1915 Itawamba teachers - fourth district

Notice Teachers

On the 3rd Saturday of November the teachers of the 4th district held their first meeting of the present scholastic year with the people of Mt. Pleasant.

H. L. Gillespie was chosen as president, J.F. Friday as vice president, and H. B. Kent as secretary.  It was ordered that the secretary keep a list of the names of the teachers for the fourth district and a record of their attendance at the meetings, the same to be filed with the county supt. at the end of the year.

After completing the organization the regular program was taken up.

Prof. A. M. Graham led the choir in the singing of a beautiful son, after which Rev. T. D. Clark read a selection from the Bible which was followed with prayer by Rev. Green.  Prof. W. G. (C.) Crouch, whose presence and ever readiness to help has always been an inspiration in our meetings forcefully showed the importance of district meetings.

Prof. W. V. Griffin gave some splendid ideas on how to teach.

Mr. Elmer Lessenberry showed splendid mastery of the subject, How to Teach Agriculture.

At the noon hour adjournment was taken in order that those present might partake of the beautiful feast prepared by the good ladies of the community.  After the dinner hour had been pleasantly spent the house was again called to order.  Mr. J. C. Whitehead, one of our most progressive young teachers, led in the discussion on school grading.  Mr. J. F. Friday made a good talk on duties of patrons.  On motion by Prof. Crouch, his advice to the patrons as to their duties was adopted by those present as a guide to secure better results in the schools.

Prof. J. A. Senter in his masterly manner pointed us to higher ideals and told what is expected of rural schools.  The following resolution was adopted:  Resolved, that we the teachers of the 4th district, express to the people of Mt. Pleasant our sincere thanks for the kindness shown us while in their midst and that we extend to them our thanks for their songs, for their interest manifested in our work and for their presence.  We hope that our benefits have been mutual.  After a spirited contest between Cherry Tree, Turon and Lone Star, Cherry Tree was chosen as the next meeting place.  On motion the association adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock the 3rd Saturday in Dec. at Cherry Tree.

The following program will be rendered there:

(1)  Welcome address by J. F. Friday,
(2)  Response by H. L. Gillespie,
(3)  The needs and lack of higher ideals by H. B. Kent,
(4)  School improvement by Elburne Phillips,
(5)  Need of better equipments for schools and how to get them, by J. A. Senter,
(6)  How to get pupils in school, by L. A. Moxley,
(7)  The use and abuse of authority, by Miss Clesty Suggs,
(8)  The art of teaching, by W. G. Crouch.

H. B. Kent, Sec. 

* * *
J. F. Friday - James Franklin Friday
H. L. Gillespie - Houston Lamar Gillespie
W. V. Griffin - Willard V. Griffin
H. B. Kent - Hillard Henry Burrel Kent
W. C. Crouch - William Carter Crouch
L. A. Moxley - Luther Altamont Moxley
J. A. Senter - James Alvin Senter
J. C. Whitehead - Jaudon Copeland Whitehead


* * *
In the early 1900s, teachers throughout Itawamba County held regular meetings within each of the five districts of the county.    Newspapers of the era usually contained minutes of such meetings, as above.  The photograph was shared with Don Dulaney by the Frank Neil Dulaney family.