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Schools - Farmington1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF FARMINGTON SCHOOLS __________ TOWN OF FARMINGTON, NC (1845-1970) COMPILED BY: POLLY A. LOMAX 2007 MEMBER OF DAVIE COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY (Pages digitized by Marie Benge Craig Roth, 2010) http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ncdavhgs/farmington.pdf 2 CONTENTS PAGE SUBJECT CONSTRUCTION AND ADMINISTRATION 3 Introduction 5 Early Education: School of 1845 7 Farmington Female Seminary,1854 10 Farmington Academy, 1882 17 Farmington High School,1916-1919 18 Farmington High School, 1919-1956 LIST OF STUDENTS 29 Students, Farmington Academy, 1882-1908 30 Students, Farmington High School, 1911-1970 41 Graduates and Principals, 1918-1956 LIST OF PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS 47 Principals and Teachers, 1882-1916 48 Principals and Teachers, 1916-1919 48 Principals and Teachers, 1919-1970 3 INTRODUCTION The following compilation is a journey through about 125 years (1845-1970) of educational history for the Farmington School property that is now known as the Farmington Community Center at 1723 Farmington Road. The unincorporated town we know today as FARMINGTON-has had at least 2 other names. At first it was called BRYAN'S SETTLEMENT, whose settlers were led by a farmer named Morgan Bryan, migrating from Pennsylvania through Virginia about the 1750's; the second name was LITTLE CURRITUCK, settled mostly by farmers from Currituck County NC, coming to this area of Davie County about 1804, and again in the 1830's. Little Currituck would really prosper about 1824 when a businessman named Edward Clemmons arrived in the town, coming from the Clemmons area of Forsyth County NC. Mr. Clemmons established a general store at the crossroads of the current N.C. Highway 801 (originally called the Post Road) and Farmington Road (first called the Irish Ford/Salisbury Road, then later called the Huntsville-Mocksville Road). In the 1830's a stronger surge of Currituck County emigrants arrived in the town of Little Currituck after the devastation of several coastal hurricanes, along with more settlers coming from the Clemmons area. One such farmer who crossed the Yadkin River from the Tanglewood area of Clemmons into Davie County's Little Currituck was named George Wesley Johnson. He was born in 1810, the son of John Madison and Lydia Elrod Johnson. In 1834, he was married to Martha Taylor of Little Currituck, the daughter of Spencer Taylor. About 1838, G.W. Johnson acquired land in the area and by 1854 he began construction of the JOHNSON FAMILY HOUSE that is still located on Farmington Road. (THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE OF DAVIE COUNTY NC, PAGE 138) George Wesley Johnson bought out the business of his rival Edward Clemmons, and proceeded to build his own general store and post office at the "Crossroads" of the town. He called his endeavors "THE TOWN OF FARMING", but after being appointed Postmaster on 1 May 1837, the U.S. Postal Service changed the town's name to FARMINGTON. G. W. Johnson was a most generous and successful businessman, and was well respected by the community. In 1845, he gave land acreage of 48 poles to the District No.7 School Committee of Farmington, for a "public or common school" in the community; then in 1854, he gave land acreage of 1 acre for $1.00 to the Trustees of the Farmington Female Seminary for a "good school male or female". Farmington Female Seminary operated a Tuition School and was later called the 4 Farmington Academy by the late 1860's. Though there were other schools in or near the town prior to G. W. Johnson's arrival in the 1830's, this compilation will only be a chronicle of the following Farmington Schools: 1. Unnamed 1845 School, Land Grant by G. W. Johnson 2. Farmington Female Seminary, deed by G. W. Johnson, (1854-1882) 3.Farmington Academy, land deed of 1882 granted by Francis Marion Johnson (son of G. W. Johnson), (1882-1919) 4. Farmington Elementary and High School of 1919 through 1970 Early Davie County history records considered Farmington a county leader in the field of education. Farmington has the distinction of operating the first "public high school" in the county, and building the county's first "brick school-house". FARMINGTON'S scholastic story will now begin with the " SCHOOL OF 1845 " _________________________ 5 EARLY