HISTORY OF THE GLADE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Floyd Fender THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA THE COLLECTION OF north caroliniana FROM THE LIBRARY OF William C. Rankin C P 378 G5I+E ■ r Girls’ Dormitory and Boarding Hall Htstoxo of the (Slade bailee High Sriyrol Written by a Student of the School By Floyd Fender Copyright, 1923, By Floyd Fender Dedicated to The Ladies of Orange Presbytery PREFACE In this little work the author has endeavored to give practical information about the origin of the Glade Valley High School and the work of the institution from its establishment in 1909 to the present time, (Feb. 1923). Since many records of the school are missing this work is also intended to supplement the records of the work done by the school. The author gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to the following for invaluable services and information without which this work would not have been possible: Prof. W. L. Cooper, Jr., Rev. S. M. Rankin, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Eldridge, Mr. Gilmore Harris, Mr. F. A. Wrench, Miss Lela Wolfe, Miss Margaret Cheek, Mr. Frank S. Johnston, Miss Dott Duncan, Mrs. Dewitt Bryan, Mr. Clayton C. Edwards, Mrs. Stella Sharpe, Mr. Silas Nichols, Mr. B. Dewitt Phillips, Mrs. I. M. Andrews, Mrs. F. T. Wagoner, Mr. Clive A. Thompson, Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth, Mr. C. C. Thompson, Mr. Joseph McBride. FLOYD FENDER. Glade Valley, N. C., February, 1923. 6 HISTORY OF THE GLADE ESTABLISHMENT In the year 1907 a young ministerial student left Davidson College in his junior year because the condition of his eyes would not permit him to go on and finish his course. Desiring to enter some kind of religious work he went to Ashe and Alle¬ ghany counties as an evangelistic worker. He traveled over these counties, held meetings, and visited the people. This young man was Mr. A. T. Walker. Mr. Walker was everywhere met with the need of better edu¬ cational facilities. Most of the public schools were inferior and there were no high schools in which teachers might prepare them¬ selves. Hundreds of bright boys and girls, eager for an educa¬ tion were unable to go long distances and pay the usual fees. Often when spoken to about going to school their eyes would fill with tears as they replied, “It costs so much father cannot send me.” Mr. Walker secured a number of summer school teachers and con¬ ducted an educational campaign. Summer schools were conducted at various points in Ashe and Alle¬ ghany counties. This educational campaign resulted in the establish¬ ment of the Glade Valley High School. The Home Mission report of Rev. S. M. Rankin to Orange Presbytery which met in Leaksville in April, 1908, contained the following recommendation: “That Presbytery appoint a committee of five to secure a lo¬ cation for a high school in Ashe and Alleghany counties, and to establish such a school if the way be clear.” The Presbytery appointed the following committee. Rev. S. M. Rankin, Chairman, Greensboro; J. Lindsay Patterson, Esq., Winston-Salem; Mr. A. T. Walker, Sparta; Rev. R. K. Moseley, -; Mr. McBride Holt, Graham. With careful and pray- Mr. A. T. Walker VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 7 erful deliberation this committee selected Glade Valley as the location for the school. LOCATION Glade Valley is on a high plateau, in Alleghany County, about six miles from Sparta, the county-seat of Alleghany County, and about twenty-five miles from Elkin. It is about the geograph¬ ical center of the five mountain counties (Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Surry, and Stokes) of Orange Presbytery, which are said to have a population of seventy-five thousand people. The location is both beautiful and healthful, on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an altitude of about three thousand feet. The scenery is most beautiful, the climate invigorating. Glade Valley received its name from the Harris bottoms near by. This valley is a broad expanse of beautiful meadow land. The school is in a good Christian community, far from the evil and distracting influence of town or city and the pupils have nothing to distract their attention from their studies and no temptations to waste their money. THE WORK BEGUN Early in 1909 the Committee bought one hundred and twenty- five acres of land on which to establish the proposed high school. This land was well timbered and well watered. A large part of the lumber for the buildings was obtained from the land and the land has been developed into a farm. The location of Glade Valley was selected in the early part of 1909 and Mr. W. L. Brewer, an architect of Greensboro, went to Glade Valley, laid out the location for the buildings, made the