mandatory three “Rs” reading, riting (writing) and rithmetic (arithmetic), every child gained invaluable lessons regarding respect, responsibility and resolve. Children were exposed to weekly movies for a fee of ten cents, songs played on the piano, and school assemblies (stand up in front and talk).