EDUCATION: FARMINGTON SCHOOL OF 1845 There is a record of a school in LITTLE CURRITUCK about the year of 1804, however, its name or location is not known. Records state that the early settlers met for church services in the "local school house" until their church called Olive Branch Methodist could be established. Early North Carolina legislators had a very poor record for appropriating funds for a "free public education". Most state leaders seemed to feel that a child's education was the responsibility of each individual family, by using either the "home school" or "hired tutor" approach. Statistics of 1840 state that only 1 out of 8 children attended school for the year; but for Davie County families, this would change about 1839 when "free public/common schools" were voted in by its citizens, 373 "for schools" and 73 "against". Basically, the concept of the 1839-1840 vote was thusly: 1.Davie County School Districts were to be established and committee members were to be appointed. 2.If a School District provided a building to house at least 50 pupils, and raised $20.00 in taxes, then the State Literary Fund would give the District an additional $40.00, which would pay a teacher $60.00 for a 2 or 3 month school term. The Farmington Common Schools District No.7 met the above 2 requirements and proceeded to establish their "common school". On 4 January 1845, the land for the school was given by the Town of Farmington's founder, George Wesley Johnson. Here are excerpts from the deed: George W. Johnson, of the one part, and Noah Brock, James Kinyoun, and Matthew Fulford, Committee of Common Schools for District No.7, of the other part, for and in consideration of the benefit of said school; a certain tract of land on the waters of Cedar Creek beginning at a stone in Charles Hartman's line, running north 1 € chains, thence west 2 chains, thence south 1 chain and 50 links, then east 2 chains to the beginning, containing 48 poles more or less; in fee simple so long as the said premises be used for said common school and no longer; proved by G.W. Johnson; recorded and registered by John Clement Clerk, at the February Session 1845. (Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 2, page 345) 6 Though in 2007 the current maps, surveys, etc. do not include any reference to this 1845 acreage of 48 Poles, it is believed that this school was built on or in close proximity to the school property now used as the Farmington Community Center. This conjecture is supported by the fact that in 1845 Charles Hartman per the deed description above owned the land across the road from the current school property. Charles Hartman migrated to Davie County NC in the 1830's, coming originally from Cabarrus County NC. He purchased about 400 acres of land on Cedar Creek in 1839 from Spencer Taylor, who was the father-in-law of G.W. Johnson. About 1852, Mr. Hartman sold this same 400 acres to Dr. James Washington Wiseman, who built the house known as the "WISEMAN-KENNEN HOUSE", later owned by Queen Bess Kennen, a teacher at Farmington High School. (THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE OF DAVIE COUNTY NC, PAGE141). Today in 2007 a general description of the early Dr. Wiseman's road frontage would go from about the corner of Bobbitt Road down Farmington Road to the Farmington Medical Clinic Building. These free common schools were paid for by the county taxes, with the levy in 1841 at 7• per $100 valuation plus 15• poll tax for each voting male. In 1844, this tax amounted to about $550.00, but by 1856, the levy was 10• per $100 valuation, which netted about $1,154.00. Any other details about this first Farmington Public School are not known. It probably was replaced by the next land deed granted by George Wesley Johnson in 1854; with the property of the 1845 deed reverting back to Johnson as he stipulated on the deed. Once again, George Wesley Johnson would grant land to the Farmington School Committee, but this 1854 deed would be for what was called a TUITION SCHOOL. Its name was FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY. _________________________ 7 FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY TUITION SCHOOL - 1854 Our history for the FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY begins on 12 May 1854, when the following deed was granted by the Town of Farmington founder, George Wesley Johnson. Excerpts from the deed: G.W. (George Wesley) Johnson, of the