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EARLY EDUCATION IN FRANKLIN COUNTYBy Jenny Lou and Jim Brock
(Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. II, No. 24, pages 12, 13. December 18, 1975.)
In the last issue of the COWAN BELL, Thomas Boyd Foster’s book, FAMILY SKETCHES, WAS INTRODUCES – A BOOK OF IMMENSE HISTORICAL VALUE FOR Franklin County. Preserved within its pages are many fascinating facts about early nineteenth century life and the people who lived here. At the request of his children, he wrote the chronicle of the events of his life in 1893 when far advances in his eighty-third year.
One of the most interesting accounts of Mr. Foster’s life story concerns the first school he attended. On the site of the Goshen Cumberland Presbyterian Church camp ground, a log structure had been erected for the church use. It was in this building, which was also used as a school that Thomas Boyd Foster was first introduced to the academic world. We share with you his recollections of early education in Franklin County.
“The first school I attended was taught by Curtis G. Gray, at Old Goshen camp ground, in 1816 or 1817. The house was built of large, hewed logs, the floor not nailed to the sleepers, a little off of the ground, not enclosed. This made a nice place for hogs to rest and produce a numerous family of fleas. The seats were made of saplings, split, so as to make two seats from one stick. Legs were put on these from the ground side, so as to turn the flat side up; this was hewed off smooth, and upon this the children sat from early morn until late evening. As punishment for misconduct, or for neglect of duty, a plank was taken up from the floor and the student was put in the “flea hole”, or the fingers were pressed back so as to expose the palm of the hand and a flat ruler applied until often blood blisters were made; sometimes, too, the switch was applied, the operator manifesting but little mercy in the applications…I do not speak of this for the special purpose of exposing this teacher’s tyranny, but more to show the customs of that age. This building was used as a church as well as a school house, and seats we sat upon were for church uses. Here are the best people I ever saw worshiped for years. Here were the Streets, the Davidsons, the Keiths, the Mars, the Bells, the Martins, the Cowans, and here too was that noble man, Ira Kinningham, and a host of others, such as I have not known elsewhere.
My second teacher was Mitchell K. Jackson. I was placed under his care in 1818. This was the eighth year of my life. This school was taught on a high hill near the place where Adam Gross erected a mill and cotton gin, on Norwood’s Creek. This cotton gin burned. Two of the Gross’ sons were in it. They got out; one died; the other lived to be old but was much disfigured. This teacher was a good and useful man; did more in training the youths of the country than any other teacher I ever knew. He was a fine penman; took great care to teach his pupils this useful art. He taught in the same community about thirty years. Many of his students were known by their handwriting. Here, though a little boy, I made some progress. I learned to read and commenced writing and ciphering, as it was then called…Our school books then consisted almost entirely of Webster’s spelling book; Pike’s arithmetic; the English reader; the Columbian orator; the Virginian orator; Murray’s English grammar, and Morse’s school geography.
After this, my school days were very scattering. I was now of sufficient age to aid in making a crop. We raised all the cotton we could. The raising occupied the greater part of the spring and summer, and the gathering kept all hands closely employed during the fall and winter seasons. There was a large family of children to be taught; labor was indispensable. At all times when we could be speared from home, we were sent to school. The times for going to school were so short that they were nearly profitless. Such schooling…is time and money wasted. It establishes habits of idleness from which many children never recover. I, with my brothers and sisters, cost our parents enough to have made us all scholars, had our time and opportunities been concentrated and usefully and well employed. I was permitted to attend, for short periods, schools taught by others, but made but little progress. Lost, while in the field, what nearly all I had gained at school…”
How wonderful to have recorded the memories of this man! In his straightforward way he tells it like it was. Surely we don’t want these “good old days” back again.
(J.L.B. & J.R.B.) MEMOIRS OF A MOUNTAIN SCHOOL TEACHERBy Agnes Pearson
(Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. III, No. 4, pages 8, 9; February 19, 1976.)
