Greenwood School Memories 1921-1984
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Memories of
Greenwood School
/
aL 1921-1984
E',_ _____ .._ ___________________________________ llh,
Cop� right© J 98-a by Meeks Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce
this work in any form whatsoever without permission
in writing from the publisher, except for brief passages in connection with a review. For information
write: Meeks Enterprises, Inc., P.O. Box 39, Crozet,
Vir�inia 22932. ( 'nwr dt>o;ign by Robert j. Kirchman.
We dedicate 1 Colonel Will profound ins crossroad in
We dedicate this "Memories of Greenwood School" to a FRIEND and LEADER, Colonel William R. Washington, whose keen interest, unselfish devotion, and profound insight served as an inspiration to the school and community at every crossroad in the struggle to keep Greenwood Elementary School open.
0'
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
. FORWARD • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . .
A HISTORY LESSON
1920's
1930's
1940'S AND 1950'S
1960'S AND 1970'S
7
8
10
21
44
70
102
1980's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
ADDENDA 132
Ackno�
In preparing
in having the in
recognized local
greatly enhanced 1
It has also
Betty G. Clayton,
have been compil•
identifying pictuJ
I am gratefu
designing the cov•
I am please,
encouraged by the
who attended or t
transcribed his �
I appreciate
1983-84 Greenwood
Finally, I a
submitted their P'
Since its b1
source of pride �
this book will se
Acknowledgements
In preparing Memories of Greenwood for publication, I have been fortunate
in having the invaluable help of Steven G. Meeks, a Crozet resident and
recognized local historian. His technical assistance and suggestions have
greatly enhanced the final product.
It has also been my privilege to work with three excellent secretaries:
Betty G. Clayton, Jo Anne Cheatham, and Mary Ann Tomlin. This book could not
have been compiled without their countless hours of typing, revising, and
identifying pictures.
I am gratefu] to Robert J. Kirchman for donating his time and talents in
designing the cover for this book.
I am pleased that Benjamin Sojka, a fourth grader nt Greenwood, was
encouraged by the project to independently interview several notable persons
who attended or taught at Greenwood School. His mother, Mrs. Eleanor Sojka,
transcribed his interview tapes into type-written form.
I appreciate the encouragement, inspiration, and generous support of the
1983-84 Greenwood School P.T.O., faculty, and staff.
Finally, I am deeply indebted to all the contributors ,.;rho so graciously
submitted their personal memories for this book.
Since its beginning, Greenwood School has been a community effort and
source of pride and loyalty to its students, staff, and community. Hopefully,
this book will serve as a lasting memorial to this great schcol.
Joyce A. Wright
Principal
7
Fore ward
DOWN MEMORY LANE
By
Betty Garwood Clayton
The smell of peach and apple blossoms fill the early spring air. Bees
fly in dance-like rhythm from one blossom to another. In the distance, the
sound of the spray wagon can be heard coming up the gravel road.
The ladies are busy in their yards, admiring the colorful array of spring
flowers that are blooming forth in testimony of the resurrection of life after
the death of winter.
Down the road the sounds of the blacksmith's anvil can be heard as he
sheds the finest horses from miles around. An old Model T pulls into the busy
garage and a minor problem is quickly fixed by one who has done this so many
times before.
An elderly black man sits on the Country Store porch. He sits there
often to get a glimpse of what is hA.ppening in the community. "Did he say
there would be a Donkey ballgame on the school playground on Sunday? My! how
people love to flock around and watch the excitement!"
The sound of the school bell can be heard and students come orderly
outside to play on the wooden merry-go-round and swing away to tree-top land
on sturdy, hand-made swings. The children skip rope to happy jingles while
others play marbles nearby. Others walk around and talk with one another.
8
"Look, the youn:
her hair pile� neatl)
don't we know them?
How well-kept tl
as a gray-haired man
The flag, beari
bree?.e. A community
Sit with me on
nothing of rushing,
to l0ve, and to reme1
•ring air. Bees
te distance, the
d.
array of spring
on of life after
be heard as he
ls into the husy
me this so many
He sits there
:y. "Did he say
Sunday? My! how
. ts come orderly
to tree-top land
?Y jingles while
one another.
"Look, the young girl· in the pretty Gibson Girl blouse - the girl with
her hair piled neatly on top of her head, and the boy with the blue knickers -
don't we know them? Haven't they been sweethearts for years?"
How well-kept the school lawn is! The click of a push mower can be heard
as a gray-haired man trims the grass under the blooming dogwood trees.
The flag, bearing forty-eight stars, waves gently in the lovely spring
bree7.e. A community is at peace and all is well.
Sit with me on the front steps of the well-kept school building. l•!e know
nothing of rushing, and there is plenty of time to pause, to speak, to listen,
to love, and to rememher------
d '"\¥; 0 .1
i '
Sonya Crawford, Latanya Carr, Felicia Fisher, Ruth Judge- teacher, and Dana Carr. April, 1980 .
9
A History Lesson
The name Greenwood was given to a portion of the property owned by Issac
Hardin (1736-1820). Part of the tract of land was later owned by Mr. Thomas
C. Bowen, who gave j_t for use by the railroad. Sometime in the late 1850's,
near the tunnel built by Colonel Claudius Crozet for the Blue Ridge Railroad
(now C & 0), a railroad station and a post office were established. Although
widely scattered, the people who get their mail at this post office consider
themselves members of the Greenwood Co��unity. The various schools
established there over a period of time took the name of this community.
In 1889, the year that free public schools were developing nationwide, a
few enterprising citizens of the Greenwood community united in establishing a
free public school for the Greenwood section. The only available space at
that time was one room in a small log house located on the property now owned
by the H. H. Tiffany estate.
The following year, in 1890, the school was moved to a more desirable
building on Stony Run near the Beagle's Gap Road. The school averaged about
five pupils per day, but was finally closed for lack of pupils.
In 1903, the school was reopened in a building on the present site� with
a Miss Carter serving as the teacher. In 1907 another member was added to the
faculty and taught in a small building nearby. In 1908 a larger two-s tory
frame building was constructed and again the faculty was increased by one.
This building had a pot-bellied stove and a water cooler where students got
water in paper cups made from waste paper. There were no indoor facilities.
10
Bruce S
All the ab•
� �-
r�-
owned by Issac
:i by Mr. Thomas
�-he late 1850's.
Ridge Railroad ' ' t ,,
.shed. Although
office consider
arious schools �.;...-�,-�.;i,;.;._..._..._...,.,..�.-.--:...,.,.,:,..)._,<;,;>.,·:·N"""'.'�·;· dz;;;..:.".;.;.;,,->.;,.-
:ommunity.
g nationwide, a
establishing a
Llable space at
•perty now owned
more desirable
averaged about
!Sent site, with
�as added to the
. arger two-story Bruce Store and house at Greenwood Depot, locat ed at top of Greenwood hill .
creased by one.
re students got
All the above photos were submitted by James L. Woodson and E. 0 . . Woodson, Jr. Jr facilities.
11
12
This view, taken around 1910, shows the old frame Greenwood High School that was built in 1908 facing Jarman Gap Road. Behind the school, in what is now the playing field for the school is an apple orchard. The
house to the right of the school, still stands beside the County Store. Horses and buggies are in front of the school. When the present building was built in 1921/ 1922 this school was dismantled.
Greenwood High School 1908-1921
All the above photos were submitted by James L. Woodson and E. 0. Woodson, Jr.
During the E
Mrs. Beverly Munf
lunch program, pr
to Charlottesvill
activities to bu)
better place for
The Greenwoo
many competent P'
Boswell, Mrs. Re�
M.L. McCue.
A coinmittee
Mrs. Ella Smith,
operated from ar
Critzer serving
a Model T truck c
By 1 918-1 911
with four of tho:
lost. The ambit
the high school
this plan was Hr
the school year
accredited statu
Batesville schoo
students, the sc
the school to be
In 1919-20,
Chesterfield Cr
accredited high
, still stands beside the :gies are in front of the [Jing was built in 1921/ l.
odson, Jr.
---
During the early 19001 s, the Greenwood Community League, organized by
Mrs. Beverly Munford, did much to help the school. The League began a school
lunch program, provided school health inspections, took stu�ents on the train
to Charlottesville to correct health problems, and sponsored many fund-rais:i.ng
activities to buy equipment, materials, and other things that made school a
better place for children.
The Greenwood Community League was fnrtunate in having the leadership of
many competent public-spirited persons. The charter members were: Mrs. H.R.
Boswell, Mrs. Reginald Brooks, Mrs. Guy Corbett, Miss Dorothy Earp, and Hrs.
M.L. McCue.
A committee of the Greenwood Community League, under the leadership of
Mrs. Ella Smith, raised money to rent Hr. Allie Critzer's canvas-covered wagon
operated from around 1911 to 1918 with J.D. Humphries, S.W. vJine, and Allie
Critzer serving as drivers. In 1918, the first motorized school bus used was
a Model T truck converted into a bus-like body, driven by Allie Critzer.
By 1918-1919, enrollment at Greenwood School had climbed to 125 pupils,
with four of those in the senior class, whose names, unfortunately, have been
lost. The ambition of the community was to change the unaccredited.
status of
the high school to that of a four-year accredited high school. Presiding over
this plan was Nrs. H.G. Coville, who had just been hired at the beginning of
the school year as Greenwood 1 s first principal. She helped Greem.,ood obtain
accredited status by attracting students from Midway, Edgewood, Hillsboro, and
Batesville schools to complete their education at Greenwood. Thus by adding
students, the school was able to meet state enrollment requirements which led
the school to being accredited by 1920.
In 1919-20, five students: Hattie Pugh, Clotilde Rodes, Gladys Yancey,
Chesterfield Critzer, and Linwood Rogers were graduated from the fully
accredited high school.
13
14
Convict labor crushes rock for pavement of Jarman Gap Road. Building to left background is the Country Store; center building was the Blacksmith Shop; the house is the Woodson house (last lived in by Tobe Moyer). Note that the photo was taken before the construction of Greenwood School which would have been in center background.
The rocl the pres.
All the
tckground �Woodson nstruction
The rock crushing equipment was located where the present Greenwood Post Office is located.
Excavation Steam Shovel worthy of print even though exact location is uncertain. (Greenwood.Jarman Gap area.)
All the above photos were submitted by James L. Woodson and E. 0. Woodson, Jr.
15
Although the student population was rapidly increasing, the class of
1920-21 consi.sted of only three members - Meta Ellinger, Alfry Critzer, and
Edward Pugh. This has reigned the smallest class at Greenwood since 1918.
Due to the increase in size of lower grade levels, five students - grades
four and five, went to school in a barn loft owned by George Gill, with Mary
Lee Carmichael as teacher. Reportedly it was a spacious classroom but had
very horsey odors.
In order to accommodate the growing enrollment, the conununity · set out to
build a new and adequate school building. Six thousand dollars was raised by
public subscription with an equal amount added by Mrs. Ronald Tree. Randolph
Ortman, o"f Blue Ridge Farm, gave outright twenty-one thousand dollars and an
interest free loan of twenty-four thousand dollars towards the school's
construction.
At first the land was purchased from Armistead Shirley further down the
road from where the school now stands. A trade was made with H.R. Boswell for
four acres adjoining the original two acre site. The cornerstone was laid in
1921 with C. Purcell McCue, Sr. presiding. In 1922 the first class graduated
o J
1~
tl
Fe
pl
1~
tl
HE
We
St:
an
su
from the new building. 3C
The older two-story frame building was dismantled reportedly after
completion of its replacement . However, the earlier one-story building
adjac ent it, remained in use as a primary school for many years and was
referred to as "Little Greenwood." It was finally razed in the mid 1960's.
Mrs. Coville remained at Greenwood until 1924, at which time she accepted
a position at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton,
Virginia. Her status as the school's only female principal was shattered in
February, 1984 with the arri.ral of Mrs. Joyce A. Wright.
Archie F. Robertson resigned as principal for one school year before
accepting the position of Albemarle County School Superintendent in 1925, an
16
In
rna
au
re
th
un
we
he
office which he also held for one year. George F. Dunn . followed Robertson in
1925. He was ~n turn followed by R. Claude Graham in 1928.
Throughout this period and especially under Graham, Greenwood won many of
the county athletic championships conducted among the county high s .chools.
For the younger members of the school the playground was much improved
primarily through a community effort. The present equipment was acquired in
1961 through the kindness of Hrs. Gordon Smith and Mr. Ashby Fox, trustees of
the Ortman Fund from which came the money for the equipment.
In the early 1930's the entire Greenwood school ground was graded and its
use increased by two-thirds through work done by the first of the Federal
Works Programs.
Graham became county school superintendent in 1935. Paul H. Cale
succeeded him both as principal and later, in 194 7, as superintendent. In
1969, Leslie H. Walton, a former teacher at Greenwood became superintendent
and likewise, Clarence s. McClure, a former Greenwood teacher, became
superintendent after Walton in 1970.
There had been a steady increase in the pupils at Greenwood. By the mid
30's enrollment had reached over 300, and by 1947 enrollment was 402 students.
In 1938, the second floor auditorium was divided into t~vo rooms. Plans were
made for an addition and on October 20, 1938 work commenced on an
auditorium/gymnasium and two classrooms. As in the past, the Community League
remained a steadfast partner in added improvements for the school.
The year 1953 marked the end of Greenwood High School. In the fall of
that year, all county high schools, with the exception of Scottsville, were
united under one roof at Albemarle High School.
Greenwood's principal, Benjamin F. Hurt, who had succeeded Paul Cale,
went to AJbemarle High School in 1953 to become assistant principal. In 1954,
he became principal of A.H.S., a position he held until 1984.
17
Richard Strafford became Greenwood Elementary School's first principal;
he left the t;ext year. He was followed by John W. Massie, William Bullock,
Robert Wood, Charles Wallace, and W. Harold Walker; all of whom served
successive one-year terms. In January 196?, Harry W. Kent carne to Greenwood.
He left in 1966 to become principal of the new Brownsville Elementary School.
Roland Zimmerman succeeded Kent and remained until 1974. He was followed
by James D. Sledd who led Greenwood until early 1984. As if to come full
circle, Greenwood's last principal was as its first, a woman, Joyce A. Wright.
Colonel William R. Washington, a Greenwood resident who led the battle to
keep Greenwood School open, sums up the events prior to the closing in June,
1984:
In January 1983 the people in the Greenwood area lParned that a county-wide appointed committee had recommended that the Greenwood school be closed. A local committee of seven volunteers was formed at the behest of the parents and citizens to ward off closure of the school. The people rallied and hundreds attended several public hearings in the county office building to show support and state their reasons for keeping the school open. The effort resulted in a one-year extension of time. Continued protests in the Winter and Spring of 1984 failed to influence the School Board, who had singled out the Greenwood School for closure, in defiance of the stated objections of the Board of Supervisors and the earnest ann genuine pleas of the people of a community that felt the action to be inconsiderate, unnecessary, and short sighted. They sincerely regretted the loss of an institution that had provided high quality education for children in an atmosphere of warmth and a sense of belonging.
The spirit of Greenwood, the vital life center of the community, has been
one of vision and progress. At no time content to remain in the ranks of
mediocrity, she has risen step by step to take and maintain her place as a
leading school in the county. The young men and women who have left her doors
have taken places worthy of respect and admiration. May her standard of truth
and honor ever live in the hearts of graduates and her highest and worthiest
ideals go with her boys and girls to Brownsville and Red Hill Elementary
Schools. Steven G. Meeks
18 May 1984
Ref en
References: "The Echolite 1953"
"D.evelopment of Public Schools in Albemarle County"
a project of the Retired Teacher's Association
of the County of Albemarle
Steven G. Meeks, technical advisor and histo.rian and Benjamin Sojka, student interviewer.
-
19
1 -
room-
Alben
the
Luti1
the
Carre
Mode:
Scho•
larg
Laps
Scho
of C
she
1920's Lutie Williams Garwood
Class of 1924
I attended a one room school in l.Jestern Albemarle, later n two
room--"Edgewood" School. After finishing there, the children in Western
Albemarle had no \vhere to go.
The then chairman of the School Board, Mrs. Robert Page (Batesville) said
the county could not furnish a bus to Greenwood. Percy Williams, father of
Lutie W. Garwood, drove his "Stuart" truck e;~ch day (5 miles) to Greenwood and
the children rode in the back of the truck, rain or shjne. Later he and
Carroll Alexander had Woodson's Garage at Greenwood build a body for Carroll's
Model T Truck. The children rode on boards with no cushions all winter.
Later the county paid half and the parents half for a bus to Greenwood
School (5 miles).
Some of the children graduated from Greenwood P.igh School in 1924. The
largest class--27. This class was taught in the seventh grade by ~iss Gene
Lapsley. This class also put many things in the cornerstone of the Greenwood
School.
Mrs. Robert Page also wanted a man as principal but in those days parents
of Greenwood School worked well together and kept Mrs. Hmmrd Coville until
she finished her job and was ready to leave.
21
Some of the 27 members of the graduating class of 1924 are:
Lutie William~ Garwood Lillian Gill Dorothy Forbes
Hyant Wharton Gerald Coville Helen Rea
Richard Yancey Frank Ye.ncey Frasier Lapsley
Irene Lapsley Charlie Haven Tommy Haven
Elizabeth Burton Edith Pugh Cook Nellie Garwood
Aubrey Ferguson John Clayton Edna CJayton
Harry Block Leittie Cloud Mary Bowen
Marie Lineton Haus Vanderburg William Young
Russell Young Charles Young Tiggs Veal
Henry Henrichs (died in 1924, baseball lick to the head)
The first class to graduate in this new school was the class of 1922.
Sadie Williams won the scho]arship cup and gold medal (essay on government).
Other graduates of Greenwood have taught and some are fine lawyers. The
cooperation and wonderful way parents and tea~hers worked together vli th so
little money made the students want to do their best.
Virginia Rogers
1929-1934
I came to Greenwood High School in 1929, when I was twenty years old. I
taught the sixth and seventh grades with about forty-five pupils. My salary
was $72 a month. We had very few problems and complaints. I enjoyed the five
years that I spent teaching there.
22
" 1' g
I '
ve
1922 Baseball Champs
"Click" (Clifton) Farrar, 1923. Notice lack of store in background.
Lillian Woodson
23
24
Greenwood High School, built in 1921-22.
Take note of the chicken in the bushes. All landscaping was donated by area farmers under the direction of Mrs. W. R. Massie of Rose Hill. Photo courtesy of Virginia Rogers.
Class of 1922. Helen Rea
13$
.
.
I I Sa M G• su WI
-'~
Sadie & . Lutie Williams' car. Mrs. Genevieve Corville and Miss Gene Lapsley, teachers. Photo submitted by Lutie Williams Garwood.
Class of 1923. Mrs. Genevieve Coville, principal.
Model T Car driven by Sadie and Lutie Williams 5 miles to Greenwood High School. It is proudly stated that they had almost perfect attendance for two years. The car had no self starter and had to be hand cranked. Memory recalls that one boy broke his arm cranking just such a car. (1-r) Bessie Campbell, Bessie Smith, Clatilda Rodes, Dot Pugh, Aileen Woodson, Reba Critzer, Bessie Critzer. Genivieve Forbes, Sadie Williams and Hattie Pugh. Photo submitted by Lutie Williams Garwood.
Basketball Team, 1922 Front (1-r): Irene Lapsley, Dorothy Pugh Ball, Martha Burnley, Mildred Rea. Back (1-r): Mable Brooks, Edith Young, Bessie Smith, Dorothy Forbes, Lutie Williams.
25
G.REEN,VOOD BUZZER
Published Monthly by
Vol. 1
WITH APOLOGIES TO MESSERS. GALLAHGER AND SHEAN.
I I ~I r" . l'ovilk! () :'II r ,; . l 'ovilk! \\' hat 's on your mind thi s ntmn ·
ing, ~I r . Brown: l·:yny hod y',; making fnn
( )( thr way our. Sl'hool ts rnn . \nd tht• Buzzer 'ays wt· 'll run it in l hl'
~roun' .