one part, and Moses Cuthrell, William B. (Britian) Brock, William H. Perry, N.T. (Nathaniel) Brock, Levi Fulford, Levin Ward, B.F. (Frank) Lunn, J.W. (Wilson) Ellis, and Holden Smith, trustees of Farmington Female Seminary, of the other part; in consideration of a good school and the sum of $1.00, a certain parcel or lot of land on the waters of Cedar Creek, beginning in the center of the Mocksville Road (now Farmington Road) and Dr. James Washington Wiseman's corner; runs east with Wiseman's line 210 feet, thence north 210 feet, thence west this same distance to the road and therewith the road to the beginning; to contain 1 acre of land and no more; to have and to hold in trust for the use and benefit of the said FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY and none other; should the Trustees fail or refuse to keep a good school, either male or female, in the house erected on the lot for the span of 2 years, then said right in said lot to revert back to said G. W. Johnson; it is further understood the said lot is not to be used for any other purpose than that of a school lot; if Trustees appropriate any part of it for any other purpose than the school building, this conveyance to be void; Proved by J. W. Wiseman and Samuel Owens Tatum; Recorded and Ordered to be Registered by C. Harbin, Clerk, May Session 1854. (Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 3,Page 797) This conveyance of land seems to be in the same general area as Mr. Johnson's earlier deed of 1845, since now in 1854 the beginning line of Dr. Wiseman's property is the same property owned in 1845 by Charles Hartman, which Dr. Wiseman purchased from Mr. Hartman in 1852. So, in all probability, this School of 1854 replaced the Old School of 1845; but it is again noted that this above acreage of 1 acre is not included in the current plats and maps of the Old Farmington School property, but it is believed that this 1854 School was in close proximity to the current Community Center. At first it seems that the FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY was only for females, with Mrs. Samuel Owens Tatum as the Principal and Teacher. In her diary as Mary Rich Tatum, her entry of 1870 indicates she began teaching at the school about 1855 for its second session; while her husband, Samuel Owens Tatum, was a Principal and teacher in 1855 at the nearby tuition school called Union Academy. 8 Union Academy had been founded about 1852, and was located about 1 1/2 mile from Farmington, on Farmington Road behind the site of the old Olive Branch Methodist Church Cemetery. It was also a tuition school, and though not recorded in the records as such, it may have been only for the male gender at its beginning. On September 18, 1856, the Baptist Biblical Recorder reported the following notice: "Union Academy and Farmington Female Seminary sessions to open October 6, 1856 for the term of 20 weeks; the tuition for both schools: $5.00 for primary studies, $8.00 for English and Geography, $10.00 higher English, $12.00 Greek-Latin and higher Math, $5.00 French and drawing each, $15.00 Music on piano or instrument; board and clothes washing was $6.00 per month; contact the Principals at Farmington NC, S. O. Tatum and Mrs. S. O. Tatum" . Boarding for students was provided by local families of the community. According to local tradition, the house in Farmington called the "CASH-ALLEN HOUSE" was the "female dormitory" for the Farmington Female Seminary. The historical research for the house dates the original construction of the structure to the late 1840's or early 1850's, which would fit the time- frame of the 1854 school. (THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE OF DAVIE COUNTY NC, PAGE 134) These "Tuition" schools, sometimes called "Subscription" schools, offered students a more extensive curriculum of study than the basic "Common or Free Public" schools, such as the earlier school of 1845. Public schools taught students no further than Reading, Writing and Figuring, as far as the "Rule of Three"; but the "Tuition" school stressed the higher levels of an education, even providing preparation for attendance to college. But yet these tuition schools did not leave out the students that couldn't afford the cost of paying for their education. Farmington Female Seminary, along with the other tuition schools of the county, was allotted money by the County Board of Education for a "Free Public Session", with