Many times as I observe the news media, both T.V. and the press concerning the controversy over text books, strikes by teachers, budget deficiencies, school lunch programs and the ever present bussing question – along with many other phrases of our modern education system – my mind returns to a little one-room school house in the 1920’s, painted red, situated atop a Cumberland mountain ridge about ten miles from Cowan and not too far from the Alabama state line.
There was no school bus, not even a dirt road to follow. Only paths made by the children lead to the front door. Yet, that little school house was the seat of learning for beginners who would later make their mark.
The school was located in a remote community made up of families comprising employees of a large lumber company known as Davidson-Hicks & Greene Co. There was more than one of these communities called “Lumber Camps”, with houses spaced along the side of the narrow gauge railroad tracks.* The trains hauled big logs on flat cars down to the saw mills in Cowan and served as the only means of communication to the outside world, other than the manually operated telephones that connected the camps with the headquarters in Cowan.
There were no absentee records. The mountain children and their parents were all too anxious for an education, never passing up an opportunity to grasp an idea and any new thoughts that came their way. Being born with quick minds and exceptionally sharp senses, learning came easy for them.
The school house was made from two box cars fastened together in a T shape. The windows were cut into the walls. There we no glass panes but doors for each with catches on the inside. When it rained they were often closed making the room too dark to go on with the lessons. It was at such times that the teacher was asked to tell a story. A good teacher had to have an unlimited repertoire of such.
The furnishing of the little school room was comprised of the ever-present back board on a stand. A home-made pine table with a drawer was the teacher’s desk. Her chair was a hickory split bottomed one. The students’ desks were hand-me-downs from various county schools. However, there was a lovely old pump organ that made up for all the crude furnishings. Always, there would be a bright school girl who was able to pick out the noted for singing if the teacher wasn’t so inclined.
Sometimes the new teacher didn’t fit into the niche carved out for her. Her attitude of superiority may have been the cause or her mode of dress or her teaching not being up to par by comparison with her predecessor. At such times, along with the complete change of living habits and being depressed by her inability to conform, it is needless to say her tenure as a mountain school teacher didn’t last long. There is a record saying eight teachers tried out for the position before one was able to fit in.
Never let it be said that learning was for the students only. The teacher usually left with a much greater education. Living among such people during the school term and learning from them the mountain wisdom that would always be put to good use rewarded the teacher with a life rich in tradition and fulfillment, leaving incidences and fellowship that remained in her memory for as long as she lived. There was no room in the hearts and minds of these mountain people for snobbery or flattery. Life was lived close to the nitty-gritty, learning no middle ground for beating around the bush. You either were or were not, whatever the case may be.
The little school house was the only meeting place for social life. There were Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day programs – looked forward to with great excitement. These occasions furnished the only diversion for the settlement, leaving out the Annual Brush Arbor religious services that sometimes lasted for weeks, to the enjoyment of the entire population and for the Glory of God. There was shouting and joyous singing lacerating the mountain air when an occasional sinner saw the light.
There are many interesting and entertaining instances for the mountain school teacher to chuckle over in the quietness of her retirement years. I know – because you see I was one of those teachers. Mountain School – Part IIBy Agnes Pearson
(Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. III, No. 5, pages 8, 9; March 4, 1976.)
The school teacher lived in the lodging hotel, a two story frame structure occupied by a large family who had been with the lumber company for many years. Five of the children were enrolled in the school. The hotel rooms on the second floor were reserved as emergency quarters when it was necessary for the work crews to stay overnight. A room on the second floor was set aside for the school teacher.
Her room had a wood burning stove for heat and for warming the bath water. There was no indoor plumbing. Many times she would awake on a cold winter morning to find thin lines of snow across her bed covers where it had sifted through the cracks during the night. A big handful of wood shaving and kindling, however, would soon make the little stove red hot, warming up enough for the teacher to dress, tidy her room and be downstairs for breakfast before the fire died down again.