Why ~I r . Brown! \\ 'hy ~I r . 1\rown! Thr nl hrr day I ntoton·d clown 1"
town; "r. llt•nurtt, with a ~milt·. Saicl wt• ht·at thr r •·,t a milto
l'ositively, M r~ . Covillt·! Ah>'nlutC"Iy , :'llr . 1\rown!
A Junior .
UPWARD.
'l'h<· hig lll!·tt 11i the world hH\"t' nto. tl<
tht·ir Sll<'l"t' SS J.y l'llllti11111111' toil n<tl h .1·
on<' hiu lt·sso tl. \\'~ ltrr inclitlt'd t•·
think th:~t itt ordrr to hr ~omehody " ''' havl.' got to do tllll' hilo( t'onspicuou, dN•<I. It i ~ not till' ft·w hig thing~ th;.l t:outtt hut the numerou, little d!'t•d, . <\ht· l.inroltt was not 01 r:.~il-~plittu ;. n Munday and · presi dl.'nt o n Tuesd:ty. To rnukc il ~uccrss in life wt h:iVr to krl·tt t:outinunus ly at our purpust. It i~ not the: pupil that l(tts his lr ssons well Mometimcs ilnd not lit all ut other times that rnakl's ii guod marie on his studir,. ·ro malce the he~t grade~ he .h:.~~ to ht· 11ruent rvery day :111d prt1>11rc every tilly's lesAn n. The long distance runner that wins docs not run f:.~st at first :uul Ait down and rest :a~ the rahhit tlid , hut like the turtle he stRrt~ with ii gait tha! he can holrl to the goal. "Height~ hy l(rcat men rr:.~rh!'d aut.!
ktpt-WM"t not :~ttllined hy ~utlden Right :
llttt th,.~· whilt' thC"ir <'Otttp'tnion• slrn!. \\ '•"1' "; t;'llol upw:trtl thrPttl(h th•·
26 Charlie Haven.
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
FEBRUARY 1923
"JUST WATCH US."
\\·,., tht: mnry junior , , I J j ntlll"ll'~n twt·nty-thrt:~.
Try hard tu plc:.~se the s~nior>.
Hut all in vain . we st·t·.
\\ 'hen we he~ome ~o:rautl Sl·nior, In uinett•t:n twt·uty-iour.
\ , t • rd~ ttl ~trt'ngth and wi~1l1•tn
I· ront 1111r lip' will pour .
\\ .t·' ll ,how till' one> that iollow J u,;t huw tht:y ought to act,
:\ nd 't:l a ~>:<><HI t•xample-.\ thing we ,;atlly lack.
\\ ",,' ll ht· "·clatl' and proper, :\nd Hll that ,.;ort of thin~ .
Hut there ' ll h<· some tJep ht•hitHI it To kt·t·p us in tin· tlin~ .
\\ 'ht·n it rome' to entt·rtainnH·Ht " : \\ ' ht•n tht•re's candy 111 he mad•·.
\\ ,.'ll Sl' t' that all tht· hard w .. rk h not on oth<·rs laid .
After four mort: month s of ntist·r _,. \Ve'll give you sonwthing ttt·w;
Fo• \\'l' .fnniors will he Srnims And you' ll ht· happy ton.
Dorothy Forbes.
GLEANED FROM RECENT
EXAMS.
" \\'ornts havr diet! front time to tirm. :tnt! men hav~ !'atcn th<·m. hut not for lt•V<'. - Shahspt•are.
"This was a happy marriai(C' . Shr clitl not live lon~.e . "
"Tht· braditt·s wt·rr so raln·d ht t·aus!' tht·y wt·rr lt-d out of Eg.~' lll i>y li..:ht ~ ...
"It l' ttrltod h:tt;pily in th~ t·nd." "Chaut·t•r was an Anl(ul!tr So~on."
"'l'ht· nil th;tt lllt'n do liH~ :.fl " t tl1t·n·. ·!,.. t•nt•d i' oitt·n intt·rit•rt•d with I .. th·ir Jt, ·11''' ...
No. 5
SOME TRIP.
I lnt· tbry tht· hoys and girls of Greenwood , dtap<"ront·d hy th<' Dt~ane c1f the ><·hool, hired a St:.~igc to take a .Joy ride. Tht~ douds lookt•d Bla1·k and thinking it mi~ht Snow, they sought a quit·t II avcn where th<'y had pintirk .. t! 'l'\'t'ral Mays hefort· .
Tht·y \HI'c hun~o:ry "" \\' illiam callc·•; out, "\\'attn Kl'l SOilll' \Voocl. son. \\ ·,. want to roHst some V<"al. " Thc·.1 had a grt•at Thurst on and Eclison ~Uio! ·
g<"st<"d \Vim•. But H usscll cxclaimrd , " Doni say that a (;ann; you'n· '"" Young.
:\itc·r t·ating tlwy all J.:ol in :ntd 'IHrtt•tl. hut when Courtney tried tn Turtll'r a \\'hcl'i n something hrukt· :n11l john hunted Still!(' Birch to lll<'nd it. Tlwn what did \'an ct·y but his hig SIH'plll'rd, with a llt·ll on his neck . iol· fnwing thl' \ 'an. I lt-n lll'rl{ ht· rail , . "Tlll're's ~·our Car, mark, out lt.1' dt·
l..:irh ; h .. qukk and we will go in that. " This ~o:in·s Hamilton :.1r his Cut· anti he says: "\\'y, ant arc you ahoarct:" Tht'y all started shouting and it to••;.; a I ;o"'l man to •tuiet thrm. Tht·fl Thonta' 'aid "Didn't El lingt•r?" "lla" _, ., •u st•t•n E 1 .. hert ,.. Tht·y had ahc•ul dt•ridt·d to 1 urn and llunt t·r. when l>o• ;a id sht.' didn ' t eOJill'.
So .Vt·rnon said, "Co l.:.~ing ." Sin~o:
ing "Carrit.' me hark to old Virl{inia ... 1 ht•y arrivt•<l home without further rt·· l.aps. l.t·y took Burt on with hint. I >a viti saitl, "Mann, hut we had a ··hampion timt•."
Gerald E. Coville.
SPECIAL TO THE BUZZER.
Warninr to Juniora.
Stop-Loolc-Listen-Stop at your rcspe<"tive ~eat .
l.ook straiJlht at :'lliss (;cnit•; l .i~ trn to :rncl ahsorh C\'t ·ry w!trcl that
\O''C' !"a~·s.
l'•n:rl• .1' for Ill'· I' ·,.Jatinn •·i th ' warninJ:. To h ~ H Junior a~o:ain in IH : ·
,.
(LRe: 192
tOL
No.5
Greenl)f the
a .I") rk and ~lltl{h I a intid ... cl
11 call<·•; d. son .
TIH".I .on Sllll ·
claimr<l. t·n· too
in ;nul
ried '" : hrokt· o ttH:II d
his hig l'Ck. iol-11' rail .- . I h.l' dt· in !hat. " .. . .... uc.· ancJ thoard : ..
it tot'~
Tht·H
" "lla11 td ah(llli
hen I>"'
Sin~-: · irginia .· ther n ·· th ltin1.
had a
!oville.
l:ER.
ord that
· ·i 'h :in l!t : ·.
I I F
(L-r) Nellie Garwood, Lutie Williams, Mildred Rea, and Helen Rea playing hooky·ne.ar Crozet in 1924.
.~· =:\ '
.. ·;· .. /
4
:#
Greenwood 's first school bus from William's Store
Henry Hinricks and Harold Mays 1923-24
Dorothy Rodes and David Wine on steps of Greenwood High School. Note buildings in background.
27
Rex Alexander's Model T 1924.
Edith Pugh and Catherine Alexander seeking knowledge on the school steps.
The Junior Class of 1924.
Mr. D. R. Brown, Assistant Principal of Greenwood High School taken April 192-'.
Miss Gene Lapsley, teacher of 1924 class. Looking west toward Greenwood Depot.
whol
meet
How
by 1-
of
Shit
friE
was
who:
and
exi:
who
lif
sch
and
fiv
Sch
nun
spj
pal of April
4 class. !pot.
Frances Mann Young
Student 1926-1938
Greenwood High School was the center of my life and certainly that of the
whole community which used the school's facilities as the nucleus for all
meetings and entertainment by the Community League among other organizations.
How I loved all of the delighted plays directed by Miss Dorothy Earp and also
by Mrs. Harrison Waite. They had a terrific Thespian group played by m~mbers
of the community, including mv father, Mr. Robert Turner, Mr. Armistead
Shirley, Mr. McCue and Mr . Waite. I realize how fortunate I was along with my
friends to alway s be a part of community activities at Greenwood School. Ours
was a rich heritage of a closely knit community dedicated to the good,
wholesome fun - supported by families who really cared about their community
and about their school which was the main core of it all. This will never
exist again which is a great loss to this present generation.
I must get away from the serious side but I could weep for those coming
who will never know again a school like Greenwood and its 5.ntegral part in the
life of the whole community .
To be able to go from the first grade through senior high school in one
school and with the same friends is something that I've cherished all my life
and the fun we "old" alumni have at our get togethers is indescribable. When
five of us have our birthday or celebrations we revert to Greenwood High
School students and the tales that are remembered and J aughed at are too
numerous to state. We thought them naughty at the time, mostly we were high
spirited, full of devilment but never malicious or destructive. If you could
29
get Elizabeth Turner (Hobbs), Helen Mensing (O'Donoghue), Margaret McCue
(Washington), Caroline Maphis (McCullough) and Frances Mann (Young) gathered
at one of their birthday celebrations then you would really be able to get
some good stories.
I seem only to remember the happy, carefree times, even the deserved
punishments don't seem so bad now. My senior class consisting of only 12
students was a constant source of worry to Mr. Paul Gale (principal). We were
full of high spirits and devilment but we also, to the chagrin of a ll, were
excellent students and our grades were high above average. I seemed to be
always the one in trouble, the innocent "goat" since I always had a. guilty
look. My friends would somehow see to it that I was in trouble. We had a.
spontaneous knack of knowing just what to do to annoy our teachers. Books
would slide off our desks one at a time with us assuming complete surprise,
creating a wonderful noise. I was always being sent out of the room with
Helen and ordered to stop giggU.ng. This we loved and howled even louder.
Our senior class was finally put on probation for our mischievous and fun
loving sense of humor. The la.st day of school, Harleth Wiley gave me a ball
and I · broke a window, since I could never throw a straight ball. ' · The esprit
de corps of our class came forth and with a collection taken up, we marched to
the country store and bought the glass and presented it to the principal who
was touched and pleased and not surprised!
I remember so vividly all the extravagantly produced plays. Each May we
had a very special play and I loved all the costumes and excitement and our
parents worked so hard and so willingly. I also remember the great square
dances that were held at Greenwood with dancers coming from miles away. It
was a real tradition. The school was an integral part of everyone in the
community besides providing such a good basic education, a quality that ceases
to exist. We didn't have all the frills and electives and equ:ipment, but we
0
knew 1
since
games
see t :
to go
publi
per so
at tj
Miss
books
and 1
Chri~
you
repo1
Cons!
they
marcl
righ
admi
woul·
knew how to read, write, spell and to do arithmetic and were taught to think
since we weren't distracted by so many diversions. We made our own fun and
games and were given a chance to use our own imaginations (maybe too much).
A school like Greenwood not only taught but built character and when I
see these huge schools, especially high schools, I realize how fortunate I was
to go to a country school and to be able to partici.pate in the debating tea.ms,
public speaking and other contests between the schools and to have such
personal attention from dedicated teachers.
~ Naturally we had our fun with some teachers making their life miserable
0
'I at times. I must not leave out my elementary teachers--Miss Lucy Moon and
a Miss Ruby Moon. \<!hnt great teachers and I' 11 always remember 11 Baby Ray 11
s books--my first reader.
My sister Ann Mann and her best friend Molly Marvin were full of giggles
:h and mischief. They '.rere caught singing in assembly t0 the tune of 11 0nward
Christian Soldiers, Onward Christian Soldiers, Marching down the sheets. When
Jn you get to the bottom, please don't tickle my feet!" They were promptly
11 reported 8S being sacrilegious and were then commanded to write the whole
it Constitution of the United States or to be suspended from school. I think
to they decided to be suspended. My mother for the first time in her life
rho marched up to the principal and told him that she believed the school was
right, but this time she thought the "tattle tale" should be punished,
we admitting it was a childish and silly thing for Ann and Molly to do but she
:mr would have punished them for tattling.
Thanks heavens I had a Greenwood School! are
It
the
Lses
: we
31
Cri
Gre
SoJ
Interview: Mr. Shield Critzer spe
of By Benjamin Sojka
Cri· March 1984
~1he 1 .. Benjamin Sojka: "Did you start first grade nt Greenwood School?" ·~·
Sojl
Mr. Critzer: I started in the f:i.rst grade in a little one room school known as you
the Razz Rea House, thnt' s been torn down now. I went to school there two Cri1
years." Sojl
Sojka: "That was your first school." Crit
Critzer: "Yes - in 1916." in f
Sojka: "Was that close to where Greenwood is now?" higl
Critzer: "Yes, it was on the same property that the school is on. ·It was \.ray fran
was over in the corner, right near the Toms' house. I went to school at least two
years and maybe three in what was called the school wagon." Sojk
Sojka: "What was the school wagon?" Crit
Critzer: "My uncle, A.C. Critzer who lived up the road, drove the school scho
wagon, which was a covered wagon pulled by two horses, "t-Tith benches up and Sojk
down the sides just like the old covered wagons that went out west." Crit
Sojka: "That was like a school bus." Sojk
Critzer: "Well, it was the same as a school bus. That was at least for two Crit
years. Then my uncle got an old Ford truck. He put canvas on that for a year Sojk
or two, and then he bought some sort of a wagon, I guess you might say, to put Crit
on this old truck. It had seats up and down." Sojk
Sojka: "Is that how you got to school by yourself?" the
Crit:
32
~
y
'0
)1
tld
wo
!ar
>Ut
_.., <!"
\.·
...
Critzer: "Oh no! The old school wagon picked up children from here to
Greenwood which is about four miles and a half."
Sojka: "Were 'you one of the first students to go to Greenwood?" (Benjamin is
speaking of Greenwood School as he knows it today, and Mr. Critzer is thinking
of the village of Greenwood.)
Critzer: "Oh no! The school was in operation when I went there. I don't know
't<Then it started." ~
Sojka: "So, the school that is there now, Greenwood, was there. But why did
you go to the smaller school?"
Critzer: "Well, that was the only school we had anywhere in the area."
Sojka: "That was before the big school was built?"
Critzer: "No, there was an intermediate school. While I was going to school
in this little one room building there was a large frame bujJding which was a
high school, located where the ball field is nmo,1. It was a large, great big
frame building. I was over there several years, and then the present school
was built and dedicated in 1923, wasn't it?" '!,.
Sojka: "Last year it was sixty-one years old."
Critzer: "Well, you can figure it back, but I think it was 1923 that the
school was dedicated. I graduated in that building in 1927."
Sojka: "Were your diplomas given out at the University?"
Critzer: "No. I got my diploma down here at the school."
Sojka: "How many years did you go to the school that's there now?"
Critzer: "Probably four years."
Sojka: "So, you were one of the first classes to graduate?"
Critzer: "Yes, that's right."
Sojka: "When you went to Greemvood were the elementary grades downstairs and
the high school upstairs?"
Critzer: "Yes, the seniors were upstairs."
33
Sojka: "Did you have the upstairs auditorium?"
Critzer: "Yes, we had a senior play, just like they do today, except on a
small scale. ' There were thirteen in my graduating class- six boys and seven
girls in 1927."
Sojka: "Was the auditorium partitioned off with a curtain or something?"
Critzer: "There was a curtain across the stage. The stage was about normal
height from the auditorium and that ~ms curtained off."
Sojka: "Did you have a class on the stage?"
Critzer: "I believe they did. Yes, I think they did, but there were at least
three or four classrooms off the side of the auditorium. Then they had roll
away doors on the back of the auditorium, and I think they had a class back
there."
Sojka: "Was there a class inside the auditorium?"
Critzer: "Not that I recall. It could have been."
Sojka: "Did you have a science l;~b?"
Critzer: "Yes, of its kind and for that day, yes. ¥7e had test tubes and
equipment. I still remember 'osmosis'!"
Sojka: "Was the library at that time in the principal's office?"
Critzer: "Yes."
Sojka: "I know you had running water, but did you have little potbellied
stoves in the hall?"
Critzer: "Not in the big new building. Over in the small building and in the
large frame building that was all they had. The new school had some type of
hot w;~ter heat."
Sojka: "Was Greenwood a normal sized county s~hool?"
Critzer: "Yes, there were eight hj_gh schools in the county at that time and
Greenwood was one of them."
SojkE
time!
Crit~
Sojk~
luncl
Crit:
Sojk.
Crit
Sojk
Crit
Sojk
Crit
the
Sojll
Crit
was
Sojl
Cri1
Sojl
Cri·
out
sho·
Soj
Cri
Soj
Cri
Rhc
pre
~
E
d
Sojka: "The store that is right next to the school - was that there at that
time?"
Critzer: "Oh, yes indeed."
Sojka: "Do you remember ladies coming in to make big kettles of soup for
lunch?"
Critzer: "No, not in my day that I recall."
Sojka: "Since you took your lunch to school did you eat in the classroom?"
Critzer: "No, we had recess and you could eat anywhere you wanted."
Sojka: "You could eat in the classroom or outside?"
Critzer: "I don't know what the others did, but I always ate ontside."
Sojka: "Did a truck come to dump coal down a chute to the furnace room?"
Critzer: "We had a man, I guess a janitor, who fired the furnace and cleaned
the building."
Sojka: "When Greenwood School was built was the frame building torn down?"
Critzer: "Yes. It wasn't located where this building is. The frame building
was about where the baseball field is."
Sojka: "'~;..Then you rode in the wagon to school, did any one ride a horse?"
Critzer: "Yes, several did."
Sojka: "How did you get water to the old one room SC'hool?"
Critzer: "They brought it in buckets from a spring. There were two outhouses
out back in the woods and a big coal pile next to the building. They li70uld
shovel it up and take it inside."
Sojka: "Did they always use coal?"
Critzer: "Yes, I think so -even in the little school."
Sojka: "Do you remember the names of the people in your graduating class?"
Critzer: "I can name only four or five of them. The ones I know were Dorothy
Rhoads, who died about two or three months ago, Eddie Elinger, who died
probably ten or fifteen years ago, Buck Yancey (that's Frank's brother), who
35
died four or five years ago, Rusell Wade, who is still living at Batesville,
Raleigh Mann, who is a Methodist Minister and I think is still living. Now
the girls - I named Dorothy Rhoads - were Algy Elinger, George's sister. I
believe she is still living. Then there was Velma Rogers, and I just can't
remember the rest of them, but there were thirteen of us.
Do you want to hear a little incident that is kind of funny? Well, we
used to sleigh ride on a steep hill that went down from the school to where
the Community Center is located now . One snowy day we were sleigh riding and
I looked dow~ in a little open place and I was about to go crazy because I ~aw
a twenty-five cent piece, a quarter. Well, you can imagine what a quarter was
fifty-five years ago! So, I loved peanuts and I went down to the store, Mr.
Gill's store, and you can imagine the peanuts that you ce_n get today for a
quarter in the hull. But I was just a little boy, and '\oJhat I _ wanted was just
a handful of p_eanuts - what you could have gotten for a penny then.
I was just a little chap. about so h:.g, and _I put the quarter on the
counter and said, 'Some peanuts, Mr. Gill.'
Well, he took the whole quarter and gave me a bag of peanuts about that
big around! And I didn't have a qua.rter. My quarter was gone! Well, you can
imagine I got a good peck of peanuts or more. This was 1918! I don't
remember what I did with them. I know I bought a whole lot of them home, but
I cried all afternoon because my quarter was gone!
