| EVERGREEN SCHOOL |
| Evergreen – Life’s Lessons Learned… From 1916 to 1969, in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on a hillside Existed a one-room country school house filled with dreams and pride In God, in country, in community, in family and hope for things to be achieved. Because we were taught if we worked hard, had faith, and believed, That each of us, who attended Evergreen, would share in that dream, And I’ll always believe that God had a hand in that grand scheme. In case you’re having trouble remembering how it was way back then, I’ve written a little poem that will take you back to when We arrived at Evergreen on foot or by bus; Either way, it didn’t much matter to us. School “took up” at Evergreen around Labor Day each fall, With a warm, hearty welcome and a “How are y’all?” From the freshly whitewashed rocks spelling out Evergreen That added a finishing touch to that autumn scene, To the smell of the freshly oiled floor under our feet, To the new friends we were destined to meet, To the little wooden desks, which seldom stayed in a row, To the seeds of understanding and wisdom our teacher tried to sow, The first day was always a much anticipated event As off to school in our best clothes and new shoes we went. We started each day with the Pledge and a Prayer Back when love of God and country weren’t illegal to share. We had great pride in our little school and its yard; We cleaned, built playground equipment, planted, and worked very hard. For us, recess was the best time of the day Because like all children, we loved to play. The older boys built our playground equipment, which was heaven sent For them, it was a labor of love and some “elbow grease” well spent. We climbed on the bar, swung on the rustic swings Recess was filled with marbles, see-saws, ring toss, and many fun things. Recess often found us up on the old haul road playing Red Rover, Where we all shuddered when it was Junior’s or Leon’s time to come on over! That’s where we practiced running and jumping and relays For the county meet held in Louisa during “field” days. A one-room country school sure had its plusses, Which included a teacher who could end all our fusses. We had little disagreements amongst ourselves for sure For which standing at the blackboard or the big paddle were an instant cure. We soon settled into our daily routines That would take us from our primers to our early teens. We sat on the recitation bench by grade each day Where we quickly learned that not doing our homework didn’t pay. The older students helped bring the younger ones along, Which made our bonds of friendship grow especially strong. Good penmanship was a worthy goal to achieve, And from the daily practice, there was no reprieve. We drew our water from the old rusty pump, And fed the fire in the old potbelly with many a lump Of coal from the pile delivered by Gorman Carter, So all we needed to make our fire was a little kindling starter. Arriving early on a cold winter’s day, Patty Jane often started the blaze In the old potbelly stove, which warmed our school days. It heated up the school house as warm as toast, And if it got too hot, we’d just scoot back our desks so we didn’t roast. Orange rinds heated on the stove top were our way to deodorize Before “Glade” was even a brand we would recognize. At the right side of the door marked “in” or “out” the sign was tied, Which let us know when the outdoor privies were occupied. Mr. Tuley, “the Bible man” brought Bibles and plaques to our school-- Rewards for verses we learned, which wasn’t against any rule. The county health nurse, all dressed in white, came to give us our vaccine And teach us about cleanliness, sanitation, and better hygiene. Another treat we awaited with great anticipation was the bookmobile, Where we could check out biographies and fiction and read to our fill. Even during the summers, the bookmobile came by to bring us a new book, Classic comics, or magazines, which were all neatly stored in each little nook. The social gathering of the year was the pie supper held in early fall, When the whole community including parents, friends, students and all Came together to raise money for the extras we needed To be sure that our learning experiences were never impeded. With the money, we bought a movie projector and view-finders and films for showing About topics and places we could never even imagine ever going or knowing. Our favorite memories were of the annual Christmas pageant each year… The Star, crepe paper costumes, candles, and music, an experience to see and hear. It was a time for being creative and learning our lines or just enjoying the season When the school and the community joined us to celebrate the blessed reason. We decorated our tree with ornaments made with paper, crayons, and glue, And strung ropes of popcorn and with other handmade treasures, we made do. Some special memories were common to us all, And they all started in that little school house in the fall. From the crackling fire in the red hot stove, To the old Dodge pick-up truck our dear teacher drove. To crossing the road to Pack’s store to buy pop and a moon pie for lunch Now those were really the days for the little Evergreen bunch! Around that time if memory serves me correctly, We began to pay a state tax on our purchases directly. We were taught to be self-reliant even in treating any pain And some of us reckoned our teacher was probably insane When she washed out my sister’s mouth with alcohol after she dined on poison ivy vine Declaring it to be the remedy of the day, and there was no need to whine. Remember the coffee sack bulletin board hanging on the wall And the buckets of coal out in the cloak room hall. Remember the year we all had castles with steps down to the floor That we earned by doing either a big or little chore. The 4-H Club was another major part of our youth, Will we ever forget our prize-winning displays at the county fair booth? Our new electric range that Mrs. Sparks managed to obtain, And the aroma of homemade vegetable soup that in our minds still remains. The 4-H Club was a highlight of our life during those years Remember our sewing, cooking, gardening, and especially the cheers For our grand production of our very own play Why it was better than Hollywood in our day! Our community also influenced us in many ways For it provided excitement and life’s lessons during those days. We watched wide-eyed with excitement the oil well on the Carter place That sent a tall gush of oil all over the place. We prayed for a miner trapped in a cave-in upon the hill above the school, Where we really put into practice the Golden Rule. We took field trips both near and far in the old yellow bus, But we didn’t mind the bumpy ride at all for it was a limo to us. We toured the Breaks Park one year and saw the rhododendrons in bloom Which gave us a perspective beyond our tiny school of one room. On another great adventure to the State Capitol at Frankfort The boys found the elevators in the Capitol provided great sport. The old schoolhouse is long gone in the guise of progress And those passing by our beloved spot could never guess The good times, tears, and laughter we shared with our best Friends, family, and neighbors with which we were blest. If we were poor, we never really knew it, For we were rich with what mattered is how we still view it! Many, who shared the years of their childhood have gone home for good But, those of us left have not forgotten them as if ever we could. We each have our memories that will keep Evergreen forever alive in our heart, Where we once shared the joys of youth in the place where we got our start. How precious are our memories of our childhood on the side of that hill That can bring smiles and tears to our graying heads and wrinkled faces still. For Evergreen was much more than a school—it was our place in time And to the memory of it all, I dedicate this rhyme… Janith Sue Rowe Moore 1951-1957 |
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