After a hearty breakfast including big baking powder biscuits, plenty of homemade butter and sorghum molasses the teacher made her way out, oftentimes through crunchy snow, sleet or rain, to the school house to build another fire in the school stove, in order for the room to be warm enough to welcome her shivering students. Afterwards, she rang the bell announcing the beginning of another days work. It was she who took out the ashes, swept the room floor and brought in the wood for the day. The older boys kept the wood pile conveniently near the door – for such consideration she was profoundly grateful.
There were many times when the teacher was sorely taxed in her efforts to prove to the community that she was capable and able to be the sort of teacher they expected her to be. For instance, sitting up late at night by kerosene lamp, trying to work the 8th grade arithmetic problems. They were terrible. Printing the sentences on the blackboard – drawing little cats and having the reader call them rats. One time that will be remembered vividly, was when two slightly inebriated men rode up to the open windows on their horses, poked their hears in and said, “What’s going on in here?”
There were glorious spring days and nights to be remembered also. Just waking with joy beneath the shadowing oaks, drinking in the qualities of this great enchanted place, listening to its sounds, sensing its people and absorbing all of it, compensated for the rough winter weather. There were picnics in the woods, a nature study for the teacher, to be sure, for it was at these times that she learned the names of all the trees and flowers that grew wild, a knowledge that was recorded for all the years. The teacher was introduced to the nocturnal delight of ‘possom hunting. One well remembered occasion was when the group came too near an operating whiskey still. When they were accosted by the owner, holding high the lantern to identify each person, they were invited to come near and watch the operation. The owner in question had sat at the dinner table with the teacher many times. She knew him well.
There was a shiny mahogany piano in the front bedroom of the hotel. Oftentimes after supper the teacher was asked to join in the singing and enjoy the music. She learned the words to “The Little Red Rosewood Casket”, the “Wreck of Red 97” and “My Mountain Rose”. There were chords on the piano in harmony with the strings of fiddle and guitar.
On Friday afternoons the teacher packer her suitcase and boarded one of several motor cars that would be leaving the mountain, arriving in Cowan for the weekend. A joyous holiday and reprieve. Monday morning, a little past sunrise, she was back to the Cowan station once more waiting for a ride to the top – eager to begin all over again at her Cold Springs school.
When that mountain school teacher reads and hears of the confusion and problems associated with our present school system – it’s then she remembers how very simple life used to be and what a joy it was to teach and thereby learn a lot, too. She is amazed to see today’s problems take on such great proportions. Then life was made pleasurable by simple matters and people were content by being involved in community life. However, that was more than a half-century ago. She is reminded of Omar’s poem: “The morning finger having writ, moves on…”
*(Apology: for terming the RR tracks in the last article a “narrow gauge”; they were standard, only the engine was small.) “SCHOOL DAYS” REMEMBER WHEN?By Judy Gattis and Lila Wilkinson
(Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. II, Special Edition, pages 24, 25; May 24, 1975.)
Acme Academy - later renamed Cowan Academy To most everyone, school memories are ones to treasure, as fond and dear. We have attempted to gather information that was given us by those who “remember”. The contents are believed to be factual. We thought those reading this article would travel again down the sentimental path of “school day” memories.
Our search of our first institution of learning begins at Acme Academy. It is believe that this was once a private school, which later was made a public school. The name was changed to Cowan school and was located where the Cowan Cumberland Presbyterian manse now stands. The “T” shaped, three room building is believe to be the first school to serve our community. After looking at pictures taken at this school, it is obvious the walls were “full and running over with children”.
In 1892, Mrs. Daisy Sargent entered first grade with Miss Elle Herefod as her teacher. Mr. John Ross remembers entering first grade at the age of eight in 1897, being taught by Miss Mittie Bean.
Being a first and only in our community a principal at Cowan School, Emmons Hudson, told three students that he would teach the required high school subjects. Mrs. Daisy Sargent, Mr. Roy Rose and Pearl Moore Thrower received their diplomas in 1902 and are believed to be the only students to earn a high school diploma from Cowan School.
