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Cletus Garner Miss Cletus Garner was a teacher for many years at Cowan Public School and widely admired for her many talents. The following two articles were part of the KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS series published by The Cowan Bell: Cowan Bell, Volume I, No. 10, July 25, 1974, by Shannon Ansley: Our next mystery neighbor lives at the base of the Cumberland Mountains at the mouth of the cove. Secluded and peaceful are the land and house she occupies which were once owned and cultivated by her father. Now her acres rest after supporting generations of her family and she shares company with cows, geese, chickens, cats, and a dog. Her history is in the land she still lives on. Born and raised by parents who were natives of this area she recalls the days when her home was young. “I remember when my sister and I were small and we’d walk down the road a ways. There was a gate at Maude Caperton’s and we’d climb the gate into town.” Her schooling was done at a small nearby schoolhouse. After completing the eighth grade, she later entered a college in Bryson City and earned a degree toward her future profession. Her talents became known when she was a child. She reminisces, “Oh, my sister and I would get little pieces of dough when mother made biscuits and we would mold little ducks and geese out of them.” From then on, her many crafting skills blossomed Her hands now are capable of creating almost anything the eye can behold. Guess who she is! By Shannon Ansley
Cowan Bell, Volume I, No. 11, August 8, 1974, by Shannon Ansley: Here are some clues to the mystery neighbor in our last issue. After she received her degree in teaching, she taught for twenty-five years at Cowan Public School as a first grade instructor. Throughout her career she worked at many hobbies and developed her multiple skills. Sewing, embroidery, carving wood, soap and soapstone are all on the list of her pleasurable tasks. Also, a collection of dolls belonging to her and her sister as children hold many memories and a fascinating beauty. Still very young and alive in heart and mind, this pleasant lady continues to add dolls to her collection. Her latest hobby and as she jovially exclaims “the climax of everything” is making applehead dolls. If you haven’t guessed who this lady is, it’s Miss Cletus Garner. After retirement, this gentle and talented lady still lives on her homeland. She is truly a fine woman who enjoys life and finds tumultuous pleasure in her God-given skills. by: Shannon Ansley
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