We had a track team, a baseball team and a basketball team and we
competed with the other seven high schools."
Sojka: "Did you say football team?"
Critzer: "Oh no! 1-le didn 1 t know the shape of a football. l-TE~ had basketball,
baseball and track. I played on all three. I was captain of the baseball
team and we had a real team. We won an awful lot of games. \·le played
36
Scott
schoo
on th
hundr
what
place
broad
still
Sojka
I ::.:::::::s
B F1
"' r) p D
t
e
e
:d
tW
iS
r.
a
st
:he
:tat
c:an
n' t
but
we
all,
ball
.ayed
Scottsville, Crozet, Meriwether Lewis, Alberene, Earlysville and all those
schools.
Each year ' in the spring we had a county track meet down at the University
on the old Lambeth Field. All those eight schools would come in. We had the
hundred yard dash, two-twenty, four-forty, high jump, broad jump, relay and
what have you. Anyway, I went down to the track meet and won five fj_rst
places out of ten events. I won the hundred yard dash, the two-twenty, th~
broad jump and high jump and the relay. They gave me a gold shoe. I think I
still have it.
When I graduated in 1927 I went to Hampton-Sydney College."
Sojka: "Thank you, Mr. Critzer."
1927 Ball Team. Front row (1-r): Eddie Ellinger, Robert Black, Russell Wade, Buck Yancey and Shield Critzer. Standing (1-r): George Gill, Cecil Wade, Hunter Rogers, Sam Pugh, Raleigh Mann, Jack Apperson, and George Dunn, principal. Photo submitted by Shield Critzer.
37
---
38
Senior Class Play 1924 Back (1-r): Nellie Garwood, Lutie Williams, Charlie Haven, Wyant Wharton, Mary Bowen, Harry Black, Dorothy Forbes, Julie Shirley, Louise Coleman, Hans Vanderburg, Mary Yancey, Helen Rea. Front (l.r): Virginia Pugh, Dettie Cloud, Charles Young, Edith Pugh, Gerald Coville, Elizabeth Burton.
Anne Virginia Pugh Class Valedictorian 1924
Class of 1924. Back (r-1): Harry Black, Marie Lenington, Richard Yancey, Russell Young, Nellie Garwood, Aubrey Ferguson, Lutie Williams, "Miss Genie", Cornelia Lang, Gerald Coville, John Clayton, Mabel Brooks, Rex Alexander, and Yancey. 2nd row (1-r): Charles Young, Virginia Pugh; Dean Foster, Edna Clayton, Tommy Haven, Julia
Shirley, Frances Lapsley, Lillian Gill, Wyant Whorton, Edithe Pugh, Jean Baber, and John Veal. Front row (1-r): Bill Young, Lutie Burch, Elizabeth Burton, Helen Rea, Elbert Gill, Irene Lapsley, Charlie Haven, Mary Bowen, Dot Forbes, and Henry Henrichs. Photo submitted by Lutie Williams Garwood.
Augu
firs
rail
NcCu
and
conm
comrr
was
were
pen
garc
plun
thiE
schc
who
sel1
to c
I I ~
l 1
nt ira. ith
nt m b, ne »rby
R. Claude Graham
1928-1935
My wife, Burr Wolfe Graham, and I came to the Greenwood community in late
August 1928 and we left in mid-August 1935 . We lived with the Gill fanily the
first year, in a small apartment in the rear of the store building near the
railroad station for two years and j_n a six room house rented from Mr. Purcell
NcCue for four years.
We were received most graciously by the community folk. The graciousness
and the kindliness lasted throughout the seven years that we were in the
community. We often commented that we probably would never live in a
community that we liked as well as we liked Greenwood.
There was an active organization, Community League, in the community. It
was not a PTA. It did things for the community, the school included. There
were several people in the community who were skilled tradesmen. These
persons helped the school with problems "to.•hen they arose. For example, a
gardener would trim the planting around the school bujlding and carpenters,
plumbers and electricians were available in emergencies without pa~' · With all
this, I do not remember an instance of a local person attempting to tell the
school personnel how to run the school.
We were fortunate to have teachers who took pride in the school, teachers
who would share in solving mutual problems and teachers who were interested in
self-improvement. I cannot recall an instance of a teacher refusing to speak
to or work with another teacher.
39
The connnunity spirit and the faculty spirit combined contributed to a
good school ~pirit on the part of the pupils. The total of it all made
Greenwood a great place to live and work.
Senior Class of 1928-29. Front row (1-r): Alfred "Jack" Apperson, Annie Grinstead, Catherine Burch, R. Claude Graham, Nancy Apperson, Edith- Pugh, and Irene Claydon. Top row (1-r): Leslie Walton, Phyllis Graves, Massie Clayton, Lucille Burch, Grant Rogers, Bessie Young, and Mrs. R. Claude Graham. Photo submitted by Lady Boggs Walton.
The faculty of 1929 included (1st row, 1-r) Mr. & Mrs. R. Claude Graham, Leslie Hughes Walton, Dee Cloud, (2nd row, 1-r) Lillian Foster, Dorothy Pugh, Ruby Moon, and Lucy Moon.
sec
tat
an<
in
ha·
co·
we
pr
c1
lj
Phyllis Apperson Maphis
Class of 1937
(1927-1937)
I have many fond memoriP.s of Greenwood School. Hy first was in the
second grade (1927-28). This was my first year at Greenwood, NY mother having
taught me for the first grade. Mv teacher was Ruby Moon. I think she was the
best "start" in school tha t one could have. I always enjoyed going to school
and I know that my first teacher played an important role. Our annual plays,
in which we turned into crepe paper flowers, were directen by Miss Moon and a
happy time for all the young students.
J loved all of my teachers and I think Greenwood had some of the best. I
considered Virginia Hughes, "Porky" Smith and Elizabeth Sutherland friends as
well as teachers. I had the highest regard for Mr. Graham and Mr. Gale, my
principnls.
The highlight of my school years was the debates in which Frances
Timberlake and I brought honor to our school and our selves by winning the
class "C" championship. We were proud to bring the Literary Cup to Greenwood.
I won't overlook the fact that my happy adult life owes Greenwood a
little credit--I met my husband (of almost 43 years) there. George came to
Greenwood in the eighth grade; J was in the seventh. His sister, Caroline
Maphis, was a classmate and friend.
41
Report of Interview with Mr. Lewis Toms, Jr.
1927-1938
Ry Benjamin Sojka, Fourth Grader (1983-84)
Mr. Lewis Toms, Jr. was a student at Greenwood School from 1927 until he
graduated in 1938. But he lost a year and a half because of illness.
The buildinp, was finished in 1923. Half of the money was donated by
Randolph Ortman of the Blue Ridge F?.rm. He loaned the other half without
interest. The portion that was built Cit that time did not include the gym.
The gym wns started in 1938, the year Mr. Toms graduated. It was a WPA
project under the Roosevelt administration to give people work to do.
Since the gym was not there at that tim£! there was ;m <tuditorium
upstairs. The one room that made it up has now been split into two. At the
ti.me that Mr. Toms was going to Greenwood there wRs R weekly c:tssembly in the
nuditorium.
The library was the first grade and the lunch room was the second grade.
Third and f0urth grades were on down the hall. Fifth grade was across the
hall facing the road. The library was in the Sf!me room with the principal's
office. The principal's office is in this room now. Mr. Toms' favorite
teacher wc:ts Miss Virginia Hughes. Today she is Mrs. Grant Rogers of Yancey
Mills.
The school 1 s water supply was piped by a spring at the top of the
mountain. The spring was owned bv Mr. Purcell McCue •
..
the :
bowl
For
on a
Hall
abou
stru
il he
~ d by
thout
gym.
'!. WPA
orium
.t the
.n the
;rade.
s the
~pal's
rorite
rancey
f the
In the winter months a lady would come in and make a big pot of soup, for
the less fortunate children. The other children could pay a nickel and get a
bowl of soup to go with their brown bag lunch.
The sports activities consisted of basketball, volleyball and baseball.
For a few years in the winter months the sc.hool had a boxing team.
For graduation the commencement exercises and baccalaureate services were
on a Sunday night in the auditorium. The diplomas were given out at Cabell
Hall at the University by each school's principal.
Mr. Toms feels 'rery sad on the closing of Greenwood. "I'm real ly hurt
about it. I do not think the school should be closed. J think it is more
structurally sound than some of our more modern schools."
1\lbrmarlr Jubltr ~rqnnls HONOR CERTIFICATE
QUtis Ql:r:rtifi.rafr: ttf ltllttl}:t' /j lhiJ rln.~v /1/J.rr>n lo
% (;/ J - IDF ~ ·~~
j 6r n:;/-11"¥ ... ~·· .. jllrm~ i11 1/u
~ . r·r>JI(,.j / i11 .cf/A,.,mo,r/r< 'lb~u"/,_1f · ~ r~-: _:_ -7r JMn·~ k~L~
~r-y ~/ A
(lU.-J'f.~n,fj- lhr> //r>aJ- ry1 //J ~ q
/} ,..-:" .. -, ~ 9.- , ) ~~_;_z_ ___ L!_ __ 11 t·J~---
0 TEACHER
~J t' /} - ?fl . ___ ---- ~ ~'~ ·- SUPERVISOR
43
1930's
Louise Tharpe Burton
1934--1:)65
Two annual events at the Greenwood School were the May Day programs and
the Operettas. The May Day was held on the lawn in front of the auditorium
with music sounding from a loudspeaker for each grade's dance and the maypole
dance. The operettas were held in the auditorium and the stage was
beautifully decorated. The teachers were kept busy teaching their children a
dance and the songs in the operetta. There were costumes to be m?de and the
mothers helped the teachers ~vith them. I recall one operetta particularly
called "The Princess and the Frog." At that ttme, Dr. Robert Raynor, now
practicing at Afton, Virginia, was in my fifth grade and he was the Frog
because he had a good singing voice for the solo part.
\\"'hen we had the high school, He participated in the Albemarle County
choral contest at Cabell Hall. Each school chorus sang the same songs.
Virginia Hughes Rogers and myself directed and our school was pleased to be
chosen the winners when we sang "I' 11 Take You Home Aga:l.n, Kathleen" and "The
Bells of St. Mary ."
44
h.::
m)
Sc
pE
er
Wl
c:
St
Wl
wl
Cc
(I
Rc
George Ernest Maphis
Memories of Greenwood
Class of 1936
When my family moved to Albemarle County from Charlottesville in 1932 I
had misgivings about attending a small high school in the country. I remember
my first trip on the bus, from where we lived near Edgewood, to Greenwood High
School to begin the eighth grade. A short time after attending Greenwood, I
made friends with other students and found my teachers to be warm and
personable. At this point my original apprehensions were disspelled and I
entered ·a very happy time in my life.
I still think that Greenwood had some of the best teachers in the county.
When I look back on Greenwood, three teachers stand out in my thoughts--R.
Claude Graham, who was my history teacher as well as principal; Elizabeth
Sutherland, my english teacher and Plummer Jones, my math teacher.
Geraldine Fray Haney
Teacher 1936-1937
While at Greenwood I taught Latin Ii. After each Latin test which was
written on the board, I would put Finis. One day a Seventh Grader asked me
why I always left off my "h" on finish?
I taught with seven others who had trained at Harrisonburg Teachers
College,
(Durrer)
now James Madison University. These popular seven are: Bertha
Detamore, Belle (Dunn) Bing, Anne (Holsinger) Dunn, Mary (Lupton)
Robinson , Margaret Fowler, Louise Burton, and Bernice Critzer.
45
46
. ,.,._" ~' .; ;.~·:• .. ,• · ..
~ · .
Greenwood High School as landscaped by Mrs. W. R. Massie of Rose Hill. This photo was taken in the early 1930's.
Greenwood Faculty in the early 30's.
1903 marked the beginning of "Little Greenwood" which was a wbite frame dwelling located beyond the present playground ball diamond. After 1908 it was used for many educational purposes. It housed Special Education, Woodshop classes, Commercial classes. It was later used as a dwelling for the school caretaker. The building no longer stands. This is one of the classes that met in ''Little Greenwood."
WEDDING BELLS
If you want a husband, come to Greenwood and teach school. That's what happened in 1934. Three of us got married in June of that year. Louise Tharpe married Hunter Burton; Lucy Ann Dinwiddie married Edison Gann; and Virginia Hughes married Grant Rogers.
Virginia Rogers
: . ; .... ;...-·. \~.::; ~, :~:--; .. ~::. ·.·. "· . ;:.
%11
Farm Project 1938; note the men working on the new gym addition in the background.
The school faculty of 1934 consisted of (sitting 1-r) Lady Boggs, Katherine Smith, Virginia Hughes, Louise Tharpe, (standing 1-r) Plummer Jones, Elizabeth Sutherland, Lucy Dinwiddie, Ruby Moon Young, and Claude Graham. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Sutherland.
The Senior Class of 1932
I tau.P,ht in the Greenwood Hi p)1 School :from 1 931
throup:h 1937. It was the depth of the Depression. My
salary , as I recall was ~> 810 for 9 months.
Elizabeth Sutherland
47
Paul H. Cale
Memories of Greenwood School
1935-Nov . 1946
I came to the Albemarle County Public School System in September, 1931
and served through June 30, 1969. I began my principalship at Greenwood High
School in September, 1935 and continued until the end of November, 1946. The
eleven years plus at Greenwood were among the happiest of my thirty-eight
years' service in the county.
My first salary as principal of Greenwood High School was $1400 for nine
months. When I left I was being paid $3900 for twelve months. I have always
felt that the faculty and pupils at Greenwood were among the best anywhere.
There was an occasional exception, but very few. I was not only principal but
I also taught several classes each year. Until Ben F. Hurt joined us in 1940,
I was coach of the boys basketball team, the baseball team and for several
years I also coached the girls basketball team. These teams ususally had a
good win and loss record. In addition I sponsored the debate teams. One year
both our affirmative and negative teams won the state championship for class
III schools. I am sure this sounds like I am "blowing my own horn" but I can
truthfully say that our successes were largely due to the skills, enthusiasm,
determination and cooperation of the students.
After a few years we became very crowded. The upstairs of the building
consisted of an auditorium, a stage and a folding partition in the back of the
auditorium to close off a section for a classroom. There were three
classrooms adjacent to the auditorium which were used for high school
48
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classrooms. After a few years we had classes in the auditorium and an
elementary class on the stage separated only by the stage curtain. With the
help of the community, we petitioned the school board for relief. Ultimately
the county built an addition on the west side of the building, consisting of
two classrooms and a small gymnasium. Years later one of these . classrooms
became a cafeteria.
There was very close cooperation between the community and the school.
Mrs. William Massie and her daughter , Mrs. Ella Smith, were always in the
forefront leading many other parents in support of our program. As a faculty
our motto was three F's: "Be Fair, Be Firm, Be Friendly (not familiar)". We
operated on the fact that as teachers, "what you~ teaches some, what you do
teaches more but what you are teaches most."
Many of our graduates continued their education after graduation and did
well. A larger number settled in the community and in our county while others
moved away. If my memory serves me correctly, I have yet to hear of a
graduate of Greenwood bringing disgrace to this school.
Pupils and teachers from Greenwood have often moved into administrative
positions in education. It is always risky to mention individuals in such a
discussion for fear of leaving some out, but I will designate a few who come
to mind. Frank Critzer, a former pupil, was superintendent for years in our
state; Archie Robertson, former principal, became superintendent in Virginia;
R. Claude Graham, former principal , became Superintendent of Albemarle County
Schools, Leslie H. Walton, former teacher, became principal of Scottsville
High School and later served as superintendent of Albemarle County Schools;
and I had the privilege of being Superintendent of Albemarle County Schools.
Ben F. Hurt, former principal, was appointed principal of Albemarle High
School in 1954 and has performed so effectively that he is regarded as one of
the outstanding high school principals in the state of Virginia. Two
4g
'
graduates of Greenwood who are currently in administrative positions in the
county are Charles Witt, Principal of Crozet Elementary School and Harry Kent,
Principal of Brownsville Elementary School.
excellent job.
Both of whom are doing an
I think I can summarize my feelings concerning Greenwood by relating the
fact that when I was asked to become the Assistant Superintendent of Albemarle
County I declined the offer. I told the authorities at that time that I did
not want to lenve the pupils at Greenwood High School. Two weeks later the
Superintendent, Mr. Graham, urged me to accept his offer on ~ le.ave qf absence
basis. He said, I v7ill put Ben F. Hurt in as principal in your pl a,ee and if
you are not satisfied at the end of the year you can return and things will be
as they were. Before the year ended Mr. Graham had accepted the job of
Director of Research and Planning in the State Department of Education and I
was appointed Superintendent of Albemarle County Schools.
In conclusion, I want to pay tribute to the former pupils of Greenwood
High School who are now substantial citizens in our area. Many of whom are
leaders in civic organizations and churches, and in general making Albemarle
County a better place in which to live.
Paul Cale out on the playing field.
50
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Margaret McCue Washington
Class of 1938-1939
My first memory of the inside of Greenwood School was when I went with my
brother, Purcell McCue, his last day in the first grade. I remember how big
the room seemed and how important I felt sitting in a desk like the BIG
children. Later, as a student through high school I was always aware of being
lucky to attend a pretty school with high ceilings and big windows, room for a
child to breathe.
I have only happy memories of all the time I was at Greenwood School.
Though there was firm discipline, Mr. Claude Graham and Mr. Paul Cale were
i principals, there were large amounts of kindness and consideration. The
~ principal and teachers took a special interest in each child, as evidenced in
= their memories of indivjdual students years later: There was an esprit among
the students that has continued through the years--and makes them proud to say I I
\ I
they attended Greenwood.
Mr. Cale taught a Government class to seniors that was a college freshman
course. How lucky we were to have such an introduction to government and
world affairs.
The faculty, of course, were the athletic coaches and they truly enjoyed
sports. They had faculty games after school and they spent their own time
helping students become better athletes. It certainly wasn 1 t because Mr.
Graham didn 1 t try to teach me that I couldn 1 t jump more than a few inches
straight up!
51
Greenwood School was the center of community activities during my
childhood. Sometimes there were amateur productions directed by Miss Dorothy
Earp and later by Mrs. Harrison Waite. There were plays or variety shows, the
latter featured our dignified fathers dressed in "beach pajamas" doing the Can
Can. The teachers and parents staged a Fall carnival with a parade, games,
bake sales and a supper. In the Spri ng t here was an operetta with all of the
elementary children taking part. There was one unforgettable year when Mrs.
Ruby Young was my teacher and I was the spirit of the Redbud tree. Just at
the time the parents were to bring their children to dress for the program
there was a storm and a power failure. I remember riding around the dark
school with my Mother and Father saying, "There is no use in your going in,
there can't be a play without electricity . " I replied, "Mrs. Young said we
were to be here no matter what." Thanks to several fathers who held lanterns
to light the stage the show did go on! This was on the small stage when the
auditorium was upstairs.
Every year the Girl Scouts, who also had their meetings at the school,
painted pine cones and decorated a community Christmas tree on the lawn in
front of the main door. Members of the community and local choirs came and
sang carols on Christmas Eve .
52
Colonel William R. Washington and his future bride at VPI in 1940.
t
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k
e
s
e
n
d
Coach Virginia Rogers, far right, and her 1933 Girls Basketball Team. 1st row (1-r) Bertha Rea, Virginia Dowell, and Lavonia Burch. 2nd row (1-r) Louise Ellinger, Edna Kirby, and Elizabeth Skillman.
Faculty of the early 30's.
Class of 1940
53
54
During the early 1930's the land behind the school was leveled using WPA funds. Tennis courts were constructed near "Little Greenwood." A ball diamond was laid out just east of the courts. Along the eastern perimeter of the property basketball courts
· were constructed, which were later replaced by the construction of the gym in 1938-39.