plans, etc., and donated them to the school. Mr. A. T. Walker was appointed by the Committee to oversee the con¬ struction of the buildings. Great were the difficulties encoun¬ tered by Mr. Walker in this work. When the school was estab¬ lished the nearest railway station was Elkin, twenty-five miles away. All material and supplies had to be hauled from Elkin 8 HISTORY OF THE GLADE by wagons across the Blue Ridge Mountain over rough mountain roads. A sawmill had to be bought to cut the lumber; thus the lumber for the buildings was obtained economically. A little later a planer was bought and the lumber was finished on the ground. Mr. Walker was often seen hauling material from the railroad with an ox team or working far into the night to further the work. At one time when some cement work had been done on the foundation of the girls’ dormitory the temperature sud¬ denly dropped below the freezing point, a haystack was hauled from Mr. Gilmore Harris’ meadow near by and the forms wrapped to prevent freezing. Again when the steam heating plant was being installed in the girls’ dormitory Mr. Walker, Mr. Gilmore Harris and Rev. S. M. Rankin labored almost through the entire night to prevent the pipes from freezing. The people of the community aided greatly in clearing the land and erecting the buildings. Undaunted by obstacles and ha dships, Mr. Walker soon erected an eight-room cottage and had the girls’ dormitory, Group of Students In Front of the Cottage a large twenty-six room building, well under way. In October. 1009, Mr. Walker married Miss Mary Henderson, of Charlotte, VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 9 and they moved into the newly built cottage. Mr. and Mrs. Walker remained in charge of the work until about the first of July, 1910, when Mr. Walker had a severe attack of rheumatism and had to move away, before the girls’ building was completed. Rev. S. M. Rankin Mrs. S. M. Rankin Rev. S. M. Rankin, Chairman of the Committee, then took charge of the work, finishing the girls’ dormitory and the first term of school was conducted under the direction of Rev. and Mrs. S. M. Rankin. BUILT BY FREE WILL OFFERINGS The school was built by the free will offerings of Christian people. The people of the community showed their good will and support by subscribing $1,000 to help build the school. In 1909 there was no high school of any importance in the five mountain¬ ous counties of northwestern North Carolina. The need oi a high grade Christian school where the principles of the Chris¬ tian religion are taught and emphasized and the appreciation of the people are clearly depicted by the following letteis fi om tin community: 10 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Walls, N. C., April 1, 1909. Rev. S. M Rankin, Greensboro, N. C. Dear Sir:—Work has begun on the school, and is progressing nicely. The people seem very much interested and are helping, notwithstanding the busy season with the farmers. The people of the community have subscribed nearly $1,000. When you consider that we are twenty-five miles from the railroad and have to haul our produce over rough mountain roads to market, you will say this subscription is most remarkable. But our peo¬ ple are beginning to wake up educationally. There is but one school in the county that pretends to run more than four months, so it is no wonder our people are putting forth such an effort on behalf of this school. I wish to commend the wisdom of your committee in their selection of a site. The land is covered with fine timber, and the site is near the survey for the railroad which is now being graded from Elkin to Sparta. Every man in reach, and many not within reach, regardless of religious convictions and politics, is interested and doing what he can for the school. I predict a bright future for Glade Valley High School. With best wishes for yourself and family, I am, Yours very truly, S F. THOMPSON, Ex-Register of Deeds, Alleghany County Laurel Branch, N. C., April 5, 1909. Dear Bro. Rankin We have done what we could for the school, and we now ap¬ peal to you for help. We are greatly in need of this school, as you know. We have never had any opportunities in life our¬ selves, and our children are growing up in the same sad condi¬ tion. There are many bright children here, destitute of an ed¬ ucation, and will always remain so without the aid of those who are able to help. I trust your many friends will help to build this school, and we hope to see our children educated Christian VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 11 men and women, properly fitted for the Master’s service, and earnestly at work in His vineyard. Please do what you can for us; anything you and your friends do for this mountain work will be much appreciated. Yoxirs most