Teachers and principals remembered at Cowan School were Mr. Birch Tucker, Mr. Whitelock, Mr. Gaylor Crownover, Mr. John Bennett, Mr. Coleman Finny, Miss Betty Hearn, Miss Grace Looney, Emma West, Fannie West, Era Hill Looney, Beluah Snoddy, Jeannie Stewart, Mrs. Lena Davis and Mr. Roy Hickerson.
The people of Cowan saw a need for a new school, because of overcrowded conditions and the dilapidation of the building, thus action was taken. “The School Board of the Cowan Academy Special School District agreed to assume as this date and pay bonds issued by the Town of Cowan on July 3, 1922, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars as set out in Ordinance No 54 of said Town of Cowan.” Board members included J.W. Hill, Jr., George P. Cooper, Thomas Cowan, George Garner, and B. B. Looney with Mayor G. M. Thorogood and City Recorder, George P. Cooper signing the document.
So, in the beginning our present school, which was made possible through the people of Cowan, was a city school beginning in 1922 with Gaylor Crownover being the last principle from the old school and the first at the new school. Chairman of the School Board was Mr. J.C. Sargent the first year. The school was completed in 1922 and operated as a city school with free textbooks. Ninth and tenth grades were private with tuition being paid for by students to receive a partial high school education. Miss Elizabeth Clark taught in what is now Miss Sargent’s room. In 1934, for reasons unknown, the school, the property, furniture, furnishings, fixtures and equipment were deeded to the County Board of Education of Franklin County on September 29, 1934.
Another well-known school in our area was the Big Springs School in which Mr. C. J. Miller and wife deeded an acre of land to be used only for school or church purposes in September 21, 1880. Miss Cletus Garner, who taught for many years at our present school, vividly recalls attending Big Springs School the first eight years of her education. The school, which was located very near Miss Garner’s home, was torn down and rebuilt as a granary (that still stands on her property) by her father. I might add, Mr. Roy Ross, a graduate of Yale University, became a teacher at Big Springs.
In the “Historical Review”, June 1973, Mrs. Chester C. Chattin remembers the first bus being built on the bed of a Ford truck. This bus, referred to as the “Cowan Zoo” was driven by Mr. John Hawkins, or “Pa Johnny”, as he was called. This bus transported children from Cowan to Central High School in Winchester. Some students remember waiting at the “Franklin House” to catch the train to Decherd and attend Franklin County High School. The “Goose”, a mule drawn, canvas covered wagon, driven by John Haddon, was used to transport children in the Keith’s Cove area to Cowan Public School. Mr. Hadden blew a “fox horn” to announce his arrival. Some remember this as a luxury, since they had walked or ridden a mule to school in Cowan before the “Goose”.
Between 1922 to 1975, principles remembered at Cowan Public School were: Gaylor Crownover, E.A. Bell, H. J. Priestley, under who Miss Agnes Sargent began her teaching career. Next came J.J. Dugger, Albert Hobenrich, George Thorogood, under whom Mrs. Treva Smith began teaching. Mrs. Allen Shook, Mr. Richmond, Mr. Gordon Sanders, Mr. Fred Holmes and Mr. John Butler.
Through the continuous efforts of the people of our community and the educator (past and present) Cowan’s school has provided a high quality of education for our children.
Hope you enjoy remembering!
Those who contributed information: Misses Agnes and Ruth Sargent, Mr. John Ross, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Wilkinson, Mrs. Treva Smith, Mrs. Ottie Shook, Miss Cletus Garner. Looking Back: Thorogood Public SchoolBy Eleanor L. Gray (Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. II, No. 12, June 19, 1975, page 5.)
Professor and Mrs. H. E. Johnson of Corpus Christi, Texas, visited Cowan’s May 24th Bicentennial Celebration. They were house quests of Mrs. Eleanor Gray.
Homer Johnson was a former principal and teacher of Cowan for 12 years and his wife, Bessie, was also a teacher here.