The Ladies of Greenwood High prepare for Rally Day in 1939.
Batter up!
'
Strike!
Bench warming.
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Mrs
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Interview: Mrs. Leslie H. Walton
By: Benjamin Sojka
March 1984
Benjamin Sojka: "Where did you go to school?"
Mrs. Walton: "I went to Scottsville High School and before that I went to
Buckingham School. In elementary school I went to school four months of the
year. I attended a small college in West Virginia for one quarter, then
transferred to Farmville State Teacher's College in Farmville, Virginia."
Sojka: "When did you first teach at Greenwood?"
Walton: "The building was very different because we didn't have the gymnasium
or the cafeteria or the library. We had four rooms upstairs and four rooms
downstairs. There was an arrangement whereby two rooms upstairs had folding
doors and could be opened up together. This is where all the students would
gather when we did have them together.
At that time there were three teachers in the high school. One teacher
taught some seventh grade and some high school. They had the seventh grade
departmentalized just as the high school was.
Another thing that was quite different when I was there in the thirties
was that there was so many, many students in the classes. I think I had
sixty-three first graders, and most of the classes above that had over fifty.
We tried to do the best we could for them. During the 1933-1934 year we also
had WPA painters come in and paint our classrooms while we were all in there,
which made a very difficult situation. But, we survived, and some of those
first graders that year have become business leaders, teachers and very
important people in our society. I think perhaps because we had such a
55
dreadfully hard time in those days, which was in the depth of the Depression,
that we fought harder to make things happen that we wanted to happen. he]
One thing that is quite different in schools today is that we had no
supplies except what the teachers themselves bought. And with the very low
salaries we had it was quite difficult to buy any supplies; in particular for tee
so many students. But we had some plusses too. We had wonderful supervisors alJ
and all three years I was there in the thirties we had wonderful principals. slj
We had Mr. R. Claude Graham who went on to become the Superintendent of fo1
Albemarle County Schools and was later the assistant state superintendent of
schools. The last year I was there we had Mr. Paul Cale, who later became bar
Ruperintendent of Albemarle County Schools. ·.
One of the wonderful things that we had during those dark days of the anc
thirties was that the people of the community were perfectly wonderful. tin
Practically all of the time ~,.e had a blooming plant of some kind in every
classroom that came from the greenhouses of one of the wealthy families. That whj
was one of the little things that would brighten up the room, and it made us dif
think that they considered us important people. Also, the same people would ren
gather at the school and ask what they could do to help. yec
It's hard for anybody to understand today how very hard it was to get leE
enough clothes, enough food, enough of anything in those depression days.
But, those people would come and they furnished us with supplies. gn
Today you would hardly believe this happened because the health bej
department rules wouldn't allow it, but we had an old oil stove in the big sd
center hall, and on that stove in the mornings we cooked oatmeal. The cereal yec
for that came in great big burlap bags which I haven't seen since that time. to
I don't know if it would be sold that way at all today. We cooked oatmeal for SUl
the children who had not . had breakfast at home and at lunchtime we had soup. ei~
The federal government furnished money to pay some ladies who came in and up
56
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helped a little bit with that. Of course, all this was served right on the
desks in the classrooms.
In the classrooms there were not many attractive things. There was the
teacher's desk, some desks for the children, a blackboard and that was about
all the equipment that we had. There was no such thing as movie pr~jectors or
slide projectors. We didn't even have a Victrola. But, we were very
fortunate to have some teachers who were pretty good at leading children in
music. I wasn 1 t one of them. We combined first and second grades and had
bands and all kinds of singing groups and enjoyed it very much.
As bad as a lot of these things sound it was really a wonderful school
and it was one of the outstanding schools in the County of Albemarle at that
time.
Now going up to the time that I came back to Greenwood in the fifties,
which was not quite thirty years later, but almost, things were somewhat
different. At that time we still had lunch served in our own rooms. I don 1 t
remember what year the cafeteria came, but I don't believe it came until a
year or two later. At least a gymnasium had been built and we had many, many
less students in classes than we had in the thirties.
I am one of the few teachers in the county, I think, who taught every
grade from first grade through twelfth grade. In doing that I moved from
being a first grade teacher the first time I was at Greenwood to being a high
school teacher the last time I was there. I went back in the middle of the
year when Mr. Hurt lost one of his teachers because she was ill. I went back
to teach seventh grade and I think I had forty-two students. I'm not exactly
sure of the ages, but I think they varied in age from about twelve up to about
eighteen or nineteen. When those people were promoted to eighth grade I moved
up to eighth grade, and they following year when they moved up to ninth I
moved up to ninth grade with them. Some of those are my favorite students of
57
all because I knew them so well and had them for so long~ Of course, I didn't
teach them all of their classes in the eighth and ninth grades. I taught them
history and geography, and when they were seniors I had them in government
class. Sometimes I taught English in high school too. It was a wonderful
experience."
Sojka: "When you taught there the first time there were just eleven grades?"
Walton: "There were eleven grades both times. We didn't have twelve grades
until we moved to Albemarle."
Sojka: "I know that the boys played baseball and basketball. Did the girls
play anythin~ like that?"
Walton: "Yes they did. But I can't tell you much about what was going on when
I was a first grade teacher for the simple reason I had so many children to
look after I didn't know what went on in the upper grades!
I do know that Mr. Graham coached the girls basketball team, which was
one of the best in the county and usually won their games. He was a
four-letter man at Emory and Henry University and he was quite a good coach.
The boys had equally good teams, but I can't remember if he did all the
coaching or whether Mr. Jones helped him. Mr. Jones was the other man teacher
when I went there. Later on when Mr. Cale came he did some coaching. He had
as his helper Mr. Ikenberry. Greenwood always had outstanding athletic teams.
Back in those days we had what was called Rally Day. Rally Day was a big
athletic event held on what was then the athletic field at the University.
All the schools in the county participated and everybody in school could take
part in some game or other. They had games geared for first graders and all
the way up.
basketball
For people who were not athletic enough to be on baseball or
teams there were games of rolling balls or running games or
like that. Every student had an opportunity . to participate. something
Greenwood often won those Rally Days.
58
was t•
team,
there
Sojka
Walto:
could
very
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coach
that.
else .
howl
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Univ•
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I remember more about baseball when I was there in the fifties because I
was teaching in the high school and I was usually at the games. The baseball
team, I remember, was outstanding. Mr. Hurt was the . principal when I was
there in the fifties and he did a lot of coaching."
Sojka: "Were there bleachers around the ball field?"
Walton: "Yes, although they were very simple ones with boards and supports we
could sit on. As you face the school they were in the back left hand corner.
There was also girl's and boy ' s basketball, and there were a good many
very a-thletic people. We did have physical education. Each teacher was
responsible for some game. We did play volleyball in physical education
period, but ~•e didn't play other teams outside of school. I happened to have
coached volleyball and I remember that.
Mr. Hurt insisted on good, strong sportsmanship. He always stood for
that. He always believed that you didn't protest referee's calls or any thing
else. You accepted it. I can remember a great many times when we wonder~d
how he was able to control his feeU.ngs, but he has always been able to •"
Sojka: "When you were teaching high school did you have graduation at the
University and did they receive diplomas there?"
Walton: "Yes, they received diplomas there. That was started in the county
about 1928 or 1929 . They started holding graduation exercises for the whole
county together. The reason for that was that they could have an outstanding
speaker. They could have a better program because it was for a number of
people. Before, when they had graduation at the seven small high schools, it
was hard to have very much of a graduation ceremony when some of the schools
only graduated ten or twelve students each year. When they started having
graduation in Cabell Hall at the University it was a big improvement. Each
group marched in together and all the principals took part in the ceremony."
Sojka: "Did you have physical education teachers?"
59
Walton: "No, we had no phy.sical education teachers as such. The teachers of
other classes took the phys;lcal education period. Everybody in the high
school had physical education at the same time. We had staggered classes for
the little folks, as I remember. We had only outside playgrounds, so
sometimes the weather wasn't so that we could get out at all. But, in those
days the first, second and third grade teachers would combine and take their
children out at one time. You can see how many there were from the numbers we
have talked about. Then we would come back in and the rest of the elementary
children would go out. The high school had their physical education at a
different time.
One thing that has changed about Greenwood is that some area was added to
the playground. It wasn't nearly as large in the thirties as it was when I '
came back in the fifties. In the fifties we sometimes took the students over
to the Greenwood Community Center on bad days because there was room for us to
have various things, and they usually let us come and use that building."
·Sojka: "Was this during the fifties?"
Walton: "Yes. The Community Center was built between the two times I taught
at Greenwood. It was built as a memorial to the people who were in World War
II. It hadn't been built very many years when I was there. It was finished,
I think, in 1948 or 1949, but I don't remember exactly. I was there when it
Sojka: "Had the gym been built when you were at Greenwood in the fifties?"
Walton: "The gymnasium had been built before 'I went there in 1951. I think it
had been there some time before that. I'm not sure about that. One reason I
I'm not sure on this is .that I stopped teaching when I left Scottsville and
moved to this side of the county. My husband came to the Central Office and I
had not planned to go back to teaching. Had Mr. Hurt not lost that teacher in
the 1
hook
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the middle of the year, I suppose I wouldn't have. But, bnce I got back I was
hooked again, so I did stay on for a long time after that."
Sojka: "Why didn't you have physical education in the gym?"
Walton: "I believe it must have been because the regular teams were practicing
in there. If the boys were practicing we would take the girls over to the
Center and do folk dancing or something like that. We did divide the high
school groups up. When I say we had physical education at the same time I
mean the same period of time, but every teacher had a group doing different
things." \ ~
Sojka: "Was the one room school house still there when you went to teach at
Greenwood?"
Walton: "No, I don't even know where that was. Mr. Ortman had given some
money to the community as a gift to help build Greenwood. Mr. Mcintire gave
some money to help the county huild other schools. Those people back in those
days helped so much, but when you think today of what they gave it doesn't
seem like so much money. I don't know exactly how much money Mr. Ortman gave
to Greenwood, but I know Mr. Mcintire gave twenty-five thousand dollars to the
Scottsville School. That was a great deal of money in those days; and today
it wouldn't even build one classroom.
Greenwood is one of the prettiest county schools,
distressed that it will no longer be used.
and I feel very ~ .
When we go back and talk about the thirties, as depressing as that period
might seem to people today, there were many interesting things that happened •
Lady Astor and her sister, Mrs. Brand, came and spoke to my first grade class
several times and were so interested in us. They were most helpful in any way
that they could be. All the people of the Greenwood community were. When I
think about their willingness to come and help us, it made things a lot eas i er
than it might have been under the circumstances.
61 .
l
Lady Astor was the pe~son who helped dedicate the Community Center. She
also came for a visit to my high school classes. Then there were other
people, like Mr. C. Purcell McCue, Sr. , who came and spoke. He was the
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County at the time. He
spoke to my government classes on government in Albemarle County. There was
also a gentleman, Mr. Hugh Clark, who was connected with the school system and
was also very knowledgeable about government. He spoke to my classes, but was
very reluctant to do so because he had not had the opportunity to attend high
school. He knew so much about Albemarle County that we benefitted a great
deal by his visit."
Sojka: "In the thirties - was there an upstairs auditorium?"
Walton: "Yes. The first grade classroom that I had is now the library. Over
that room and the office were two rooms. As you went upstairs on the left end
of the big hall you came right to a door that turned to the left. That was
one of those rooms. Then you went down a little way and you were in the other
room. There was no hall there. You just went into that room. When we needed
to use it as an auditorium there were folding doors between the two rooms that
were opened up. When we had a special speaker, or something like that, the
doors were opened. There were two other classrooms up there. The sixth grade
was the one right over my first grade room.
In those days we did some fun things too. Mr. Shield Cri tzcr and a
number of other community people put on a musical and dance program that was
known as a minstrel show. They charged a little admission, and that helped
the school to have some things that we couldn't have had otherwise. They had
their dress rehearsal for the boys at Miller School. I helped with the
costumes for the minstrel show."
Sojlta: "Thank you, Mrs. Walton."
)
62
VOL. I,
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Greenwood Echoes VOL. I, No.1 GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, Greenwood, Va .. December, 1935 lOc a Capy
DEDICATION To Mr. R. Claude Graham, our very dear friend
and former principal, we dedicate this first issue of "Greenwood Echoes."
For seven years Mr. Graham was a teacher and principal of Greenwood High School. During that time Mr. Graham established many principJes which will never be forgotten. It was through his unerring efforts and his deep interest in the welfare of Greenwood that our school has grown to be what it is today.
We are proud that we have had Mr. Graham as a principal of Greenwood High School, and for him we wish the ~st that life can give.
The Basketball Season The basketball season ended this year as a disap
pointment to all. Neither of the teams succeeded in triumphing over the other county teams this year . The girls were especially unfortunate in losing the cup. However, the material for next year looks very promising and we are looking forward to seeing different results next year.
The scores for the games are as follows: GIRLS
Earlysville, 20; Greenwood, 13. Meriwether Lewis, 46; Greenwood, 6. Scottsville, 2l; Greenwood, 13. Crozet, 46; Greenwood, 16. Red Hill, 43; Greenwood, 8. Stony Point, 18; Greenwood, 16.
BOYS Earlysville, 37; Greenwood, 22 . Meriwether Lewis, 3.?; Greenwood, 10. Scottsville, 33; Greenwood, 23 . Crozet, 31; Greenwood , 11. Red Hill, 21 ; Greenwood , 15 . Stony Point, 22; Greenwood, 19.
Subscription Campaign For over two weeks Greenwood High School held a
subscription campaign for this paper. The contest was divided into two groups-the high school and grades, with each group competing within itself. A prize was given to the pupil in both groups getting the most subscriptions.
At th~ close of the contest £.1u1Jis Apperson rated first ph~ce with Julius Craig as second in the high school. I In the grades Theodosia Shirley won fir'st place.
Along with the subscription contest a campaign for · advertisements was held. Phyllis ~pp_enu:m_ won first place again with Julius Craig as second.
A . total of 1 23 subscriptions was obtained with about $100 in advertisements:.
CARNIVAL The annual school carnival was held November 16,
beginning at six o'clock. Although the rain held back many, a large crowd of patrons and friends attended .
The first event was a supper served by teachers and school girls. Food was furnished by the local community folk.
The next attraction was an interesting entertainment in the way of music, by a group including Mr. Chisholm.
Then came the main event of the evening, a one act play entitled , "The Teeth of the Gift Horse."
Our last attraction was a short minstrel directed by Mr. Harrison.
Added attractions were bingo, the faculty baby show and a popularity contest.
An approximate sum of $75.00 was cleared.
Physical Education Our physical education class natut;;~lly falls intn
two groups. The first group consists of all girls in the high school not interested in basketball. The second group consists of all boys in the high school not interested in the same sport.
Shortly after school opened, each group was orga.tized into teams. The girls are divided into four teams with about ten on each team. Team A, the " Ambitious Alligators", is led by Bertha Kirby. Team B, the "Bears", is led by Edyth Kirby. Team C, the "Champions", is led by Eleanor Anderson. Team D, the "Dangerous Ducks," is led by Irene Clayton .
The boys are divided into two teams with about ten on each team. Team A chose James Garwood as captain , and team B, Eugene Black as captain.
The athletic equipment consists of two volley balls, two nets, two play ground balls with several bats, a football and a ball used for dodge ball.
The two classes meet every day for a half h~u~, just before lunch. During this period the teams ih each class engage in the various games with Miss Smith directing the girls, and Mr. Ikenberry directing the boys.
ENROLLMENT This year Greenwood has a total enrollment of 346
pupils. The enrollment by grades: First Grade, 50; Second Grade, 55; Third Grade, 38; Fourth Grade, 33 ; Fifth Grade, 30: Sixth Grade, 34; Seventh Grade, 33; Eighth Grade, 34; Ninth Grade, 18; Tenth Grade, 10; Eleventh Grade, 11. 63
Remembering
By James Clifton Garwood
Class of 1938
I started in school at Greenwood in 1930, in the fourth grade. My
mother, who was self taught, had taught me the rudimentary ABC's and numbers
and how to read and write so that after going to the old Blue Ridge School in
Nelson County a couple of years, I was able to go on to fourth grade when we
moved to Albemarle.
Not much of the early years stands out vj_vidly. I do . remember some
teachers' names: Ruby Young, Louise Tharpe (Burton), and of course, Lillian
Foster, a well known and respected fixture for many years. Later in early
high school there was Virginia Hughes, Kathryn Smith and Miss Sutherland.
Paul Cale replaced R. Claude Graham as principal. Plummer F. Jones taught
chemistry and math as did John W. Ikenberry, whose sister Ruth, taught with my
wife in Fairfax County years later.
There was a fellow named Gates who came in weekly, I think to teach
music. He used to lead the assembled classes in a sort of cheerleading song
that he had adapted from
Skinner-Ma-Rink-A-Dink-A-Dink.
some folk rhyme. It
Skinner-Ma-Rink-A-Doo.
went something like:
Greenwood we love you.
We love you in the morning, and we love you in the evening when the stars are
shining bright. Skinner-Ma-Rink-A-etc. etc. I seem to remember that Gates
died of ptomaine poisoning from a can of potted meat, quite unconnected with
the song, but it doesn't take much imagination to recall the parodies or the
words some of us boys used to sing.
64
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Junior Toms was a real strong presence and influence in my life.
Immensely popular, he had a sense of prankish humor. Being somewhat younger,
I looked up to him and loved to buddy around with him, mainly I'm sure,
because there was a car in his family. (He later had a Model A, but the
family car was a 35 Chevrolet.) He always seemed to be able to rustle up
scarce money for gas and refreshments, both of which was pretty cheap in 1938
(when I graduated). The gas was generally ESSO, the refreshments you can
guess.
I' 11 never forget one time not too long before graduation, the senior
class was in a study period on the second floor which had a stage and could be
partitioned off. At any rate, we were all up there: Junior, Frances Mann,
Helen Mensing, Harleth Wiley, Tom Wyant and others (who pray should forgive ~y
memory), when Junior decides to put on some entertainment. He had gotten hold
of a girl's lower basketball garment, not shorts, more like old "bloomers" and
he proceeded to pull them on, up over his britches and cavorted around before
the class with predictable and loudly hilarious results. Well, somebody
warned him that Mr. Cale might come up the back stairs at any moment. But,
Junior said not to worry because Mr. Cale always clears his throat approaching
the top landing. Well, this time Mr. Cale didn't run true to form, at least
not audibly, and Junior might as well have been caught with his pants down
when Paul popped onto that scene.
But Paul Cale was never the strict disciplinarian that R, Claude Graham
was, so the prankster was probably made to feel more shame than pain by the
time the punishment was meted out. I don't remember.
Any way, looking back, it would be hard to say frankly whether those were
the best or happiest years of my life. But, then again, what else.
With fondest regards to all of those from that, old school, among us now.
65
Anne (Holsinger) Dunn
1938 to 1971
Nestled in the valley below the Blue Ridge Mountains is the little
community of Greenwood where I taught school for thirty-three years.
I had heard stories, native to East Virginia people, such as (tote the
water, carry the children to school, stop up the chickens and drive the hoss
to pasture) which always amused me. Although my family teased me, I never
acquired these expressions but soon became accustomed to these localisms.
I chose to live in the community while teaching there so I have quite a
few memories of these years.
Greenwood was a nice community to teach and I found the patrons very
cooperative and interested in their work. Several years of my teaching there,
I visited each home of the children represented in my room. One year I
visited more than forty homes. These visits were made after school hours and
some were quite a distance from the school. This seemed such a worth while
project as it helped us to know and understand the children better and also it
gave teachers a chance to get together, as we usually shared rides.
The first 10 years of my teaching at Greenwood was done in the second
grade. The first grade teacher, (who was Miss McLaughlin at that time) and I
worked closely together and we had a few unusual experiences which we
i reminisce on occasions.