cordially, J. P. McCANN. Cherry Lane, N. C. Rev. S. M. Rankin, Dear Sir:—We certainly appreciate the efforts you all are making to establish such a school in this community. We are in great need of a school. There is not a first-class school in the county, nor in the adjoining counties. I had to drive across the mountain seventy miles to place my daughter in school at Boone. This is someth'ng every one in the community is united on. Very sincerely, A. B. GENTRY. Sparta, Alleghany County, N. C. April 26, 1909. I am perfectly familiar with the country and know the condi¬ tions and needs of the section, and I want to say that the work which Rev. S. M. Rankin and those associated with him are doing in establishing a high school at Glade Valley, N. C., is, in my judgment, a valuable work both from a moral and Christian standpoint, and one that will redound to great good for this sec¬ tion of the State, and for the Presbyterian Church. R. A. DOUGHTON, Ex-Lieut Gov. of N. C. STUDENT SELF HELP, ETC. A number of scholarships are given by the friends of Chris¬ tian education to aid worthy but needy boys and girls. Also a large number of needy students are allowed to pay their way in part by working on the farm, grounds, or kitchen and dining room. 12 HISTORY OF THE GLADE RAISING THE MONEY Rev. S. M. Rankin, Superintendent of Home Mission Work, did a wonderful work in raising the funds to build the Glade Valley Mission School. To his appeals there was a generous re¬ sponse from the churches, ladies’ and young people’s societies, as well as from individuals. Those who aided in this work con¬ tributed to a noble cause. SOCIETIES FURNISH ROOMS The ladies of the Orange Presbytery, through their various societies, rendered invaluable service by furnishing the build¬ ings. Through their efforts each room was neatly papered and supplied with furniture. BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTED *In the fall of 1909 the following Board of Trustees was ap¬ pointed: Rev. S. M. Rankin, Chairman, Greensboro; Mr. A. W. McAlister, Greensboro; Hon. A M Scales, Greensboro; Rev. E. R, Leyborn, D. D., Durham; Mr. McBride Holt, Graham; J. Lind¬ say Patterson, Esq., Winston-Salem; Mr. A T. Walker, Sparta. On March 29, 1910, the Committee and the Board of Trustees held a joint meeting and the Committee turned over to the Board the management of the school. In the fall of 1910, the institu¬ tion was incorporated under the laws of North Carolina. *Later Dr. Neal L. Anderson and Judge T. B. Finley were added to the Board. Mr. W. F. Carter of Mount Airy was elect¬ ed a member in place of Mr. A. T. Walker in 1911. In April 1914, Dr. E. R. Leyburn resigned as a member of the Board and Rev. C. P. Coble was elected in his place Dr. Neal L. Ander¬ son removed from the Presbytery, and Dr. D. Clay Lilly was elected a member of the Board in his place in 1916. In 1918 Mr. A. W. McAlister resigned from the Board and Mr. R. R. King was elected in his place. In 1920, Dr. D. Clay Lilly re¬ moved from the Presbytery, and Rev. T. W. Simpson was elect¬ ed a member of the Board in his place. VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 13 THE SCHOOL OPENED Rev. S. M. Rankin took charge of the work at Glade Valley in October, 1910. A large force of hands was obtained and the work on the girls’ dormitory pushed as rapidly as possible. On January 4, 1911, the school was opened with the following faculty in charge: Rev. S. M. Rankin, President pro. tem.; Prof J. H. Gentry, Principal, High School Department; Mrs. S. M. Rankin, Lady Principal; Miss Lucy Graves, Intermediate and Primary Grades; Miss Rebecca Woods, Domestic Science; Prof. W. Paisley White, Normal Course; Miss Josephine Orr, As¬ sistant in Sewing Room; Mrs. Rankin, Music; Miss Woods, Ma¬ tron. The very first term was a marked success, both in the number enrolled and the grade of work accomplished. Sev¬ enty-two students were enrolled during the term.* The building was not finished when school opened, and was very cold and un¬ comfortable for the first two months. The commencement exe cises, which were held May 7-9, 1911, did credit to the new instituion. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. R. E. Steele, of Spencer. Ten young ladies contested in recitation for a beautiful medal given by Mr. R. C. Bernau, of Greensboro. Miss May Gentry, of Hooker, was the succesful contestant. The young men contested in decla¬ mation for a medal given by the President. This was won by Mr. Garnett Edwards, of Sparta. Ex-Lieut. Governor R. A. Doughton, of Sparta, delivered a splendid literary address, which was well conceived and eloquently delivered. In April, 1911, water was piped into the buildings by force of gravity from a strong spring farther up the mountain. Until then water had to be carried from a spring some three hundred yards away. THE YEAR 1911-12 The Board of Trustees was fortunate in securing a splendid and well equipped man in the person of Rev. W. F. Hollings- *The school was established with a primary department which was later discontinued. The school now carries grades seven to eleven inclusive. The music department was begun as an ad¬ junct but has attained considerable prominence and reputation. 