the term and session to be at the discretion of each principal of the schools. This "Free School" would usually be held during a break being taken by the tuition students. If a "Free Pupil" could later pay the tuition, then further schooling could be continued after the end of the"Free Term". Sometime along the way, FARMINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY became a school for males and females, and also the name of the School changed to FARMINGTON ACADEMY. Though the actual year of the changes in the name is not known, the first mention of the name FARMINGTON ACADEMY was for the School Year of 1867-1868, as listed in the BRANSON's BUSINESS DIRECTORY for Davie County NC. 9 The next 14 years of pages in the BUSINESS DIRECTORY are missing that would have listed the schools, principals, and teachers (Martin-Wall History Room, Davie County Library, Business Directory File). Even though there are no further records for this 1854 School, it was the center of education in Farmington for a span of about 28 years. As was typical of this time era, this old school building was of "log construction", and was destined to be replaced about 1882 with the construction of a "new permanent school", which would be a "wood-frame construction" structure. The nearby Union Academy School would also close its operation in 1882 or 1883; because its leaders had died, and the building, though constructed of brick, was in dire need of repairs. With the closing of the Union Academy creating more available students to educate, plus the growth of the town businesses, it was inevitable that the Farmington citizens decided they needed a "new school"; the result of this awareness for better schools and buildings in the County of Davie was a new white wooden-frame construction building in 1882. This "new school building" would still be a TUITION SCHOOL", and the name would still be FARMINGTON ACADEMY. _________________________ 10 FARMINGTON ACADEMY TUITION SCHOOL - 1882 A new wood-frame school-house would replace the "old log building" built about 1854, and this new school building for FARMINGTON ACADEMY would be used for about the next 37 years. This school called FARMINGTON ACADEMY would put the Town of Farmington "on the map" as an educational center in the County of Davie NC. As of the 1907-1908 School Year, it was the "first high school" established in the county. The Academy remained a "tuition school" until about 1919, though by 1919, the high school students were admitted free of charge. Davie County records for the early 1880's indicate the awareness by its officials that a better system of schools was needed. In 1880, the county schools fund was only $3,285.00 for about 54 school districts. School attendance at this time was very poor, and most of the county's buildings were archaic. Minutes of the Board of Education tell us that the grades being taught were 1st through 3rd, with school terms of about 13 weeks, with the average teacher's salary at about $25.00. A "new modern wooden-frame school-house" would be Farmington's solution to create better educational opportunities for its children. In 1882, this new school lot acreage was also granted by a member of the G.W. Johnson family, but this time it was Francis Marion Johnson, the eldest son of George Wesley Johnson. Somehow the Deed of 1882 "was lost and never recorded" until 1908, so the price, terms, etc. of this conveyance are not known. In 1873, Francis Marion Johnson was the builder of the one remaining town's commercial structure still located on Farmington Road. This building once housed stores, the Farmington Post Office, the Masonic Lodge, and others. He was also the builder of the Farmington House known as the JOHNSON-SMITH HOUSE still standing on Farmington Road. (The Architecture of Davie County NC, Page 139) F. M. Johnson was also Chairman of the Board of Education in the late 1880's until about 1897, when he was replaced by Wilson R. Ellis. This "lost 1882 deed" was finally conveyed and registered in 1908. Here are excerpts from same: "On unknown day in 1882, F. M. Johnson & Wife A. L. Johnson sold and conveyed to F. M. Johnson, R.Q. (Richard Quincy Adams) Teague, W. F. (William) Swaim , and J.M. (James Millys) Johnson, Trustees of the FARMINGTON ACADEMY, for the purposes of erecting a building thereon for a permanent school, whereas the said deed has been lost without ever being recorded; and some original Trustees