One day when our principal (Mr. Paul Cale) was called away from school, a
snake crawled into the girls' restroom. A little second grade girl, thinking
it was a belt, attempted to pick it up and was bitten on her wrist. The high
i
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school boys killed the snake and Miss McLaughlin and I 'took the little girl to
the Crozet doctor in my two-passenger Dodge. That night I got a .call from my
principal saying that the child was in the UVA Hospital quite ill and "Where ••
is the snake?" The snake was found and it turned out to be a copperhead. The
little girl recovered and she too, still remembers the experience ..
Another experience which stands out in my mind also happened when our
principal was called away from school. One of my second grade boys broke his
arm. We were told to take the boy to the clinic at UVA Hospital. So Miss
McLaughlin and I started to the Hospital in my two-passenger Dodge. Imagine
two green horns trying to find the clinic at UVA Hospital today. Well, we got
him through the clinic and started to his home which was far up the ridge.
The boy was too sick to walk so Miss McLaughlin and I picked him up and made
our way to his home .
There is a jovial side to one of the stories which my family and friends
used to tease me. I often wore a black dress or suit to school as black was
one of my favorite colors. One day a little first grade boy (trying to pay me
a compliment) said, "Miss Holsinger, when you wear black, you look just like a
witch."
Maybe that sort of fixed my love for wearing black.
Boys basketbaU team 1938-39.
67
Elizabeth Turner Hobbs
Class of 1938
I, Elizabeth Massie Turner, graduated from Greenwood High School in 1938
along with 12 other young people. Mr. R. Claude Graham was principal when I
first entered and then when he became Superintendent, Mr. Paul Cale was
Principal.
In the early school years, which were depression years, many children
would come to school hungry. I distinctly remember a group of mothers got
together and prepared vegetable soup and hot cocoa on alternate days. Ones
who could, paid a nickel and it was delicious (the soup). It was all fixed
right there in the front hall on an oil stove. There was no cafeteria, of
course, so on good days we ate outside, on the grass or on the curb. On rainy
days we sat at our desks.
I also remember we had no gymnasium (all sports were outside) so you can
imagine the level of noise inside on rainy days with hundreds of restless
bodies. Discipline was strict. \<1e expected it and behaved ourselves and the
only time I remember being sent to the principal's office was for reading my
English book i? history class. I was so humiliated, I wet my pants.
In the eighth grade in Latin Class, under Miss Geraldine Fray, it was so
tempting to be mischievous. Ginger snaps were passed around at one time and
every time someone took a bite, the noise was so audible, she would jerk her
head up and stare. We did not keep that up long, too strenuous.
Going back to the grade school days--3rd, 4th, and 5th grade eras--every
spring time was a big production of a play in which every child was included.
68
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It was a marvelous gathering of the families and everyone took such pride in
the participants. Mrs. Ruby Moon Young was mostly responsible.
As teenagers, 13 and 14, we tried to be very smart and thought we would
play bridge dmm behind a clump of weeds way over in the NE corner of the
school yard. Someone tattled on us and our cards were confiscated. Such
indignation!
Rally Day every s pring was another event we all looked forward to. We
played games and relay s at L<'!mbeth Field at the University and we were all
bused down for the day. There was competition with the other high schools in
the County. Pre-runner of phy sical fitness and what a bunch of tired,
sunburned, but happy kids that night.
Girl's Basketball Team 1938-1939
1st row: Margaret Woodson. 2nd row: Helen Bailes, Peggy Foster, Mary Virginia Tomlin, Jack Shirley, and Bertha Collins. 3rd row: Margaret McCue, Louise Grasty , Dorothy McQuenn, and Katie Barksdale. Photo submitted by Mrs. Geraldine Haney who coached the team.
69
I REMEMBER
By
Bertha Durrer Detamore
I remember my five years (1937-1942) at Greenwood High School as being
very special in my teaching career. While there I matured as a teacher of
young children through the wonderful help of my principal, Mr. Paul Cale, and
all of my co-workers.
I remember my large first grade classes there. Those classes averaged in
the forties and fifties. The great interest and good behavior of my students
highlighted these years.
I remember the operettas produced by the elementary grades, my first
grade Rhythm Band, my helping with the High School Chorus, and even the
building of an addition right on the end of my room. I can almost hear the
drilling and pounding even after all these years.
I remember living in the Gr~enwood Community and attending church and
activities there. How could I ever forget a sleigh riding party one night
which resulted in a banged up knee for me!
We had many happy experiences boarding together. When there were seven
or eight of us boarding at the McCues we would sometimes have . a game or two of
"set back" right after dinner. But, then, it was "back to work" again (daily
70
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And I remember the many influential people in the community who did so
many things to help make Gr.eenwood an outstandin~ school •
Those five years were happy days for me! I am glad I had the opportunity
and privilege to have been there.
I have taught many years and at several different schools but Greenwood
will always be "special" and evoke many fond memories .
'·
Greenwood School's Rhythm Band of 1941-42.
Bertha Detamore's first grade class of 1939-40. Her classes averaged between 40 and 50 pupils; this class totaled 43 .
71
(3~EE~ft'()()() f£11()Ei GREtNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
GREENWOOD. VIRGINiA I . ......... . ... . . . .. . .... .. ..... . . ........ . .... . ... . •••• • ••• •••• •••••• • • • . . . ........ . ...... . ... .. ............. ... . . ............. .. u ••••••• • • • • • •••• • •• • •• • . •• • • • • •• •• •• •••••• •••••• •••••• • .• • • • •••••• ··· · · · · ··-········. •• • •• •••• • •••••• •• ••• ••• • • • • •
November 1942 ··-· · ·· · ·· · "''" ' ' ' ' '''' '''' ' '''' ' ' '' ''''' ............................ ................... .. .. ...................... ........ "'················-···· ····· ···-····································· ··············· ········ ············· ···· ·· ··· ··············
L I T E R A R Y P A G E November 1942
United States of America November 10, 1942
Dear Adolf,
By now you must know we are fighting for something, but not what .you think we are fighting for. We're not fighting for world conquest--we're not fighting for more weaJth to our own country--we're not fighting to whip your storm troopers--
We're fighting for the ideals of the little people of the world. We're not just fighting to win the war but to preserve the freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion and the pursuit of happiness. We're fighting so Joe and Emma can raise all the chickens they want; so that George can work in the factory all day and come home at night to a good meal and read the newspaper about his son who is the captain of the high school's football team and about what the President is doing; that Jimmy and Jane can go to see Mickey Rooney on the screen at their favorite theatre.
We don't ask for much. All we want is a good steady job to work at--A wife and children to take care of--A good home where a fellow can live in peace and quiet to be left alone, because he will mind his own business if the next fellow leaves him alone. We want friendly neighbors. A neghbor isn't just the person who lives next door to you who borrows sugar from you, he's your
neighbor whether he lives far or near, no matter what race or nationality he is.
Our forefathers thought this country worth fighting for, so they fought for it. Some of them· lived to gain fame and some were killed. They didn't fight because they thought they would get a medal--They fought because they thought this country was worth preserving so that their children arid their children's children might enjoy the freedoms they themselves so desired.
Yes, some of them· died, but not in vain. We have those freedoms. This country has been a haven for millions of peoples who have been oppressed and tortured by your kind of government. Ask them what they thinkof your so-called "New Order"!
It has been said that democracies are weak, that your kind of government is all powerful, that your race is destined to rule. Has it been proven? No! It has also been said that we democrats are slow--that the dictator governments are masters of speed. Yes, you've broken all records and set a new one, because no one has ever seen the speed with which your soldiers are retreating in Egypt.
So we're weak are we? What about the Marines at Guam and Wake Island? At Guadalcanal? No, Adolf, it hasn' t been proven and it never will be.
By John W. Page
As Ever Yours, Sam
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(31<fE~W()()() ICI1()fi GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
GREENWOOD. VI RGINlA . . .... . . .... . .... . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . ... . . ... . . . . ........ 40 ............. ..... . . ..... . ...... .. . . . . .... . . .. .. . .. . .... . . ...... . . . ......... . ... . ..... .... .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . ....... .. .... .. ... . . . . . . · · · · ·· · ·--· ····· · · ·· • •• •• ••• • •• • • • •• •• • • • • • •• •• • •
December 1942-January 1943 -·-······························ .. ········ ........ .. ...... ········· ··· · ................. .... ...................... ........... .... ......................... .... .......... ....... .. .................................. ............. ............. ........... ..
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT WILL BE CLOSING FEATURE
The closing feature of school before the Christmas holidays, which begins December 23, 1942 at 4:30 and ends on January 4, at 10:00 A.M. will be the annual Christmas Program.
A Pageant, "Christ is Born" will be presented by the high school. Those having the leading parts are Deane Wade as the Madonna , Alfred Dollens as Joseph and Ann Wiley as the reader.
Each of the grades will also be represented in the program.
The program will begin at 3:30 and will last one hour. All parents are invited to attend.
Through this year's program, we will try to leave with the audience the true Christmas spirit.
NEWS FROM MR. HURT January 1943
During the past week two letters have been received at Greenwood from Mr. Hurt, our former teacher, who is now in North Africa.
From his letters he has seen a great deal of action. He said rains and mud there are plentiful, and perhaps prevent the allies from progressing as they would otherwise.
It may be of special interest to some that on his trip from Ireland to Africa he met a Baber boy from Batesville, who must have been Elmo Baber.
He said he is looking forward to the time when. he can get back to Greenwood to see his friends.
L I T E R A R Y P A G E Jan. 1943
IF WE COULD ONLY GET LICENSES TO DRIVE OUR TONGUES
When you stop and think of the comparison between an automobile and the human tongue, we find they are very similar.
Both, if handled with care, are very precious objects, and we can think of the many benefits derived from them, but the real good derived is found in the driver himself. We often find we're getting both in tight scrapes. Carelessness, in the case of the automobile, and thoughtlessness in the case wHh the tongue is the hardest to control.
With some, they wish no better than to converse with a friend. To me, personally, if deprived the use of the tongue I would be as a ship without a sail; although I am often guilty of running my tongue in a side ditch and most commonly too fast. We can think of many such instances when our tongues have caused much trouble.
We must learn to drive our tongues wisely if we wish to make advancement in this world, since every day we are putting our -tongues to tests, and as with the car, the more we drive it the better. So the more we use our tongues to advantage, the more pleasant are our speeches for others to hear.
Many times we speak our thoughts without having one second's thought, and many times were are regretful.
The tongue if used to an advantage, is one of our greatest assets, but if misused, can prove our worst liability.
Nancy Shepherd Tenth Grade
73
Annie Mae Butler Wade's
Memories of Greenwood
1942-1947
Many memories come to mind when I think back to my five years at
Greenwood High School. This was my first teaching assignment and I did not
know the teachers and was not familiar with the Greenwood Community.
I remember meeting many fine students and teachers many of whom have been
friends since , that time. Some of the teachers I will always associate with
Greenwood are Mrs. Ruby Young, Mrs. Louise Burton, Miss Genie Shirley, Mrs.
Belle Dunn Bing and Mrs. Anne Holsinger Dunn. The advice and expertise of
these and other teachers and Mr. Paul Gale, who was principal, have meant a
great deal to me in my years of teaching .
The community and school (teachers and students) worked very closely to
promote a school with high ideals and a good education for the students. Many
speakers, assemblies, clubs, student programs and sports events were provided
to enhance the academic curriculum. Patriotism was very evident with a
"Victory Corps," the sale of war bonds and stamps and paper drives just to
mention a few of the many activities.
I remember sponsoring a singing club, a knitting club, a folk dancing
club, organizing junior and senior picnics and parties, helping with senior
plays, and the yearbook, coaching basketball with one county championship
team, playing basketball games with teachers against former students and the
list could go on and on.
74
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(JI<fE~W()()() I£11()Ei GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
GREENWOOD. VI RGINlA .................................................. .... .................. ............... ............................................................................................
November 1943 ··- ···-·- ........ ...... ................... ····-···· ······· ··· ·· ······· · ............... .. .................................. .......... ............... ... ···· ·············· ......................... .. ......... ........ ............................... .. ... .
L I T E R A R Y P A G E
Dear Jim,
Batesville, Virginia November 8, 1943
As the first day of November rolled in, I started thinking of how much we have to be thankful for. It hardly seemed possible that my best pal would be over in the Pacific fighting Japs this tinie last year. Instead, I dreamed of your being here for the usual holiday and the turkey an~ the gravy with the fixins!
There are so many things I could name we have to be thankful for that I hardly know where to begin. Well I do know that I'm thankful to be able to sit down and write you this letter, knowing that it will reach you safely some day. I'm thankful to know that though there is a great war going on, our service men will get all the turkey and gravy with fixins they want, even though they are thousands of miles away in theaters of war. They will get their Thanksgiving letters from their folks, wives and sweethearts. I'm thankful that this country is "the land of the free and the home of the brave", I'm thankfu l that the people of this great country have their freedom and realize it and are brave enough to fight and die for it. I'm thankful for the fact that the people of America have learned to work together for their common cause and to go forth with their great task in spite of all difficulties.
Labor has the right to choose its own working capacity. If a man is dissatisfied with his work or pay , he may either quit or strike for better hours and wages.
The working man in America has many prospective agencies to help him throughout life. We are certainly all thankful for that. There are labor unions, life and accident insurance policies , social securities , old age pens i ons and many others. These are a comfort to every working man and promote his prosperity.
Above all, I'm thankful that thi s country is so based on the foundation of freedom and liberty that the people still carry on with the usual ceremony and celebration of Thanksgiving Day, because it means so much to them--even in time of war. A Thanksgiving Day has been set aside as a holiday because the people of today feel that it is an ample time to thank God fo r his goodness in maki ng possible a good harvest as did the Pi lgrims centuries ago. We're going to keep it that way.
May your harvest of Japs be plentiful and your stomach . full of good old American turkey!
Affectionately yours, Joe ,
P.S. Don't forget the "fixin's".
By John Page
~
"Wise people know good manners in The h ome pay steady dividends, So they work just as hard to win Their families as they do their friends."
75
(JI<fl~ff()()() l£11()li GREENWOOD . HIGH SCHOOL
···-············································· ···················· ...... G-~-~-~-NY.!..9.9 .. P ...... Y. . .!..~§ .I _N.~-~·-·· · · · ······· · ········ · · ... ·····-·········· ··············-······ ······-· 1943/1944
··- ····· ··································· ........................... .................... ................. .... .. .. ................. ... ......... _ ... . ... . ···· ···· ·········· ····························· ··· ······················· ···
MR. HENRY CHILES SPEAKS TO THE STUDENT BODY
December . l943
A talk was given by Mr. Henry Chiles to the students of Greenwood, on December 1st, in which he pointed out why we should be honest and truthful.
' He used an illustration of a king who was very rich, but he was still unhappy. He was told to wear the shirt of an honest man, and he would . become happy. When the honest man was brought to the king he was not wearing a shirt because he had given it to someone who needed it more than he did. This proved that the man was very honest.
He also said to help your friends in any way you could. You are made happy by rendering help rather than receiv;d.ng it, I think the students were/ benefitted by his speech.
NEWS FROM MR. HURT April 1944
During the past week, Mr. Cale received a letter from Mr. Hurt, our former teacher, who is now in Tunisia.
He says the valley which he is in is simply beautiful and he is stocking up many experiences which he plans to relate when he makes his return to Greenwood.
76
L I T E R A R Y P A G E April 1944
SUCCESS
Success is speaking words of praise,
In cheering other people's ways;
In doing just the best you can,
With every task and every plan.
It's silence when your speech would hurt,
Politeness when your neighbor's curt;
It's deafness when the scandal flows,
And sympathy with other's woes.
It's loyalty when duty calls,
It's courage when disaster falls;
It's patience when the hours are long,
It' s found in laughter and in song,
It's in the silent time of prayer,
In happiness and in despair;
In all of life and nothing less;
We find the thing we call success.
Joanne Witt Eighth Grade
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MEMORIES
By
Addie Gentry Milton
As I crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains in the spring of 1942 I was sure I
was making the right decision corning to Albemarle County to teach. The wild
roses and honeysuckle were in bloom. The country side was a picture.
I was_ having my final interview with Mr. Graham, the superintendent and
my first with Mr. Gale, the principal of Greenwood School, as I was graduating
from Madison College in June. It was pointed out to me that day by Mr. Gale,
that he expected my first grade class to be well disciplined.
Later that summer I carne to Crozet by bus and was met by Mr. Gale and
daughter Suzanne at the drug store. Suzanne announced that her mother had
gone to the hospital that day to get a baby brother. I felt I should return
on the next bus but Mr. Gale took me on the Greenwood. After seeing the
school, "the Country Store", blacksmith shop and garage, I asked to see the
town, but was informed "this was it."
vle went over to the Purcell McCues and made arrangements for room and
board as that was where "teachers roomed and boarded."
Dad and Mother bought me the first of September to McCues. They took me
to the Post Office at the railroad station, as I knew that was so far away
that I would never get stamps again.
As I entered the Post Office a grey bearded gentleman took one look at me
and remarked loud enough for me to hear, "Look, there goes one of those new
d school teachers." He was the railroad agent Mr. Justice, whom I later
learned to know as a "fine gentleman."
77
Pre-school conference consisted of one day. Purcell McCue, Jr. and I
went to Mcintire School auditorium for this occasion. Purcell was going to
teach but his career was interrupted that year by a call from Uncle Sam.
Bourne Wayland filled the year out.
Mother and I had labored over a navy blue crepe dress with lots of tucks
which I wore with a red hat for this one day conference at Mcintire School.
This was the appropriate dress for the occasion. As strange as it may seem
now, I fitted in with the rest of my appearance.
By the time I lived through the first day of school and "all those
children" I wondered many times if I still had not been better off in Monterey
raising chickens. A chicken farm had been my ambition when I was told I had
to go to college by my parents.
My enrollment during my Greenwood teaching years from 1942-1955 was in
the 40's. Perhaps in the last years I was at Greenwood the upper 30's. I had
52 in my class one year and 48 on another occasion.
I regret that I did not keep a permanent copy of each year's enrollment,
also a dairy. I know the diary would have made a "best sellers" list.
Teaching then was so different than it was in the latter part of my 35
years as a teacher.
We only had one record player (Victrola) for the entire school and a box
of records where you signed up to use them. Easy books were not in abundant
supply as now. The floors were oiled and reoiled during the year. We had a
part time librarian.
The principal taught and coached.
Teachers had lots of extra duties--bus duty, plays, suppers, May Days and
P.T.A. programs. P.T.A. meetings were such a bore to me through the years.
High school students would help the primary teachers at times because of
our heavy te~ching load.
78
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35
box
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of
We did not have any physical education teachers. It was such a pleasure
playing with the children; also it was a time you gave special help to certain
children. The children could play unsupervised. I feel some real leadership
developed that has carried over to these children's later years. Fights were
rare but when one did develop, it got a lot of attention.
Out of those years we produced outstanding leaders, professional
individuals and genuine citizens for our country. Oh yes a few (very few)
fell by the way side.
Teachers' pay then, as is now, was on the low scale. Once we got either
a $4.00 or $4.50 raise for the year. We all joked among ourselves as to what
some did to get a 50¢ yearly raise more than another.
I have carried in my mind the memory of the first afternoon I came in
from teaching so vividly. Mr. McCue and Purcell, Jr. were going to see Mr.
Henry Chiles over near Batesville in their "Model T" or "Model A" .truck with
no top. Mr. McCue asked "Little Mac", as he always called me this (McLaughlin
was my maiden name), if I wished to ride along. What a thrill that was! Mr.
Chiles gave me some beautiful red apples.
Apples for the teacher was a daily routine by the children. I always had
a bag full each day.
Mrs. McCue was a marvelous cook. Her Sally Lunn was one of my favorites.
She roomed and boarded six teachers that year -- one bath and almost too much
II "shop.