14 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Boys’ Dormitory VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 15 worth, of Morganton, as President of the school. Rev. Hol- lirgsworth was elected in the spring of 1911, and took charge of the work June the first of that year. The infant institution thrived under the care of Mr. Hol¬ lingsworth. He remained in charge for four years, giving to the school his ripe scholarship and practical business methods. The boys’ dor¬ mitory was erected during his ad¬ ministration. Mr. Hollingsworth placed on the farm a splendid young orchard, which has been a great source of help to the school. The following faculty had charge during the year 1911-12: Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth, President; Prof. D. T. Bradshaw, Principal; Assist¬ ants, Mrs. W. F. Hollingsworth, Miss Pearl Woodruff, Miss Elsie Miss Clyde Bryan was awarded the scholarship medal at commencement, Mr. Lee Nichols received the declamation medal, and Miss Lina Bledsoe the recitation medal. In the year 1912, a United States Post Office was established at Glade Valley. Mail had been received at Cherry Lane about three miles away until this time. Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth Waddell, Mrs. John Ruff. THE YEAR 1912-13 The following year (1912-13) Prof Samuel Denny Smith was Principal with the following assistants: Mrs. W. F. Hollings¬ worth. Miss Hallye Covington, Miss Emmie Quarterman, Mrs. John Ruff. The school graduated one pupil this year, Miss Stella Gentry, of Glade Valley. The enrollment for the year was one hundred and thirty-four pupils. The commencement was held May 17-20. Nine boys contested in declamation and eleven girls in recitation. Eight students made the honor roll for the year. Mr. Lytle McBride won the declamation medal, 16 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Miss Alma Brooks received the recitation medal, and Miss Fay Evans the scholarship medal. THE YEAR 1913-14 Prof. W. L. Cooper, Jr., of Graham, was Principal in 1913-14 and had the following assistants: Mrs. W. F. Hollingsworth, Miss Hallye Covington, Miss Margaret Cooper, Mrs. John Ruff. The enrollment for the year was ninety-three. The commence¬ ment exercises were held in the assembly hall of the boys’ dormi¬ tory May 15-18. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth. Thirteen young men were in the declamation contest and nine young ladies in the recitation con¬ test. The following medals were awarded at commencement: Music, Miss Clyde Bryan; declamation, Mr. E. B. Eldridge; reci¬ tation, Miss Clyde Bryan; scholarship, Mr. E. B. Eldridge. THE YEAR 1914-15 The following faculty had charge during 1914-15: Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth, President; Prof. G. T. Pace, Principal; Mrs. G. T. Pace, Mrs. Elizabeth Holton, Miss Mary Gaither, Mrs. W. F. Hollingsworth. This was a very successful year and two stu¬ dents graduated with honors at commencement, Miss Clyde Bryan and Mr. Lee Nichols. The closing exercises held May 15-18 were very successful. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Tyler, D. D , of Danville, Ky. Eleven boys participated in the declamation contest and six girls in the recitation contest. A splendid literary address was deliv¬ ered by Hon. R. L. Doughton, member of Congress. Miss Retha Thompson received the music medal; Miss Virginia Calloway, the recitation; and Mr. Lee Nichols, the scholarship. THE YEAR 1915-16 Rev. W. F. Hollingsworth resigned as President of the school VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 17 in the spring of 1915 and Prof, W. L. Cooper, Jr., of Graham, was elected President of the school in the summer of 1915. Mr. Coop¬ er had charge of the school for about three years, during which time the institution continued to prosper. In the fall of 1915 Orange Pres¬ bytery at an adjourned meeting in Gastonia, recommended that a campaign be made for $10,000 for Glade Valley High School. This was done in order that the school buildings might be completed, the plant put in better condition for service, and the full benefit re¬ ceived from the $20,000 that had already been spent. Mr. W. L. Cooper, Jr., President of the school, was appointed financial agent to visit the churches and raise the money. The campaign was successful and the school was improved materially. The boys’ building was