are now deceased; F. M. Johnson, G. P. (Green 11 Patterson) Harding, C. A. (Charles Alexander) Hartman, W. G. (William Gaston) Johnson, and A. W. (Albert Wilson) Ellis now compose the Board of Trustees (in 1908) for said Farmington Academy; the purpose of said F. M. Johnson and his present wife L.D. Johnson and the said Trustees of said Academy, is to convey to the Board of Education of Davie County NC, for the purposes of a "public or high school" in said county; in consideration of the premises, the sum of $1,000.00 the value of the property, and for the further sum of $1.00 to them in hand paid by Board of Education; the foregoing to sell and convey to said Board of Education, the following lands to wit: Beginning at a point in the middle of the Mocksville and Huntsville public road and runs south 85 degrees west 6.14 chains to a stake, 5 links west of a Hackberry tree, thence south 5 degrees east 2.46 chains to a stake near a Honey Locust, thence north 85 degrees east 6.14 chains to the middle of the public road northeast of and near a Persimmon Tree, thence with said road 2.46 chains to the beginning, containing 1 1/2 acres, more or less, for full description of which, see boundaries by E. C. (Enos Calvin) Smith, Surveyor, made April 16, 1908 and being the lot on which the Academy is now situated; to have and to hold, to the said Board of Education, to their only use and behoof; said Trustees covenant they are seized of said premises in fee and have right to convey same in fee simple; Witness: E. E. Hunt, Justice of Peace, on July 6, 1908; Proved by A. T. Grant, Clerk of Superior Court on July 17, 1908; Registered on July 25, 1908 by A. T. Grant, Clerk of Superior Court". (DAVIE COUNTY NC, REGISTER OF DEEDS, BOOK 20,PAGE 214) This new school house acreage of 1 1/2 acres is well documented through the Deed, Survey Maps, and Tax Records as being part of the "OLD SCHOOL PROPERTY" used today as a Community Center. E. C. Smith's survey of boundaries mentioned in the deed above is not available in the county records; but the Register of Deeds office does have a copy of the 1965 survey map of the "Farmington Graded School Lot", which documents the above described deed of 1908 as also the site of the 1919 new brick school building. Historical records for Davie County tell us that the Farmington Academy was built for about $1,500.00; was described as a one-story, wood frame building (most likely using the floor plan called "center-hall, single pile"); and an addition of an open-air arbor (or stage/pavillion) was built in 1894. We are very fortunate to have a photo of the school called FARMINGTON ACADEMY, and it clearly shows us the physical aspects described herewith. Former students and advertisements called the school "big and grand", with 2 "big" rooms with "big" desks and benches that held 2 students, with book storage. The grades taught were probably 1st through the 7th or 8th grade, with the county school term being about 65 days each for the fall and spring sessions, typical of this 1880's era; but in 1882 the private academies usually had longer terms than the county's public schools. The first record of a scholastic activity for this school is documented with the May 21-22, 1884 Program of Closing Exercises. Samuel W. Finch of Lexington NC was the Principal 12 for this School Year of 1883-1884, and he may have been principal for the year before (the 1883 page is missing in the Business Directory). The honorable F. C. Robbins of Lexington also made the Literary Address. On Monday August 4, 1884, the next fall session opened for Farmington Academy, with a new Principal named Professor James F. Brower, who would serve the school until 1888. Mr. Brower came to Farmington from the closed Union Academy where he was their last principal. He would leave Farmington in the School Year of 1887-1888 to be the principal at Rock Spring Seminary in Lincoln County NC. James F. Brower was replaced at the Farmington Academy by Professor O. B. Eaton. Notice of the opening for the School Year 1887-1888 called Farmington Academy "a first class school for boys and girls", with the fall term beginning on Monday, August 15, 1887. The tuition fee was not given in the notice; it just stated "Board and Tuition cheap". During this time period of 1887, most Davie County schools had terms of about 65 to 86 days, but some schools like Farmington Academy set their own terms. By 1891 the Academy's terms were for 