A teacher's life was an open book with the 24 hour manned air plane
spotter's station (war time) in the corner where the post office is now. All
traffic
community.
visitors and night time hours was a known event to the
The children were so respectful of the teachers and to this day I feel
close to these grown men and women whose grandchildren I have also taught.
79
With my first pay check I bought a jar of olives, not the gallon I had
always promised myself if I ever had a paycheck; also a second hand bicycle.
I rode my bike and visited the country side. The people in Greenwood were so
genuine and so great. The parents respected us as teachers and were so
cooperative. If a child got disciplined at school, he could expect the same
when he got home.
Dr. Gifford (dean at Madison College) advised me before my trip for my
·interview in Albemarle to sign the contra.ct if offered. He said Greenwood was
considered "Top" and it was.
I have not named any pupils, community folks or teachers by name as I
could not ·do justice to all the "GREATS" that I had the pleasure of working
with and knowing.
To this day I am grateful for the genuine friendship and devotion shown
to me then (1942-1955) and through the years by folks in the Greenwood School
area.
:\ inth grade class of 19-' l.
80
To symbolize their having reached the top, it was customary for the senior class to climb to the roof of the school on their last day. Seen here is Eleanor deBalbian in 1943. Trips to the top of the school were not uncommon for the original flag pole was to be found on top. This, of course, required someone to climb the ladder, located on the second floor, to the roof daily.
Alber the Wedn1 subj1
imp01 to 1 were : publ: and ' cert< becat qual : care• that the spel: cant• havit
Grah< a gn
SUCCI
the four $848 over peri·
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f31<1E~W()()I) ICI1()fi GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
GREENWOOD. VI RGINlA •• •- • • •·•• ••• • • •• •• • oo••• •• •••oo•o•n•• •••• • • • • • • • • • ••••••• •• • • •••••••·••· • •••• • •• • •• •••• • •••••· • •oonoou .. • • •••••oooo ooo•••• • · • • •••• ••hooooooU• •• • • •• •• • • ••• •• OOo••• •• • •••• · ••• ••••• · • •·• • • • •••• • •• • • ••·• ••-•• •·•••••• · OO••• ••• · •• • ••• • • •••• •• • • • •••
1944 . , -. ,,. , ••••• •••o • o.•••• •• •• • ••• • •• •••• • • • • • • • • •••••••• ••• •• • •••· · ••• ·• • ·••U•• • •• • · •••• •· ·· · ••• •••••• · • • • •• •· ·• •·• ••••••• •• •••·•••• •oooo .. oH•••• •• •• · · •• •• ••• • •• • ••• ·• • ••••·•·••••• •· o.••···•• •••••••••• • •••• • ••• •• ••••u•• •• •·• · ·•· · • •• ••••• ·•• • • •
HR. GRAHAM SPEAKS TO STUDENT BODY
January 1944
Mr. Graham, Superintendent of Albemarle public schools, spoke to the student body of Greenwood, Wednesday the 5th of January. His subject was, "Personal Qualities."
The talk was centered around six important qualities necessary for one to hav~ a successful life. They were: ambition, loyalty, respect for public property, politeness, honesty and ' doing work well. His talk certainly concerned all the students because everyone needs all six of the qualities to have a successful career. So interesting was his talk that the whole student body, even in the lowest grades, seemed spell-bound. They enjoyed both the contents of the talk and the honor of having him visit the school.
We always enjoy seeing Mr. Graham, and his talk will ever remaj_n a great inspiration.
TWO MORE WEEKS TO PAY FOR OUR JEEP April 1944
The Victory Corps has been quite successful in the war stamp drive for the jeep we are planning to buy. In four weeks, we collected a total of $848. 15. We are hoping to go way over our $900 goal in the six week period.
The Victory Corps was also very successful in collecting coat hangers for the Red Cross. In two weeks we collected 288 hangers.
We have been singing patriotic
songs, written to familiar tunes. We have also been doing some marching. With Mr. Wayland's assistance, the sergeants have been drilling their individual squads.
Everyone is much interested and we hope to accomplish much!
A DREAM OF THE WAR WEARY
I stood on the war torn hill of today,
And gazed in the sky of tomorrow, A sky that was filled with sun and
warmth, And held for me no sorrow.
Into a new and warless world, Would I and others sail; To live there peacefully always, Where no hardships prevail.
I climbed aboard a fairy ship; On board are those I hold dear. We heard this world I visualized, And never was there a tear.
But then I woke and was in my bed, 'Twas a happy thing I'd dreamed. And reality proved itself: For the bombs around me screamed.
Someday a world like this will exist,
One that is happy and free, Never again to gaze upon, Those horrible dictators three.
Caroline Page Eighth Grade
81
VICTORY CORPS ORGANIZED October 1944
Friday, October 6, 1944, the High School met for the organization of Victory Corps. The boys and girls were divided into two groups and co-captains were elected. Seven girls and four boys were chosen as sergeants, and each will be in charge of a squad consisting of about ten privates. Clara Lamb was elected as captain of the girls and Howard Toms was elected captain of the boys. The girl sergeants were elected as follows: Barbara Layman, Lois Crowder, Betty Page, Betty Jean Fox, Marjorie Rea, Caroline Page and Verdell Hardjng. The sergeants for the boys are Wilson Shifflett, Lav7rence Baber, Arthur Layne and Armistead Shirley.
The students' aims in this organization are to pledge themselves to do their best for the war effort. The greatest interest will be the sale of war bonds and 8tamps.
At the end of the year the boy and girl squad having the best records and the two captains will be guests of the faculty at a movie-party.
Print the complete i~ddress in plain letters 111 the panel below, and your return addr~n In t•e space provided on the right. Use typewriter, dark l11k, or dark pe11eil. Faint or small writing Is not suitable for photographing.
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83
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MEMORIES SHARED
By
Betty Garwood Clayton
The farm hands were already busy at work, the apple pickers had filled
many apple baskets and the old black cook stove had been tidied-up from a big
breakfast of grits, apples and bacon, hot biscuits and butter, when sounds of,
"It 1 s coming!" could be heard as the old yellow school bus came to a stop
outside A humble home (in September, 1941). I l-7alked with hesitation in my
heart, but confidence in my steps and outward appearance as I boarded the bus
(while being gently prodded by my older sister Margaret, who was eager to show
off her little sister). I proudly wore a little plaid gingham, pleated skirt
which was buttoned to a white blouse, adorned in hours of smocking and lace -
a labor of love and much sacrifice by my Mother. I showed off a big, new red
ribbon in my hair and gently flopped long curls, so as not to dare rumple
them, but make sure they were noticed.
We were headed toward the school of my sister Margaret, and my older
brothers Arthur and James. They had always talked so proudly of their school
-- Greenwood High School. I felt confident that all would be well because my
brothers had been there a few years before and my sister was in the Fifth
Grade then.
After a twenty-five minute ride, I carefully brushed down the pleats of
my skirt and felt my curls to see that they were all in proper place, and
departed the old yellow bus (carrying a little new, blue lunch box which
contained jelly biscuits, graham crackers and cheese and an apple). I had the
84
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w red
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chool
se my
Fifth
ts of
, and
which
d the
greatest assurance my sister would see that I got back on the right bus that
afternoon.
I was met at the school door bv a lovely, young lady, Bertha Durrer
(Detamore), my first grade teacher. I quickly mixed in with Winnie Louhoff
(who became my very best friend), Betty Pugh, Joan Napier, Patsy Baber,
Mildred Tomlin, Charles Witt, Vernon Anderson, to name only a few. We went
through school together and graduated in 1952. We were joined by other dear
friends during our school days.
grade.)
(There were a total of 43 of us ih the first
The days went and carne, and I grew in knowledge and concern for my fellow
man.
Dear ~r. Paul Cale was our Principal. He had regular assemblies in the
auditorium. I had a feeling of great awe as I went in to an assembly. We had
regular Christian programs led by ministers of various denominations. We sang
Christian and patriotic songs and saw sol'te of the most wonderful movies a
little child could dream of -- Heidi, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Lassie,
Black Beauty, Little Women, Peter Pan, to name a few. I knew I was loved and
was an important part of Greenwood High School --my family's school.
A knock at the door interrupted our usual early morning activities in
December, 1941. A message, which turned out to be a mistake, carne to us that
my older brother was killed in Pearl Harbor. (He was blessed with life during
a long service in the Army. He married a lovely Wornens Army Corps girl and
they have a wonderful family of seven children who are all grown and have
children of their own. Arthur became an ordained minister and has traveled to
interesting places doing missionary work.) That incorrect telegram that
morning in December of 1941, may have been the beginning of a deep faith for
me and the beginning of a feeling of pride and love for my family, my country
and my community. Mr. Cale talked to us a lot about the war and showed us war
85
news on a screen in the auditorium. We collected tin cans, newspapers and
magazines; raised gardens to help provide soup for us at school, participated
in a response to mock air raids and were taught that our country was the best
and the safest. Mr. Cale supported what my Mother taught us at home, that we
could lie down in safe sleep because God was in control of the world and my
two dear brothers were "over there" making peace for all the people of
America. How I loved to sing out, "God Bless America!"
The years went by so quickly! There is so much I could inscri~e about my
school days. There was Miss Holsinger (Dunn), my second grade teacher, who
had the most beautiful black hair and would tolerate this little girl's
flowers being tucked into the sides of Miss Holsinger's hair. I remember the
country stores we set up in her room and the many homeless rabbits we took in.
When she and I were seen together people would ask her if I was her little
girl. They would go on to say I looked like her and that pleased me so much
because I thought she was the prettiest and most gentle person in the world.
My third year in school introduced me to one I thought was another
"swanky" beauty -- Miss Genie Shirley. I see her in my mind today as clearly
as I did forty years ago when I walked into her room and there she was, in a
rose colored, two piece dress with white stitching on it. She had on
spectator pumps and I vowed that day, when I got big I was going to wear shoes
like Miss Shirley's.
My sister had prepared me for a teacher whom neither she nor I can ever
forget -- Mrs. Ruby Young. She was the best story reader in all the world! I
could have listened to her for hours, and hours and hours. The stories became
alive and I could hardly wait to get home and tell Mama and Daddy about what
she had read that day. I dearly loved to stand beside her chair and hug her
arm as she read. I would try not to get out of my seat, but invariably I
would find myself, spell-bound, beside her, hugging her, as she continued to
86
capt
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the
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capture our attention, and send us on magic carpets to some of the most
beautiful lands the mind could imagine.
Mrs. Louise Barton greeted us at the fifth grade door where I met a
handsome prince, Sonny Clayton from Mid-Way School. He sat behind me and
pulled my hair through the ink well on top of his desk. \-le would both have to
stay in at recess time. This seemed to please him more than me. Nine years
later I married my prince! I remember the songs we sang in the fifth grade -
Camptown Races, Chickens Crmving on Sourwood Mountain, Clementine, Old Time
Religion, I've Been Working on the Railroad, Battle Hymn of the Republic, to
name only a few. Mrs. Burton could sing "so pretty" and taught us so many
songs.
My sixth year in school took me up the tall steps of Greenwood School to
the sixth grade where I was embraced into a cheery room by Isabell Dunn
(Bing). I was verv close to her and her sister Sarah, who became my seventh
grade teacher. They often invited me to their beautiful, big farm house in
Free Union. My! How I loved to spend nights with them! I loved their Daddy
and brothers, and all the animals they had. I loved their green fields almost
as much as those of my own dear Afton home. I got to bathe from a china wash
bowl and not my usual tin wash pan. The Dunns gave me a little bull dog puppy
named, "Archibald." While in the sixth and seventh grades I dreamed of going
to Paris to study fashion designing or becoming a science major or a writer.
I liked to write poems and stories and outline lessons. Many times during
these years the Dunns allowed me to be in charge of a lesson, conduct the
teaching and ask the questions.
During my eighth through eleventh years in school, I had manv memorable
teachers. There was Prince Woodward (now deceased President of Marv
Washingt on College), Lady Walton, Miss Snook, Miss Norford, Mr. Beddow, Miss
Garth, Miss Loving, Miss Ramsey, Mr. Hurt are only a few of those who left
87
quite an impact on my life. The things I recall most about them are that they
continued to expect my best, while accepting me for what I was, and making me
proud to be who I was. They taught me so much more than what was between the
covers of the textbooks. Honesty , Pride, Love, Faith, Perserverance and Trust
were only a few of the lessons learned from the examples and precepts of these
models. Equipment and v i sual aids were a "premium" even in what seemed to be
becoming an updated education in the early 1950s, but I did not need visual
aids for the inscriptions made upon my formidable mind by their words and
deeds.
In 1952, (to the lovely tune of "This Is the End of a Perfect Day") I
proudly accepted the marks I had earned, and graduated from what had become my
school -- My Alma Mater!
Life has been kind to me. My Daddy went to live in Heaven in 1954 and my
precious Mother joined him there in 1981. In 1954 I married Sonny and in 1957
we were blessed with a wonderful son, Tim, and in 1961 a beautiful daughter,
Betsy Laurie blessed us. In 1966 by way of serendipity, I was back at my
school just to "help-out" for a little while. Those seventeen years have been
wonderful years.
As I reflect back over how quickly the years have passed , how orderly the
grey has come to my dark curls, and how slyly the pounds have changed my
ability to enjoy the pleated skirts, I only hope, with all sincerity, that
some kindness I have done for the precious little children I've known at
Greenwood School, has touched even one life and given it confidence,
encouragement and something to remember about his Greenwood School.
The lovely Heavens declare it, the hills echo it, the grass, the trees,
the flowers, all join in the refrain, "Greenwood School, I love you! Long may
your days be bright!"
songs
her it
~y
ne
ne
st
se
be
al
nd
I
my
my
157
!r'
my
~en
the
my
1at
at
ce,
es,
may
May the sounds of children's laughter and footsteps be resounded by the '
songs the birds sing--a testament to the faith and soundness of our Greenwood
heritage!
Lingering, precious memories,
etched in delicate threads of bright, shining gold
••••••.• Memories shared with you, washed by my tears and joy of
recall.
Betty and her Prince
89
-
GREENWOOD SCHOOL
A VERY SPECIAL PLACE
By Charles F. Witt
When I was a first grader at Greenwood School in 1941-42 the Industrial
Arts were considered to be an important part of the curriculum.. Some time was
allotted almost every week to sawing, sanding , nailing, and painting or
varnishing. It was one of these sessions that afforded me one of my most
vlvid recollections of my early schooling .
We had been told and reminded many times that all sawing was to be done
on the work table or on . the old apple boxes that were kept in the room for
this purpose. On this particular day, the work table was crowded and all of
the boxes were in use so I decided to saw my piece of wood in the seat of a
desk. This worked out just fine except when the piece of wood that I had
sawed off fell to the floor so did a small piece from the corner of the desk
seat. Before I had time to think of what I might do, Miss Durrer, my teacher,
happened by and there was no covering it up. I can still hear her say "I'm
afraid we' 11 have to talk with the principal about this." All I knew about
the principal at that time was that he was big and I kept my eye on the door
for the rest of the day, waiting for his appearance. Finally the dismissal
bell sounded and after the other students had gone, Miss Durrer called me to
90
her
was
but
way
saw
und
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wit
As
whe
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.11 of
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tcher,
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about
door
tis sal
me to
her side. I figured that this was it and watched the door for Mr. Cale. I
was never happier in my life than when, after talking with me very quietly,
but sternly about following directions, she gave me a hug and sent me on my
way.
I managed to get through ten more years at Greenwood Scho?l without
sawing on furniture again and Miss Durrer was to be the first of many kind and
understanding teachers that I would be priviledged to encounter. ~fuile I did
not talk with Mr. Cale on this occasion, I had other opportunities to meet
with him and with Mr. Hurt who followed him in the principalship at Greenwood.
As a student, I had great respect for these two men, but it was years later
when I had the experience of working with them in the school system and
spending many hour~ with them on fishing outings that I came to fully realize
how fortunate Greenwood was to have had their leadership for a few years. The
standards that they established through direction and example made Greenwood a
school that was known and respected.
As I have watched my children grow and progress through school, I have
realized that they have had many advantages that were not afforded to me at
Greenwood and yet I often wonder if their school experience will be as
valuable to them as mine has been to me. Sometimes I feel that they have
missed out on many of the wonderful experiences that this small school
provided for us. There are advantages of a small school that a larger school
cannot duplicate, but at Greenwood it was not just the smallness. It was an
atmosphere and spirit created by the principal, teachers and community. There
were high standards in academics and conduct, and yet it was a fun place to
be, a place where you wanted to be. It was more than just a good school, it
was and always will be, a very special place to me.
91
-
Addie McLaughlin's first grade class.
Anne Holsinger's second grade class.
92
Greenwood High School 1945-46. The following photographs are from the school's first yearbook, "The Spotlight" 1945-46. The following year the name was changed to "Echolite."
Gene Shirley's third grade class.
Ruby M. Young's fourth grade class.
Louise Burton's fifth grade class.
Is~
M
Isabelle Dunn's sixth grade class.
Deane Wade's ninth grade class.
Martha Clayton's seventh grade class.
Annie Mae Butler's tenth grade class.
Ben F. Hurt's eighth grade class.
Paul Cale's Senior class.
93
94
Within two decades the size of Greenwood's school bus tripled. Howard Toms, James Craig, and Frank Craig performed the daily duty of transporting the students to school in 1945-46.
The faculty for 1945-46 consisted of Addie McLaughlin, Anne Holsinger, Gene Shirley, Ruby M. Young, Louise Burton, Isabelle Dunn, Martha Clayton, Ben F. Hurt, Deane Wade, Annie Mae Butler, Paul H. Cale, principal, Ruby Ramsey, home economics, William Oakes, agriculture, and Ruth Ramsey, librarian.
Group of Greenwood students taken in 1946.
te
c:l
tt
Nancy Virginia s. Bain
Class of 1949
This little verse is written in tribute, and appreciation f.or all the
teachers, parents, including my own, Linden and Virginia Wiley Shroyer, and
citizens of Greenwood, past and present, who put so much of themselves into
the years. of Greenwood School.
There's this neat little school in Greenwood VA (Vee Ay) ~~ere lessons for years were learned day by day Children, both small and la.rge, trudged through the halls Preparing for life, whatever the calls.
The years they have come, the years they have gone To love such a place could never be wrong These walls rang with laughter, sometimes saw tears-We even learned things to help with our fears.
Some say time has come to close up the doors There'll be no more trudging on all those floors. For'ere we'll treasure those days we spent there While some were quite bleak, but most were quite fair.
Time marches on and events are allowed, Even some things that go against the crowd Of people who loved and cared for this place Who gathered their facts to present their case.
Decisions were made in view of it all Now Greenwood School's doors won't open this fall. This little attempt by me has been made. To say that my "memories" will never fade.
I am so grateful to have been a part Of what so many feel deep in their heart Were years spent in learning so much for life In my case it's been used as mother and wife.
So--dear little school you're there in my heart I treasure those years of which you were part And I'm grateful God used you--with the rest Of what's made up my life--to meet His Test!
95
MEMORIES
By
Ben F. Hurt
Greenwood School is special to me. When I came to Greenwood in 1940,
fresh out of college, I was so impressed with the teachers, the students, and
the people in the community. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and
considerate. After a year Uncle Sam called me into service and it almost
broke my heart. I hated to leave this school and community. After four years
in the army, I returned to Greenwood School in 1945 and remained there until
1953. My nine years at Greenwood were happy years for which I have been most
grateful.
Many times when I would walk down the hall, some first or second grader
would approach me and put his/her arms around me. Frequently students would
bring flowers and place them on my desk. These are just two examples of the
many acts of friendliness and kindnesses which students showered on me. I
hesitate to mention specific people because there were so many and I would
probably leave out some special people.
There were special May Day programs which so many people worked so hard
to bring to fruition. On one particular May bay occasion when it was such a
warm day, the May Day court was lined up on the outside steps of the entrance
96
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ll
>t
~r
ld
1e
I
ld
rd
a
ce
to the gymnasium. During the program a number of the participants became sick
and had to drop out of the program. There was an epidemic of measles.