finished and the farm somewhat improved. Up to this time only kerosene oil lamps had been used for lighting; an electric light plant was installed which gave excellent service and eliminated the danger of fire. A wood saw and feed mill were also installed. A good small barn was built and the farm fenced. Mr. W. L. Cooper, Jr. The school was in charge of the following faculty in 1915,-16. Mr. W. L. Cooper, Jr., President; Prof. R. C. White, of Mebane, Principal; Miss Annie Albright, Miss Roberta Pratt, Miss Cor¬ nelia McLaurin, Mrs. John Ruff. This year the school gradu¬ ated three students: Miss Nina Gentry, Mr. Willard Hudson, and Mr. E. B. Eldridge. On March 4, 1916, was held a preliminary debate for the State triangular debate in which E B. Eldridge, Willard Hud¬ son, Prank Tally and Tyre Taylor were chosen to represent Glade Valley in the finals: The team won over Mountain View and Trap Hill high schools in the finals and represented Glade 18 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Valley in the State triangular debate at Chapel Hill. The team stood third in the final contest at the University, in which sev¬ enty-five schools were represented. On March 31-April 1, 1916, the Alleghany County commence¬ ment was held at Glade Valley. March 31 representatives of a number of the elementary schools of Alleghany and adjoining counties contested in declamation for a scholarship to Glade Valley. Representatives of the schools also contested in reci¬ tation for scholarship. A contest was also held in debate in which Mr. Silas Nichols won the medal During 1915-16 the school enrolled eighty pupils. The sixth annual commencement was held May 20-23. The Baccalau¬ reate sermon was preached by Dr. M. E. Sentelle of Davidson College. Three girls took part in the recitation contest and five boys in the declamation contest. The literary address was delivered by Hon. A. M. Scales of Greensboro. The scholar¬ ship medal was won by Mr. Willard Hudson; the recitation medal by Miss Mary Jones; the declamation medal by Mr. Silas Nichols; the music medal by Miss Annabel Taylor. The fine spirit of Glade Valley in 1916 is shown by the fol¬ lowing song which rang over the campus: Glade Valley’s Glory Song (Tune: Boola Song) Glade Valley School on a mountain high; Where the sparkling waters ripple o’er the hill: The noiseless call of a clear blue sky Brings a joy that makes our hearts with rapture thrill. Where calm contentment always dwells ’Mid rhododendron dells; Where truth is taught the whole day long And praises given in glory song. Chorus: Glory, glory to Glade Valley; Sing her praises VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 19 Thro’ all ages Glory, glory, all come rally Round Glade Valley School of schools. We’ll make our school the best of schools; We’ll tell her precious value far and wide; We’ll stick to her and all her rules. We’ll speak her name with care and love and pride. So make the air with echoes ring; Ne’er cease the whole day long, Her praise with might and main to sing Glade Valley’s glory, glory song. Chorus: THE YEAR 1916-17 The year 1916-17 was a most successful year. Prof. R. C. White was again Principal, with the following assistants: Miss Annie Albright, Miss Cornelia McLaurin, Miss Emma Allison, Mrs. W. L. Cooper, Jr., Mrs. John Ruff. Seven students gradu¬ ated in 1917: Misses June Bourne, Pauline Bourne, Lura Wag¬ oner, Messrs. B. Dewitt Phillips, Tyre C. Taylor, Olney Perkins, Clayton Edwards. The school was again represented in the State triangular de¬ bate at Chapel Hill. The speakers were: Messrs. Clayton Ed¬ wards, Tyre C. Taylor, Silas Nichols, and Miss Jesse Bledsoe Mr. B. Dewitt Phillips received the scholarship medal; Mr. Lee Andrews the declamation medal; Mr. Clive Thompson re¬ ceived a medal for the best essay on mountain Farm Improve¬ ment. (No contest was held in recitation.) The commence¬ ment sermon was preached by Rev. George W. Lee of Winston- Salem, and Hon. R. A. Doughton of Sparta delivered the an¬ nual address. The enrollment for the year was about ninety. In June 1917 Mrs. William N. Reynolds, Mrs. J. L. Patter¬ son, and Mrs. R. C. Bernau were elected advisary members of the Board of Trustees. 20 HISTORY OF THE GLADE THE YEAR 1917-18. During 1 1917-18 the school was in charge of Mr. W. L. Coop¬ er, Jr., President; Prof. E. B. Eldridge, Principal with the following assistants: Mrs. W. L. Cooper, Jr., Miss Annie Al¬ bright, Miss-Webb, Mrs. John Ruff. This year the following graduated: Misses Dott Duncan, Clyde Edwards, Retha Thompson, Mattie Hill, Blanche Spicer, Messrs. Frank S. Johnston and Clive A. Thompson. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. T. C. Bales of Mt. Airy, Prof. W. L. Cooper, Jr., delivered the annual address. The scholar¬ ship and declamation medals were received by Mr. Guy Dun¬ can; the recitation medal by Miss Margaret Cheek; the music medal by Miss Dott Duncan; debate medal by Mr. Frank S. Johnston. THE YEAR 1918-19 Mr. Cooper resigned as President in 1917 but remained in charge of the school until Rev. A. R. Woodson of Wadesboro, was elected President and took charge of the work March 1, 1918. Th e school had an unusually large attendance in 1918-19 and the largest senior class in the history of the institution. Following is the faculty for 1918-19: Rev. A. R. Woodson, President; Prof. E. B. Eldridge, Principal; M^s. A. R Woodson, Miss Annie Funk, Mrs. E. B. Eldridge, Miss Lillian Russell, Mrs. F. A. Wrench, Mrs. C. C. Bowman. President A. R. Woodson was dismissed March 6, 1919 and Mr. E. B. Eldridge was placed in charge of the school. Rev. A. R. Woodson The following graduated at commencement April 29, 1919: Misses Minnie Cox, Carrye Jones, Mollye Phillips, Hessie VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 21 Graduating Class, 1919 Reeves, Lura Wolfe, Carrye Dancy, Ruth Reeves, Jennye Mox- ley, Zollie Edwards, Ola Parsons, Messrs. Ralph Gentry, Robert Waddell, Bert Thompson, Dean Duncan, Marion Murray. The baccaulaureate sermon was preached by Rev. K. L. Whitting¬ ton of Greensboro. The annual address was delivered by Hon. R. A. Doughton of Sparta. The following medals were award¬ ed: recitation, Miss Ola Parsons; declamation, Mr. Robert Waddell; scholarship, Mr. Colquit Wrench; domestic science, Miss Maude Cox; neatest room, (girls) Misses Bertrice Duncan and Margaret Woodson, (boys) Messrs. Marion Murray and Frank Belton. The enrollment for the year was one hundred and six. THE YEAR 1919-20. Mr. E. B. Eldridge was elected President of the school in 1919 and has remained in charge of the school since that time. 22 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Prof. R. C. White of Mebane was Principal in 1919-20, with the fol¬ lowing assistants: Miss Margaret K. Wilson, Miss Florence Eldridge, Miss Annie Williamson, Mrs. Lula Choate. Two young ladies grad¬ uated in 1920: Miss Nannie Wag¬ oner and Miss Mattie Lyon. The enrollment for the year was about eighty. The commencement ex¬ ercises were held April 24-26. The commencement sermon was preach¬ ed by Rev. John R. Herndon of Winston-Salem. The literary ad¬ dress was delivered by Mr. Tyre Mr. E. B. Eldndge c. Taylor, a graduate of the school and a student at the University of North Carolina. The following received medals at commencement: Miss Nannie Wagoner, recitation; Miss Annabel Taylor, scholarship; Mr. Charles Collins, declamation; Mr. Charles Crawford, debate; Mi ss Ethel Moxley, music; Miss Viola Davis, neatness of room. THE YEAR 1920-21. The following faculty was elected for 1920-21: M v . E. B. Eldridge, President; Prof. G. D. Sample, Principal; Miss Ruth Price, Miss Hattie Brown, Mrs. Lula Choate, Miss Josephine Styer, Mrs. E. B. Eldridge. The year 1920-21 witnessed a number of improvements in the school. Steam heat was for the first time successfully em¬ ployed in the boys’ dormitory. The school was put on a firm financial footing. The work of painting the buildings was be¬ gun in the summer of 1920; the dormitories were finished in 1921 and the cottage was painted in the spring of 1922. A number of rooms in the boys’ building were papered in 1920- 21. Those graduating in 1921 were: Misses Bertrice Duncan, Annabel Taylor, Beatrice Rector; Messrs. Charles Crawford, VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 23 Edwin Duncan, Bynum Edwards, Traverse L. McBride, Cas F. Taylor. The enrollment for the year was one hundred. The commencement was held April 24-25. Eight girls and nine boys participated in the recitation and declamation contests. The following medals were awarded at commencement: schol¬ arship, Miss Annie Wilkerson; music, Miss Sadie Brandon: recitation, Miss Bertrice Duncan; declamation, Mr. Cas Tay¬ lor; neatness of room, Miss Viola Davis. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. George W. Lee of Winston- Salem. The annual address was delivered by Rev. E. N. Cald¬ well of Graham. In the spring of 1921 Glade Valley was represented in the interscholastic declamation contest at Wake Forest College by Mr. Charles Crawford. Glade Valley was for the third time represented in the State triangular debate at Chapel Hill in 1921. The speakers were: Messrs. Charles Crawford, Cas Taylor, Alex Osborn, and John Maines. In 1921 part of the grounds was converted into an athletic field. Grounds were provided for baseball, tennis, etc. THE YEAR 1921-22 In 1921-22 the following faculty was in charge: Mr. E. B. Eldridge, President; Prof. Chalmers G. Long, Principal; Miss Bessie Tesh, Miss Hattie Brown, Mrs. Grace Conolly, Miss Gray Greene, Mrs. E. B. Eldridge. This was a most successful year. The enrollment for the year was seventy-five. Five students were in the senior class. During this year a new electric light plant with storage batteries was installed; also an electi ic washer was installed A complete water system with bath rooms in both dormitories was added to the equipment. Through the liberality of the ladies’ societies the library was enlarged to over five hundred volumes besides numerous periodicals, magazines, etc.