Mr. Johnson graduated with a B.A. Degree from the Roger Williams University, Nashville, in 1926. During his latter part of the senior year in college he was approached by Samuel A. Hodge, a native of Cowan, about a position as principal in Cowan. He accepted the challenge.
On his arrival, he communicated with George Thorogood, the Secretary of the Cowan Board of Education Independent District. The spring of the first year brought forth efforts to secure a new building and the school board kindly accepted the proposal.
This was the period of the fabulous Rosenwald Foundation. Julius Rosenwald established a foundation for the construction of school buildings throughout the South for black people. R. E. Clay of the Tennessee State University, Nashville and a representative for the Rosenwald Fund was contacted and in early spring a site was chosen and plans for the erection of the school building accepted. By early summer, construction had begun. In late August a four room building was completed. Under Homer Johnson’s leadership, the school added much to the community of Cowan. Note: Sadly, Thorogood School was destroyed by fire in 1999.
South Junior HighBy Mrs. Nell Prince
(Reprinted from the Cowan Bell, Vol. II, Special Edition, pages 34, 35; May 24, 1975.)
In 1964 the Franklin County Board of Education, being interested in the growth and development of boys and girls of junior high age, set up committees to work on many important phases of organizing, building and operating two junior high schools in the county. It was recommended that the Building Committee depart from the traditional style of building and use the new and modern exploratory type of building. The Coordinating Committee recommended that these junior high schools be organized to meet all requirements for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
By 1968 funds were provided by Franklin County Quarterly Court to start construction of two junior high schools.
Thirty acres of land on U.S. 64 – 41A were purchased as a beautiful site for South Junior High School. The modern plant consists of 69,703 sq. ft. with twenty-eight stations.
A Library and Commons Area were designed in such a way as to offer a more functional program. The library was placed on the south side with cafeteria, offices, kitchen, industrial arts and gymnasium on the north side. The gym was added about one year after the main building was completed. It contains 21,788 sq. ft. with a seating capacity of 2500. Since it has a stage, it serves as an auditorium also.
Classes were moved into the new plant in November, 1968. Twenty-five full time and five part time faculty members worked with Mr. James E. Douglas, the first principle. Mr. Robert Osteen was elected for the second term to succeed Mr. Douglas, who was transferred to East High School, Tullahoma in 1974. Mr. Fred Holmes was named principal. Mr. Holmes has been an educator in the Franklin County Schools for a number of years, and was principal of Cowan Elementary from 1970 – 73. Twelve of the original faculty members are still on staff during this 1974 – 75 term.
The athletic teams were given the name “Trojans”; the Trojan head was chosen as the school symbol and the motto chosen was “Truth and Honor”. The school colors were Kelly green and old gold.
South Junior High School’s adventure requires that students develop the ability to handle freedom under teacher supervision. The many honors that have been brought to the school by the students are evidence that this objective is being achieved. Our athletic teams have had many successful seasons and our Band has won many awards in competition throughout our short history. There is proof of this in the trophy case. Our students have placed in the Regional Science Fair and Annual Math Contest. The Beta Club currently has a membership of 92.
South Junior High has 33 faculty members. The student enrollment is approximately 670. These students reside in Cowan, Sewanee, Sherwood, Winchester, Broadview, Belvidere and Keith Springs Communities. Most of the parents are permanently settled in these areas and this reveals the stability of our students – eighty seven percent attending South for 3 years.
Our goal as professional educators is to produce well-adjusted, physically fit, and intellectually curious individuals prepared to make wise choices concerning their future so that they can assume meaningful roles in society.
It is also our conviction that the school and community must work together to produce more effective members of a democratic society. Note: In the Year 2005 the Franklin County School system moved the 9th grade classes out of the two junior high schools (North and South) and into the newly constructed Franklin County High School. The very next year all sixth grade classes were moved from Clark Memorial, Cowan, Decherd, North Lake, and Rock Creek Elementary Schools into the junior high schools. South Junior High was thence renamed South Middle School.
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