I can recall a time when there was a deep snow and the Williams Store Bus
did not have chains. In my car we drove behind the bus and a number of us
pushed the bus up the hills so the students could get home.
I have so many happy memories of Greenwood and my life has been so
enriched because of my association with many fine people. Greenwood School
may be closed in a physical sense but it ldll live on in our memories for many
years.
~ l·
\ ~ Fourth grade boys take some time ofT from stud~ ing in 19~5.
Dancing around a May Pole in front of the school in 1945.
97
"Joseph's Hardships" written and produced by Isabelle Bing's class in 1949-50.
Sisters Margaret Garwood Cutchins and Betty Garwood Clayton , July 1950.
Greenwood High School class of 1952.
MlS5 M:ARY GARTH Conun~rcial
hUBS lSABELLE DONN Shttb Grade
MlSS ANN HOl..StNGER Second Grade
MRS, Ll!:SL;lE WALTON HL!Jtor_y
MISS RU8Y RAMSCY Hom• Et.:on::.m.ies M.athematics. IV
MlSS RUTH RAMSEY Librarian·
MISS !l..o\RY LOU REID lo'ourth Qt"ad~
fa culty
MR. PEN 1!'. llYRT Priocipal LAtin li AJaebr·a 1
MRS. HUNTER BURTON Jo'ifthGrade
MRS. WAt...T·ER 0.£NTRY Flr.$t Gr•de
WlS. HUGH F AlN Se•enth G1 .. de
MR. 1\0.BERT CHAM81JSS Agriculture
MRS. GENE PIERSON Rt!oll.di.ng
M·R. i"l!ANK BEDDOW Eneiish
Absent frotot. ;.ieture: MRS. STEVEN BERKO
Mathem-atic& Sel~oee
Latin 1
1 g
1
I Is
I I'
Take note of Little Greenwood in the background in this 1953 photo.
GlAN'r STEPS FOR w1~rLt:: GIDUi
1.!MM,. ViTAMINS!
Isabelle Bing's sixth grade class in 1955.
Plays were a common activity for all classes. This was one play produced in the late 1950's.
99
Square dancing in the gym.
May Day festivities in 1950 as photographed by Virginia Rogers.
Memories from 1953.
READl..'iG. 'RlTr'NG, AN'O •RITKM.t;TtC
Robert Wood. principal, crowns the 1958 School Queen, Jeanie Fitzgerald.
1958 Greem\ ood School Queen and her court. {1-r) Gar~ Dudley, Jeanie Fitzgerald, Patsy Farrish , and \Iary Lynn "IcCue.
101
O's
Clowns from First Grade Circus 1975. Chip Rea, Cheryl Brooks, Shelly Sin:ts, and David Branch. The Three Ring Circus was produced and directed by Linda Reaser, teacher.
A class trip to Monticello in 1968.
102
Students enjoying Sack Race games in 1968. Note trailer in background for additional classroom.
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di-
MEMORIES OF GREENWOOD
By
Harry W. Kent
My memories of Greenwood School date from December, 1935, when I enrolled
as a scared second gr"ader. Having transferred from a one room school at
Heards, Virginia, I was, to say the least, overwhelmed by the size of the
building and by the size of the student body. While most of my memories of
Greenwood are pleasant, I must admit that very few are to be found during my
first day or two in this new environment.
This was soon to change however, as Mr. Paul Cale, the principal, and the
teachers provided a caring and supportive atmosphere. I soon had many good
and lasting friends among my classmates.
In remembering Greenwood, there are two things in particular that I
consider somewhat unique. The first occurred when I served two years in the
United States Navy during my junior and senior years, being discharged in time
to enter school in September, 1946. During my senior year I had the honor of
playing on the undefeated baseball and basketball teams.
The second incident that I consider somewhat unique occurred when I
returned to Greenwood in January of 1962 as the school principal. Greenwood
was now an Elementary School, and it was my prlvilege to have on the staff
Mrs. Ruby Young and Mrs. Louise Burton who taught me in the third and fifth
grades respectively. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Burton, along with .the other members
of the staff and the community were supportive in every way, making my four
and a half years as principal very enjoyable and productive.
103
Perhaps my most vivid and lasting memories of Greenwood have to do with
Mr. Cale, who not only emphasized academic excellence and discipline, but also
fair play and character building. Through his example of Christian living,
Mr. Cale set the tone for the school, and profoundly influenced the lives of
countless individuals. This tradition of leadership was carried on at the
same high level by Mr. Ben Hurt who succeeded Mr. Cale as Principal in the
Fall of 1946.
It is with regret that I anticipate the closing of Greenwood School in
June, 1984. I realize, however, that Greenwood will last forever in the
hearts of those who have had the privilege of being associated with the school
as a student, teacher, or parent.
104
GREENWOOD
ElEMENTARY SCHOOL .
Prin<.ipai-Mr. Harry W. K•nt
the
the
,1 in
the
~hool
Clarence \tcCiure 1962
Seventh Grade Class 1962
Faculty of 1940; photo taken in 1961.
c:f
105
Students go for a train ride from Greenwood to Charlottes,ille in 1968.
··;:
:.ii
Ready to go home! 1967-68. '\ote Little Greenwood in background.
106
.J'
d l
I I I
I I
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OVI
op
Gr
ev
di
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I
Roland L. Zimmerman
Memories of Greenwood
1966-1974
Having the opportunity to serve the Greenwood School as principal for
eight years (1966-1974) was my pleasure,especially to follow in the foot steps
of educators like Dr. Claude Graham, lfr. Paul H. Cale and Mr. Ben F. Hurt who
served Greenwood as outstanding teachers and principals.
The bronze plaque located in . the hall has been a constant reminder to me
and other persons passing through this school of Randolph Ortman 1 s generous
contribution to make this school possible for youth of the community to enjoy
a fuller life. Also, the addition in 1939 made it one of the first schools to
have a gymnasium in Albemarle County. This was made possible by the Federal
Emergency Agency a part of the Federal Govenment Public Works project. In my
opinion, these two projects have been very important to the Greenwood
community.
My first year as principal at Greenwood was the beginning of many lasting
memories as this school and community became a very important part of my life
over the next eight years. The year 1966 was the beginning of total
integration in Albemarle County while much growth was being experienced in the
opening of four new schools in the county to provide for overcrowding at
Greenwood and other schools.
One of the many memories of my eight years at Greenwood was that almost
every year I would have to convince the stud.ent body and parents that we
didn't have a monster in the school. The story of the monster would usually
~'))
107
be started by the older students and the younger students would be too scared
to go to the bathroom located in the basement. Parents would report to me
that their children couldn't sleep at night or were fearful of coming to
school. It would usually take one to two weeks to eliminate these rumors. It
was told to me that one possibility of the monster tale was that years ago a
Greenwood citizen had made a request upon his death to have his body cremated
and and his remains spread over the school grounds. This may be the way the
monster story was started. It is my understanding the tale of the monster
still lives on in the hearts of the Greenwood students.
Another memory was when I received a letter from a parent that her next
baby would be named Charles Roland, after her brother and me. However, if the
baby was a girl, she would name it Quintina Annette. The baby was a girl and
ironically has been in my oldest son's class in the same school for the past
three years.
During my tenure at Greenwood, the community employed the Orkin man to
treat the school for termites. On one of his monthly visits after he had
finished spraying for termites, he informed me he would not be caught working
in this school. When I asked him why, he replied that the termites had eaten
most of the wood structure and he expected the structure to collapse at most
any time. Approximately fourteen years later with more than two thousand
students passing through these doors, the structure of the school still
stands providing a good education and many memories for the students.
I was always the first to know of inclement weather approaching the
Greenwood area as one of the patrons of the school lived on the mountain known
as Scott Estate who would call me when she would see the first snowflake.
This would usually mean she was informing me that she was sending a vehicle to
pick up her children and the others who lived on the mountain. Oh what a
beautiful sight to see the weather changes on the mountain! The changes in
108
> me
~ to
It
LgO a
11ated
r the
nster
next
.f the
·1 and
~ past
rran to
1e had
or king
eaten
Lt most
lOU Sand
still
Lng the
.n known
,wflake.
dele to
what a
mges in
the sun and clouds that would make shadows and hues on the mountain with each
changing season is a most unforgetable sight to behold.
It was always a very enjoyable moment to have the retired teachers return
annually to the school for the Thanksgiving dinner. This was a time to
reminisce, a time to hear another's stories, experiences, and mem?ries. One
year we had teachers in attendance totalling over three hundred years teaching
experience around the dinner table with many of these years being served at
Greenwood and most of the others in Albemarle County. This has been a very
rewarding tradition since 1969 even though I have not had the opportunity to
attend all of these social events. This is an outstanding social gathering,
one that will be remembered by the retired teachers and they do have some
unbelievable experiences to share with one another.
It was a pleasure to be a part of the Greenwood School and community as
principal for eight years and a visiting teacher for another eight years. .I
feel blessed to have had this opportunity. Even though the doors of this
school are closing, the memories of Greenwood will live on forever for many
many generations.
I 109
110
Gladys Leake 1972
Jean Gianniny 1972
John Armstead 1972
Janet Atwell 1972
Betty Clayton 1972
) Margaret Turner
1972
Happy birthday, Peggy Cocke! A party given by her students in 1978.
~ ·~
;#
~~
Kindergarten 197 3-7 -l Mr!.. :vtiller and Roland Zimmerman
Betty Rainey. Jonna Clarkson and Roland Zimmerman Second-Third Combination 1973-7-l
Janet Atwell and Roland Zimmerman
111
Sixth Grade 1973-74 Evelny Barbour and Roland Zimmerman Linda Stubbs and Roland Zimmerman
112
Ben Washington, 1972, drove the school bus at Greenwood for a number of years. At the death of Mr. Bill Mawyer, he became custodian, helper, and faithful friend of all at Greenwood School.
;»:;.~~
Mary Strate's kindergarten in 1978.
;;i . i' ' (• v: ~·.· 1Tl\t',i:.
."\:):~~
~"'' . . vt· .• \ .1
•• "
An annual visit from Santa taken in 1978.
113
Jam'"' 0. Sledd- Principal
114
HAPPY DAY
1979
1980's
"Would you like to swing on a star?" June 1981.
A group of fifth grade students serve Thanksgiving dinner to guests in November, 1983. (1-r): Edgar Green, Todd McAllister, Shawn Shifflet, Jason Baber, and Nathan Pannell.
115
116
Teachers and former students: (1-r) Betty G. Rainey, Bertha Detamore, Betty G. Clayton, Sarah Dunn, Ann H. Dunn, Ruby M. Young, Margaret Washington, Belle Bing, Charles Witt, Carlos Gutierrez, James Sledd, and Virginia Rogers.
Retired teachers and friends:
"Thanksgiving Feast" Gathering of retired teachers and friends, November, 1983. It was a very enjoyable and memorable occasion to have retired Greenwood faculty return to their beloved Greenwood School for a feast and time of fellowship each year around Thanksgiving time. Photo courtesy Jim Crosby.
lst step (1-r) Virginia Rogers, Bernice Critzer, Addie Milton, Belle Bing, Margaret Washington, Ruby Young, Martha Clayton, Vada Foster, Sarah Dunn. Ann H. Dunn, Bertha D. Detamore, Charles Witt, Betty G. Rainey, Rice Green, Janice Layne, Mary Green. Carlos Gutierrez, (Superintendent, Albemarle County Schools), Col. William Washington, and James D. Sledd.
E
st
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El
pi
bu
aters er, l>ycaenteir ool )W
md oto
Excerpt From Ruth Rodes Culpepper's Letter
to
Albemarle County School Board Chairman
Jessie Haden
April 5, 1983,
Greenwood School stands as a monument to the GREENl-lOOD SPIRIT! It
represents the collective effort of the whole community. It was built before
the days when Big-Brother-Government dispensed its bounty at the drop of a
hat. The community earned its school. Half of its cost was given by an able
citizen, Mr. Randolph Ortman, the remaining half was loaned by him, interest
free!! ~fuen a move was made to name the school in his honor, he refused the
suggestion, saying, "No, this is a community school." The water rights from a
fine spring were give by Mr. Sam Purcell, of the community. The water system
was surveyed and the installation supervised by another citizen, Mr. Tom
Rodes, who freely contributed his time and expertise to the project. Mr. ,
Rodes also freely served as supervisor of construction of the building. The
very impressive building itself, was designed at no cost to the county, by
still another citizen, an emminent engineer and architect, Mr. Wills Johnson.
The foregoing is ample testimony of the power of community spirit! Let Us not
underestimate it!
As to the soundness of this building: It was constructed by Mr. Ree
Ellis, whose name on a contract, was equivalent to the mark of "sterling" on a
piece of silver. His 2x4s were 2x4s after dressing. He built "Tiverton". He
built "Rose Hill". He built Greenwood High School! It had been said that
117
"Ree Ellis built, not for time, but for eternity." The thought occurs, what
would be the cost to duplicate such a structure today?
Let us economize on the multitude of less-essentials.
Let us capitalize on the treasure we already have.
Let us preserve our fine neighborhood school at Greenwood.
Let us not underestimate the power of the Greenwood Spirit,
which I'll wager is alive and well!
118
· ''Bring on the Clowns.'' Mrs. Bridgeforth's kindergarten class did a unit on the circus. Sonya Crawford, Rodney Dunnivan, Crystal Belew, and David Tomlin demonstrate what fun it is to be a clown. Aprill980.
Charles Awkard and Angie Jeffries thought it was great fun to be clowns in a circus unit when they were in kindergarten in 1980.
I WILL REMEMBER
Kindergarten
Mrs. Ruth Bridgeforth's Class Janice Watson-substitute
1983-84
Tonia Johnson says, 11 Mrs. Wright is so nice ...
Barbara Campbell says, .. Mr. Sledd is kind and I love the
whole school . 11
Robin Scott says, 11 Mrs Bridgeforth is sweet ...
Michael Snow and Melissa Simmons say, "Miss Watson is nice
and kind. 11
Jeffery Campbell says, "Mrs. Reynolds is good to us. Mrs. Clayton
does all the work for us. ! 1 11 never forget her 'cause she's
so sweet."
JoshuaManzano, "I like to color in school ...
Jonathan Fortney says, "I like the whole school."
Eric Salisbury says, "I love my classroom."
Hannah Collins says, .. ! like my classmates."
Obie Fenn says, 11 I like Math and Gym and that's all. 11
Alesha Eaves says, "I will remember all the teachers that
are here. 11
Richmond Henry says, "I like flowers and grass at school and
painting at school."
We all will remember Aaron Bridgeforth and Andrew Cocke who were
born to our teachers this year.
ll9
120
1st row: John Perry, April Fisher, Amika Salisbur~. Scot \lichels, Christalle O'Brien, Jonathan King, Chris'topher Harlow, and Courtney Graves. 2nd row: Eric Salisbur~· . Tonia Johnson, Obie Fenn, Barbara Zampini. Barbara Campbell, Alisha Eaves, Megan
Pittman. Brian Snow, and Jonathan Fortney. 3rd row: \lichael Snow, Johann Reinicke, Joshua Manzano. JeffeQ· Campbell, K~· te Rannigan, Ann Zampini. Towanda Sims, Robin Scott, Hanna Collins. and \lelissa Simmons. Photo by Ste,·en G. Meeks.
• ~~~~\\[~;
3rd antmmd
Kindergarten
Mrs. Cocke 1 s Class (h
1983-84
Towanda said, 11 The play was fun. 11
April said, 11 I like the school 1 Cause ~~rs. Cocke came back. 11
Brian said, 11 I like the puppet show, the one with the mouse. 11
Courtney said, 11 I like this school because my sister went to it. 11
Christa 11 e said; 11 I 1 i ked it when Miss Hats on was here and the
thin~s we did. 11
Johann said, 11 I like the decorations in the class. 11
Christopher said, 11 1 like when \'!e qo out to recess. 11
Kyle said, 11 I like the song after the Christmas play. 11
r~egan said' II I 1 ike the teachers. II
Ann said, 11 I 1 ike the toys that I play with at school. 11
Jonathan said, 11 I like listeninq to records. 11
Barbara said, 11 I like the pictures in the hall and the fishes.
I like the whole school. 11
Scott said, 11 I like to go to the hospital and McDonalds and to the
fire department. 11
John said, 11 I like gym. 11
Amika said, 11 I like playing at school_.1
121
122
First Grade
Mrs. Janet Atwell •s Class
1983-84
Crystal said, 11 I remember the calendar ...
Cindy said, 11 I remember the spoon race on field day. 11
Andrew said, 11 I liked the tug-o-war on field day
and racing around the field. 11
Shawanda said, 11 I liked the dancing in the gym ...
Kevin said, 11 I liked doing the math books ...
Merlin said, 11 I liked when we went out to play
on the playground ...
Billy said, 11 ! 1 iked the swings on the playground.••
Dedrick said, 11 I liked at the end of Kindergarten when
we got to take pictures down ...
Bessie said, 11 I liked going to Chapter I class ...
David said, 11 I liked math best of all ...
Tonia said, 11 I liked when we qo outside to play. 11
Richard said, 11 I remember that Billy and David were
my two best friends. ••
Macon said, 11 I 1 ll remember the dance contest ...
Butch said, 11 I 1 ll remember playinq with the blocks and all. 11
Emily said, 11 I 1 ll remember making a gingerbread boy in the kitchen. 11
n ~ B
chen. 11
D. J. said, 11 I •n remember a necklace with my name on
it from Mrs. Bridqeforth. 11
Sherman said, 11 I remember Taq Ba 11 in the qym. 11
Larry said, 11 I remember eating outside and field day. 11
H. A. said, 11 I 1 ll remember the playground and blocks. 11
Mikie said; 11 I liked to play qames and things. 11
Carl said, 11 I liked playino •slack Star• in the qym. 11
1st row: Mikie Pannell, Kevin Simmons, Bessie Dur- Carl Ober, and W. A. Johnson. 3rd row: Shawanda rette, Sherman Layne, Cindy Crowder, and Richard Crawford, D. j. Tomlin, Butch Belew, Dedrick Sims, Wright. 2nd row: David King, Macon Salisbury, Crystal Carr, Merlin Woodson, and Emily Gray. Billy McKean, Andrew Awkard, Larry Salisbury; Photo by Steven G. Meeks.
123
Second Grade
Mrs. Louise Hilker
1983-84
We will remember ...
all the people at Greenwood School
the mothers who helped us
Easter egg hunts
fun on the playground
the love and friendships
Christmas programs
1st row: Tabby Snow, Beth Fortney, Mark Campbell, quila Carr. 3rd row: Christy Dyer, David Woodson, Michael Campbell, Tina Jeffries, and Angela Scott. Travis Gibson, John Simmons, Michelle Tomlin, and 2nd row: Crystal Cunningham, Becky Fisher, April Grace JohnS. Photo by Steven G. Meeks Henry, Shannon Rannigan, Celie Fitzgerald, and Te-
dson, , and
Third Grade
Mrs. Beth Hawkey ' s Class
1983-84
Greenwood School is very cool .
Our principal really rules our school .
l~e have a very nice secretary
Mrs. Clayton is always very merry.
The teachers are nice and wonderful,
They're friendly and reliable.
Mrs. Rea rules us at lunchtime where we sit .
And she never throws a very big fit.
Mr . Hudgins is high spirited.
He makes us feel like we are dead.
Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Gray are very nice,
Sometimes they make us be quiet as mice.
We'll always remember Mrs. Hawkey ' s smile.
You could hear her yelling for a mile.
Mr. Washington cleans our school so well.
He makes our school look so swell.
Matt, Cheryl and Bill drive the bus
And they never fuss at us .
Mrs. Gianniny is our librarian
We go to her and have some fun.
125
-~-~'
We all have very good friends
All our friendships will never end.
What a shame we have to go!
We will never forget it, we all know!