* The Presbyterian Committee of Publication * A small library was started at the opening of the school in 1911. 24 HISTORY OF THE GLADE of Richmond, Va., also contributed liberally to the library. The rooms in the girls’ dormitory were repapered and the wood¬ work painted. Nearly all rooms of the boys’ building were papered and one class room; the assembly hall was painted. These things were also accomplished principally through the generosity of the various societies. The music department found in the person of Miss Gray Greene a most able teacher. The following recital was given on Saturday, April 29, 1922, under direction of Miss Greene and was a decided success: Piano Solo—Grande Valse de Concert .... F. Mattei Sadie Brandon. Chorus—Welcome Sweet Springtime .... Rubinstein. Chorus Class. Piano Solo—Love Dreams . Brown Betty Ruth Duncan. Piano Duet—Cinderella . H. A. Williams Leila and Eva Greene. Vocal Solo—Springtide . R. Beck Miss Tesh. Piano Solo—Narcissus . Nevin Ethel Moxley. Quartette—Kentucky Babe . A. Geibel Misses Tesh and Greene, Messrs. Long and Ervin Piano Solo—Marche Grotesque . Sinding Bertrice Duncan. Piano Solo—The Flatterer. C. Chaminade Lexa Creed. Piano Duet—Festival Overture . H. Engelmann Bertrice Duncan and Miss Greene. VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 25 The commencement held April 29-May 1, 1922 was, per¬ haps, the most successful in the history of the institution. The following pupils graduated: Misses May Thompson, Mabel Thompson, Messrs. Fred Taylor, John Maines, and Arthur Wiles. A very able commence¬ ment sermon was preached by Rev. J. S. Foster of Winston-Sa¬ lem. A most able lit¬ erary address was de¬ livered by Prof. Chal¬ mers G. Long. The fol¬ lowing medals were pre¬ sented at commence¬ ment: declamation, Mr. Arthur Wiles; recita¬ tion, Miss Eva Greene; scholarship, Ml. Clay Graduating Class, 1.922 Thompson; music, Miss Lexa Creed, neatness of room, (girls) Miss Sadie Brandon, (boys) Mr. Roy Eldridge and Floyd Fender. 26 HISTORY OF THE GLADE THE YEAR 1922-23. The faculty for 1922-23 consists of the following members: Mr. E. B. Eldridge, President; Prof. J. Oliver Overcash, Prin¬ cipal; Mrs. Grace Conolly, Miss Margaret Fleming, Miss Es¬ telle Overcash, Miss Jane Er¬ vin, Miss Gray Greene, Mrs. E. B. Eldridge. The work of the school is pro¬ gressing nicely. The senior class of ‘23 consists of eight mem¬ bers: Misses Eth¬ el Moxley, Sadie Brandon. Oeta- via Taylor, Mess¬ rs. Everette L. Taylor, James Moxley, William McLean, Floyd Faculty, 1922-23. Fender and Silas Nichols. Mr. R. K. Smith, formerly of North Carolina, who died in New York in the fall of 1922 bequeathed to Glade Valley High School the sum of $10,000. THE ALUMNI The school has been running for twelve years, during which time it has graduated fifty pupils. A large number of these have gone to college. It is a notable fact that no Glade Val¬ ley graduate ever failed at college. Among the alumni are one assistant professor in the University of North Carolina, four high school principals, one mechanical engineer, one minister, VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 27 several studying law, and medicine, as well as several taking the regular literary courses. Several Glade Valley graduates have won the highest honors in college. The graduates of the school have organized an alumni association and established an alumni scholarship fund. THE SCHOOL TODAY Summarizing briefly the past history of the Glade Valley High School, a few years ago what is now the campus was the unbroken playground of squirrels and chipmunks and the splendid buildings were trees of the forest. Since the school opened in 1911 it has touched the lives of over one thousand young men and women from various parts of the state, a large number from Alleghany and adjoining counties. The school is today a thriving institution offering a standard four year course and is accredited by the state. It has two large doi- mitories with the modern conveniences of steam heat and elec¬ tric light well furnished, homelike rooms, an excellent library, and many other conveniences. Besides the regular class room A Campus View 28 HISTORY OF THE GLADE work a well organized literary society is maintained, good athletic games and wholesome entertainment are provided. The students have the benefit of a radio receiving outfit. The so¬ cial atmosphere of the school is wholesome and uplifting and its influence is felt throughout the community. THE NEEDS OF THE SCHOOL Since its establishment the school has made wonderful progress—graduated fifty students and influenced the lives of over one thousand boys and girls—but a still greater field of usefulness is yet open to this Mission School. Never was the need of high grade Christian education more keenly felt than it is now, in this day of complex and exacting life. The school stands in need of better equipment and facilities, not only to carry on its present work but to meet the increasing demands made upon it. Throughout the country hundreds of bright children are rapidly growing into manhood and womanhood— “Better unborn than untaught.” Among the imperative needs of the institution are seats for the assembly hall, together with curtains and fixtures. At present only rude and uncomfortable benches are in the as¬ sembly hall, which is used as chapel every day. Additional classroom equipment is also needed—maps, desks, dictionaries window shades, etc. Wallpapering would add materially to the comfort and appearance of the class rooms, only one of which is papered. Additional tools and equipment are needed for the farm, and the farm needs many improvements. By the further de¬ velopment of the farm it can be made a very substantial factor in the support of the boarding department of the school. More land needs clearing and putting in cultivation, and pasturage, and meadow. The development of the farm is one of the ur¬ gent demands of the school. VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 29 A View of the Farm. A little money and labor spent in improving the campus and grounds and planting flowers and shrubs would add to the beauty and homelikeness of the environment. A requisite need of the school is an administration building with class rooms and auditorium. This, with the two dormitor¬ ies already on the grounds, would place Glade Valley in po¬ sition to meet the task before her. The present assembly hall is entirely inadequate, as it will not near seat the audience at any kind of exercises. An administration building would en¬ able the boys to have a library, reading room, literary society halls, etc., in the boys’ dormitory. These things are very essen¬ tial for the best results. CONCLUSION On a beautiful plateau, some three thousand feet above sea level, amid picturesque mountains and valleys is situated the Glade Valley High School. The institution is owned and op¬ erated by Orange Presbytery and is in charge of the following Board of Trustees: Rev. S. M. Rankin, Chairman, Greens¬ boro; Mr. A. M. Scales, Greensboro; Mr. R. R. King, Greens¬ boro; Rev. C. P. Coble, High Point; Rev. T. W. Simpson, Win- 30 HISTORY OF THE GLADE Campus View ston-Salem; Mr. T. B. Finley, North Wilkesboro; Mr. McBride Holt, Graham; Mr. J. Lindsay Patterson, Winston-Salem; Mr. W. F. Carter, Mt. Airy; Mr. E. B. Eldridge, Treasurer, Glade Valley. The school has a plant and equipment worth some $35,000, and is located in a good Christian com¬ munity. Moral training received in the Sunday School, Chris¬ tian Endeavor Society and Church has an important part in the training received at Glade Valley. Glade Valley is situated on the new, hard surfaced highway now nearing completion, making the school easily accessible from all points in the state—only a few hours drive from Win¬ ston-Salem or Charlotte. VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 31 The Glade Valley High School is exerting a profound in¬ fluence for good in the community and is an institution of which Orange Presbytery may be justly proud. The year 1922-23 has been a very successful year. The school was represented in the interscholastic declamation con¬ test at Trinity College this year by Mr. Clinton Burgess. Glade Valley was for the fourth time represented in the State debate at Chapel Hill by Messrs Clinton Burgess and Lester Tilley, af- firmitive, Collier Parrish and Floyd Fender, negative. The af¬ firmative team won in the first preliminary. The thirteenth annual commencement was held April 28-30. The commencement sermon was preached by Rev. C. W. Er¬ vin of Glade Valley. The annual address was delivered by Professor John M. Cheek of Sparta. Seven girls contested in recitation and seven boys in declamation. The following med¬ als were awarded: recitation, Miss Vesta Shepperd; declama¬ tion, Mr. Clinton Burgess; scholarship, Mr. Ira Phillips; music, Miss Darrell Bowlin; neatness of room, (girls) Miss Ruth Long; (boys) Messrs. Ira Phillips and Charles Sanders. 192 3 ELK PRINTING CO. ELKIN, N . C . UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00033944153 FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION Font m M 368