1st row: Jesse McKean, Denise Campbell, Selena Fisher, Serina Goodwin, DeMarco White, Krystal Crawford, and David Tomlin. 2nd row: Sarai Fortney, Anthony Swingler, Dustin Kidd, Alisa Lowe, Dana Campbell, Sandra Hunt, and Lisa Durrette. 3rd
126
row: Crystal Belew, Lynn Mawyer, Lacy Graves, Michele Thompson, Jolen Harlow, ·Russell Woodson, Clint Dawson, and Veronica Goodwin. Photo by Steven G. Meeks
1st ro Carr, Chari \\ Y3I! _ fel()(
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Bonnie Fitzgerald's Class
1983-84
Fun Days of Greenwood
enjoying old friends and making new
knowing everyone
learning in a special way
cook.ing, learning in the loft in Kinderqarten
gardening and show and tell in First Grade
writing and makinq books
1st row: Rodney Dunnivan, Sonya Crawford, Dana Jrd row: Demitri Benzinger, Jason Farish, Tonya Carr, Forestica Green, Buffy King, Tris Tiffany, Kidd, Christie Webber, Sarah Glime, Chris Shifflett, Charles Sims, and. Timmy Hunt. 2nd row: Robby and Benjamin Sojka. 4th row: Chip O'Brien, Tim Wyant, Clay Johns, Felica Fisher, Benjy Whitlow, Reynolds, J. J, Sims, and Clayton Stearns. Photo by Melody Salisbury, Latanya Carr, and Angie Jeffries. Steven G. Meeks
127
128
I WILL REMEMBER ...... .
Mrs. Sarah G. Lewis'
Fifth Grade
1983-84
the time at Greenwood when we sent off the balloons to send messages
far away. Tina Awkard
that I was a student in the last fifth qrade class to be qraduated
from Greenwood School. Jason Baber
Greenwood School as the most wonderful school of all. Jimbo Barbour
when I came to Greenwood, the teachers I had, the Christmas olays,
and when my sister started at this school. Linda Belew
all of the nice teachers and students. We love you Greenwood.
Dan Cheatham
the nice teachers who helped us to learn and how special Greenwood
was to me. Diane Crowder
always this happy place as one of the best schools where people
were so nice . Stacy Diggs
my nice teacher and this school as the best of all the rest. Edqar Green
Greenwood as a good school where you learned a lot and everybody
was nice. Adrain Jefferson
the love and care everywhere. Greenwood may have been old, but it
was as good as gold . Todd McAllister
this school meQnt a lot to me. I think other kids should have had
a chance to go to Greenwood School. Adrina Miller
the nice teachers and students. Greenwood was fun, wonderful,
and beautiful. Nathan Pannell
Green
every teacher was very smart and had a kind heart.
Everyone treated each other as a sister or as a brother. Bryan Rannigan
the welcome feeling that made me feel qood when I first started
at Greenwood. Jennifer Riley
Greenwood as a warm, nice, joyful place. All of the teachers
and my friends were nice. Jason Robson
Greenwood as a nice school with very nice teachers and
classmates. Shawn Shifflett
·········~ Greenwood School, HE HILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU! ......... .
1st row: Jimbo Barbour, Adrian Jefferson, Jason McAllister; Diane Crowder, Tina Awkard, and Stacy Baber, Jennifer Riley, Barry Hunt, and Bryan Ranni- Diggs. 3rd row: Nathan Pannell, Adrina Miller, and gan. 2nd row: Jason Robson, Linda Belew, Todd Dan Cheatham. Photo by Steven G. Meeks
Edwin C. Hudgins, right, was the school's physical education instructor.
129
130
"Up, Up and Away" Balloon Send-Off 1983. Students released helium filled balloons bearing their names and school address. Several Greenwood students found balloons from other states, but received no response from finders of their balloons.
' ' ..... Jeanie Rea, General Aide
Devoted substitute teacher and friend
"Haven't I seen that face before?" Angela, Celie, Erik, Melanie, and Grace. October, 1981.
How Does Your Garden Grow? Janet Atwell's 1983 First Grade Class shows how it is done.
Colonel William R. Washington speaks before the school board in 1983.
"Round and round on our Merry-go-round." Sarah Fortney, Lynn Glass, Robby Birckhead, April Henry, and Angie Jeffries end a happy year at school in June, 1981.
131
Addenda
132
PRINCIPALS OF GREENWOOD
Mrs. H. G. Coville 1918-1924
~rchie F. Robertson 1924-1925
George Dunn 1925-1928
R. Claude Graham 1928-1935
Paul Cale 1935-1946
Ben F. Hurt 1946-1953
Richard M. Strafford 1953-1955
John W. Massie, Jr. 1955-1956
G. William Bullock, Jr. 1956-1957
Robert A. Wood . 1957-1958
Charles Wallace 1958-1961
W. Harold Walker 1961
Joyce A. Wright Principal 1984
Harry Kent 1962-1966
Roland Zimmerman 1966-1974
James Sledd 1974-1984
-
... ~
l'vtr s. H. l'""i. C<'Vil:,. i'!1U- l(l24
:\1r . H. Clatl'if' Gr :tham I ~' 2 b - I ~~ 3 5
rH ,.~ r r
~-·
PRINCIPALS OF
GHEENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Ar c hi e F. Hobe rtson 1924 - 1925
.. .
r~- r
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,.;.;
t;;. r E·.~ r .' · ~. . . I ·- f . r- .. ~- , ..... "8 .. ~. ..,
Mr. Pat> l H. Ca l e 1935 - 1946
~k. George F. Dunn 1925 - 1928
l\1r. Ben F. Hun 1946- 1953
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL GRAOUATES
1~
1921-22 1923-24 continued 1925-26 tontinued reCJ ssie
William Davis Vernon Rogers Mildred Rea te Crabin Gill Hans Vandenberg Mary Betty Rhodes William Rodes John Veal Mary Rogers Sadie Williams Wyant Wharton Genie Shirley Drayton Mayers Franklin Yancey Keith Alexander rene Bessie Critzer Richard Yancey Edison Gann hyll i Rebie Critzer Charles Young Carson Shephard nn ie Virginia Ellinger Mary Bowen Vernon Snow Edith Genevieve Forbes Mabel Brooks Virgil TomUn irgi n Nora Grinstead Lutie Burch Curtis Young Bessie Martha Hopkins Elizabeth Burton Aileen Hoodson Edna Clayton 1926-27 IS
Ann Cloud 1922-23 Dorothy Forbes Shield Critzer Conrad
Nellie Garwood Eddie Ellinger ridi Mary Black Marie Lenington George Gi 11 Grant Mary Burch Edith Pugh Raleigh Mann But ler Martha Burnley Virginia Pugh Caleb Mine Herman Bessie Campbell Helen Rea Sam Pugh l ois F Aylor Ellinger Julia Shirley Cecil Wade Ina Ma Winnie Ellinger Lutie Williams Russel Wade Myrtle Lilli an Foster John Yancey Grace Joy Gann 1924-25 Mary Baber Grace Hopkins Elizabeth Burch 1 Carrie Jones Katherine Alexander Algy Ellinger . Maude Martin Lutie Burch .Edna Pugh Will ia Dorothy Pugh Mary Louise Yancey Margaret Pugh Joe Ba Bessie Smith Lillian Gill Dorothy Rodes Ell en Russell Baber Ruth Campbell Velina Rogers Ella P John Burch Mildred Rea Mary D Hunter Burton Mamie Revercomb 1927-28 Daisy Clifton Farrar Mary Winebarger Mary E John Farrar Edith Young Robert Black Phylli Russell Farrar Marvin Baber Merriette Dollens Margie Harold Marp Thomas Clayton Hunter Rogers Sarah William McAllister . Ashby Farrar Cecil Wade Goodman Rea Hamilton McCue Ervin Wood
Elmo Snow Louise Black 1923-24 Clyde Wheeler Natalie Foster Eve ret
David Wine Me 1 i ssa Gill George Reginald Alexander Florence Grinstead Frankl Jean Baber 1925-26 Ruth Rea Horace Harry Black Vree Smith . Mi 1 dre, John Burch l:.ouise Coleman Louise Thurston Paige , John Clayton Muriel Forbes Lillian Fox Martha Gera 1 d Covi 11 e Reba Hill Agnes Bowling Louise Deane Foster Sophia Jarman Sadre I
Aubrey Ferguson Thelma Pugh Cl ara : Charles Haven Louise Rea Eiizab1
Charlo 134
1928-29 1932-33 1935-36 continued
Alfred Apperson P.C. Fox Marie Moore Massie Clayton Grant Grinstead Alice Moyer Walter Young John Key Mabel Rea Nancy Apperson Marion McQueen Helen Winn Catherine Burch Early Nay Ruby Lee Wyant Lucille Burch Filmer Schultz Irene Claydon Lewis Tomlin 1936-37 Phyllis Graves Stuard Wood Annie Grinstead Lavonia Burch Page Nay Edith Pugh Mary Dell Cook ~~a 11 ace Shanks Virginia Pugh Mabel Grasty Phyllis Apperson Bessie Young Elizabeth Grose Caroline Maphis
Mary Key Marie MeA ll i ster 1929-30 Frances Shepherd Irene Clayton
A 1 rna Hhitl ock Frances Timberlake Conrad Fruit Mary Wilkins Porrie Wheeler Meridith Gill Dorothy ~Ji nn Grant Rogers 1933-34 Julia Woodie Butler Yowell Herman Wade Richard Burch 1937-38 Lois Foster ~Jilliam Lavhoff Ina Mann Charles Maphis James Garwood Myrtle Rea Kenneth Wood Louis Toms, Jr. Grace Schultz Genevieve Clayton Harlett Wiley
Vi rg i n i a Do we 11 Tommy Hyant . 1930-31 Ruth Harrison Eleanor Anderson
Edna Kirby ~1arqaret Black William Buchanan Caroline Kirby Bessie Harper Joe Baber Annie Layne - Bertha Kirby Ell en Apperson Bertha Rea Edith Kirby Ella Page Clayton Dora Teufel Helen Mensing Mary Doll ins Mary Young Frances Munn Daisy Haven Charlotte Shephard
· Mary E. Pugh 1934-35 Elizabeth Turner Phyllis Smith Virginia Wheeler Margie Wheeler Donald Shroyer Sarah Young Joyce Dowell 1938-39
Mildred Gentry 1931-32 Pearle Rea Jerry T. Dollins
Marian Wiley Jack L. Fox Everett Anderson Luc i 11 e Woodson Lucien W. Fox George Ellinger Jane Young Cornelius H. Gentry Franklin Key William G. Shirley Horace Rea 1935-36 Mosby C. Toms Mildred Black Harrison Waite III Paige Burch George Maphis Helen F. Bailes Martha Dodd Purcell McCue, Jr. Sally B. Barksdale Louise Dowell Massie Rea Juliette R. Belew Sadre Hensley Cecil Robinson Truman W. Grasty Clara Shirley Lorene Burch Margaret P. McCue Elizabeth Skillman Dorothy Collins Mary A. Page Charlotte Yowell Bess Mann Mary v. Tomlin
135
1938-39 continued
Martha E. Quick Elizabeth L. Witt Margaret E. Woodson
1939-40
Warren A. Burch Forrest M. Jones Claude Leftwich Sanmy ~1. Marvin, Jr. Oliver M. Parts Nelson C. Rea Leslie Robinson, Jr. Ben W. Wiley Lillian A. Grasty Thelma L. Grasty Stella E. Kent Mary J. Kirby Norma L. Lamb · Molly C. Marvin Dorotny L. McQueen Ann F. ~1unn Alice T. Sloan Margrettia J. Smith Hattie E. Tomlin Jane L. Tomlin Mary A. ~linn Phyllis A. Wyant Juliette R. Belew Bessie V. Harper Eva M. Quick
1940-41 Note: All Female
Katie Barksdale Phyllis Black Peggy Foster Ruby E. Fox Theresa McAll i ster Joyce Napier Jack Shirley Maxie Tomlin Althea Wyant
1941-42
Galley Gri tzer Philip Dollens James f r'etwe ll James Showers Orville Toms
136
1941-42 continued
Mae Baber Hallie Barksdale Mabel Davis Lucille Dollins Franc~ Fisher Kitty Harding Hattie Fox Margie Kent Virgie Kent Lilli an Layne Ruth Nay Nancy Page Frances Sullivan Margaret Teufel Polly Witt Margaret Heady
1942-43
Alfred E. Dollins Preston F. Fox Early I. Kent ~~ Walter A. Layne, Jr. Warren F. Wade Ha ro l d Doll i n s Helen H. Baber Hattie R. Craig . Erdine E. deBalb) a~~ Mary L. Kennedy lL: u:~ Annie L. Pugh Theodisia G. Shirley Martha Tomlin Deane Wade Ann S. \~iley
194~-44
Johnny Booth Nathan Brown Maxwood Fitzgerald Richard Fox Alfred Layne John Page James Pugh Adam Teufel Charles Tomlin ~ Talmadge Toml in\""V~~~ Hilson Toms Mary F. Collons Mary E. Davis Virginia Gibson Louise Kennedy
1943-44 continued
Elizabeth Mawyer Ann Mays Margaret Morris Ruth Quick Nancy Shephard
1944-45
Lawrence Baber William H. Dollins Lloyd R. Napier Armstead Shirley, ·Jr. Magie G. Cook~~) Lois Crowder Betty J. Fox Paula W. Grasty(~~ Phyllis V. Fox Ell a V. Harding f.r~.:J_b Clara Lamb Barbara Layman Sadie .F. Layne Florence Moyer Elizabeth Page(~~ Nancy Parr . Virginia Pugh r Mable L. Toml in\L~It~ Mary Fisher
1945-46 .
Wi 11 i am L. Cook James S. Fox Edward L. Graves Arthur E. Layne Dora M. Anderson Elizabeth B. Anderson~~~ Frances B. Kerley Lorene Morris Caroline A. Page Betty J. Patterson Marjorie A. Rea Carlene V. Shephard Florence E. Woodford Bessie B. Sernett
1946-47
Bobby Laster Harry Kent John Kent Herman Moyer · Jack Rainey
6- 7
rd T • C. Wa
Ed'th Coo rgaret ry J. G,
Ma rgaret I El la Kent Virgi nia I Doris Pug I Mary \~ell : Joanne Wi ·
1947·
Wi lliam F. Herbert C. James M. I James J. I Will iam W. Graven F. A 1 i ce P. E Doris J. E
Mildred K. Virginia J Betty J. ( Mi 1 dred I. Jean P. Ma Bessie D. Lucille M. Peggy A. F Helen V. ~ Ru th J. To Mary J. Wi Mary M. Wi
1948-
Aubrey Fo Andrew L; Thomas N.
i 11 iam T. George£ John W. Ma Dewey F. P Ellis R. P Mi ckey M. Robert V. Edgar 0. W Betty A. B. Naomi B. C Myrtle V . . Audrey L. 1
Thelma C. 1
Fl orence L :;U~
Jr. n)
~~ J;;Jl)
tg
~tf~
d rd
1946-47 continued
Howard Toms R. C. Wade (~:t<e5) Edith Cook Margaret Fox Mary J. Garrison Margaret Garwood Ella Kent Virginia Mawyer Doris Pugh Mary Wells Joanne Witt
1947-48
William F. Bailes Herbert C. Grinstead James M. Kennedy James J. Price William W. Wade Graven F. Winslow Alice P. Barber~oJb~ Doris J. Belew Mi 1 dred K. Fox Virginia A. Fox Betty J. Graves Mildred I. Kennedy Jean P. Maupin Bessie D. Pugh~ Lucille M. Pugh Peggy A. Pugh Helen V. Showers Ruth J. Tomlin 'JQ.~ Mary J. Wideman Mary M. Wiley
1948-49
Aubrey Fox Andr.ew L; Graves (Le.si~_i) Thomas N. Kennedy . ~lliam T. Kennedy GeorgeF Marsha ll~'j) John w. Mawyer&J~~~0 Dewey F. Pugh Ellis R. Pugh Mickey M. Pugh Robert V. Pugh Edgar 0. Woodson, Jr. Betty A. Bailes Naomi B. Clayton Myrtle V. Dudley Audrey L. Gray
· .. Thelma C. Gray · Florence L. Hutchinson f:.ruu~ ~
1948-49 continued
Joyce M. Hutchinson Lillian F. Lamb~~ Dorothy M. Morris Nancy R. Moyer Verne 11 Mae Sandridge Nancy V. Shroyer Barbara L. Tomlin Mildred L. Wade Nora L. Wade <f~t:r~ ~ Mary K. Woodson~
1949-50
Herbert H. Brown Calvin F. Canady r~s~:-6.,\) Mitchell T. Clements Raymond L. Garrison John S. Garwood Andrew L. Graves ~~i) William H. Laster Joseph A. Miller, Jr. Pauline A. Atkinson Gracie E. Baber Mary L. Baber~ Pearl L. Cash Edna E. Cook Edith 0. Craig
fVorothy L. Davis 'Joyce L. Davis ~
Anne L. Fox Joyce L. Fox Alma B. McCue
[ Barbara A. Patterson <~~ 'Dorothy J. Patterson
Ruby M. Pugh Christine A. Shifflett Josie B. Sullivan Barbara A. Wideman Lillian L. Yancey
1950-51
Calvin F. Canady Calvin C. Kirby William H. Layne Raymond G. Rainey Dora E. Clements Roxie A. Cook Nellie P. Critzer Ruth E. Do 11 ens Annie M. Fox Cordelia A. Gentry Ann M. Graves Betty J. Gray
1950-51 continued
Catherine G. Hicks· Charlotte A. ~yer Lydia E. Pugh V!?t~~ Myrtle L. Shifflett Alice V. Thompson Barbara J. Wade ~arlott~V ~ Wpodson
\f.~l"' . w ~.e.. 1951-52
Vernon H. Anderson Robert R. Bailes Marvin W. Do 11 en Godfrey T. Smith ~v~k-' ~ Malcalm \4. Wade Charles F. Witt, Jr. Meredith W. Woodson Patricia A. Baber Mary E. Cook Betty J. Garwood Virginia B. Graves Hazel Gibson Susie M. Harris Genevieve M. Kirby Winnie H. Louhoff Peggy M. Mawyer Margorie J. Napier (:ric •. 0 Grace Patterson Betty J. Pugh , ~
. Nancy M.. Tomlin(~~ MildreCI L. Toml1n Betty J. Gray (H:.At~~*u~ Vi rgi ni a Sullivan \ :LdJ1 s e
1952-53
William R. Barksdale ,(zot-p William E. Dick · John .W.... Gibson Bobby D. Graves . George A. Robinson ~~du\ David L Sprouse · Y Donald Thurston (<l~ th~t Randolph D. Wade Shirley M. Bailes Shirley A. Clements Shirley E. Fix Barbara A. Gray Evelyn E. Gray Margie A. Grinstead Marie F. Grinstead Mildred L. Hicks · Daisy E. Hutchinson Doris G. Shiflett
137
4
1952-53 continued
Lois G. Thurston Charlotte Ann Wade Joyce A. Wood Mary A. Yancey
Last student body, faculty, and staff of Greenwood School - 1983-84. Photo by Steven G. Meeks
138
AT THE CROSSROADS
You to the left and I to th~ riqht For the ways of men must sever And it well may be for a day and a night, And it well may be forever. But whether we meet or whether we part (For our ways are past our knowing), A pledge from the heart to its fellow heart On the ways we all are qoing! Here's luck! For we know not where we are going.
Richard Hovey
Photo by Matt Gentry
139
140
OH, GREENWOOD SCHOOL WE'LL SING TO YOU PRIDE OF OLD ALBEMARLE WE LOVE YOU, YES WE DO, DEAR GREENWOOD, LONG MAY WE CHERISH THEE, LOVE AND ADORE, SING PRAISE AND HONOR FOREVER MORE.
. . ~· . " ,, ' . ._ .. ~
Photo by Matt Gentry
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