80 days. Professor Oscar Benjamin Eaton was the Principal for this School Year 1887-1888. He was born in 1859, the son of Professor Jacob "Jake" Eaton and Mary E. Clement, in Davie County. O. B. Eaton would remain as principal at Farmington Academy until replaced by Leon Cash in 1891. The School Year of 1890-1891 was Professor O.B. Eaton's last year. His teachers listed for this year were R.P. Clingman, Miss S.B. Cuthrell, Miss M.T. Furches, and F.M. Horn. When O. B. Eaton left Davie County, he was elected the Mayor of Winston NC in 1900, serving as mayor until 1910. Upon the consolidation of Winston and Salem on May 12, 1913, Eaton was elected as the first mayor of the city we know today as Winston-Salem NC. The School Year of 1891-1892 for Farmington Academy had a new principal by the name of Leonard "Leon" Agustus Cash. Leon Cash had received his early education as a child at the nearby Union Academy school. Leon Cash was born June 6, 1866 in Davie County NC, the son of Dr. Leonard Hamilton Cash, a prominent physician of the Smith Grove Community, and Sarah Jane Holman, whose father, Isaac Holman, founded Holman's Crossroads (near the current Cana Road junction with Highway 601). Leon Cash was married to Frances "Fannie" Hartsell, who was the music teacher at the Academy. Prior to his coming to Farmington in 1891, Leon Cash was the Assistant Principal with Professor James F. Brower (an earlier principal at Farmington Academy) at the Rock Spring 13 Seminary in Lincoln County NC. Professor Brower recommended Leon Cash for the position of principal at the Academy in 1891; Brower also left the Rock Spring School to become the headmaster at the Salem Boys School in Forsyth County NC. This 1891 Fall Term for Farmington Academy began on Monday August 24, 1891 and ended on Thursday December 24, 1891, for an 80 day term. The Spring Term began on January 4, 1892, ending on June 2, 1892. During this School Year of 1891-1892, the Board of Trustees for Farmington Academy were: Dr. James Washington Wiseman, Francis Marion Johnson, James Millys (or Millus) Johnson (Vada Johnson's father), S.C. Rich, and Dr. William Gaston Johnson (another son of George Wesley Johnson). A copy of this year's brochure (1891-1892) gives us more insight into the operation of the school. It states that the "Academy is a modern structure, nearly new, well arranged for school work, with the nucleus of a good Library, owned by the school". The brochure lists the tuitions as below: 1. First Steps at $1.00 per month. 2. Intermediate at $1.25 to 2.00 per month. 3. Advanced & Classical at $2.00 to 3.00 per month. 4. Music at $2.00 per month. 5. Boarding at about $8.00 per month, or rented rooms at $1.00 per month. Remember the earlier mention of the Cash-Allen House on Farmington Road as a "school dormitory"? In 1892, Leon Cash owned the house, and it may have still been used as a dormitory; he and his wife may have been among the local families that boarded attendees of the Academy. The next record available for the FARMINGTON ACADEMY is for the School Year of 1894-1895, with the Fall Term to begin on Tuesday 4 September 1894. The School expected a full school and Leon Cash was still the Principal. Leon Cash continued to serve as Principal until the School Year 1896-1897, when he was replaced by Miss Lucy Wilson Weathersbee. Thomas "Tom" Hamilton Cash, the brother of Leon Cash, was the Assistant Principal for this School Year of 1894-1895; the teachers were Mrs. Fannie Cash, Miss Jessie Chaffin, a Mr. Williams, and assistant teacher Miss Julia Harding. Before coming to Farmington School, Tom Cash was a teacher at the Mock's Church Community School in Davie County NC. The brochure for the next School Year 1895-1896 is the last year for Leon and Tom Cash at Farmington Academy; their teachers were Mrs. Fannie Cash as Music Teacher, Miss Mattie Rich as Teacher of Art and Education, Miss Jessie Chaffin, a Mr. Williams and Miss Julia 14 Harding. The Fall Term began on Monday August 19th, and ended on 20 December 1895; the Spring Term was to begin on 30 December 1895, and end on 28 May 1896. Listed below are the School's advertised qualities and courses taught for the School Year 1895-1896: 1. The School was called a Thorough Preparatory School for boys and girls. 2. Educational Creed - converted to the Doctrine of the Trinity, mental development, and to develop Christian character. 3. Conveniently located in a quiet part of the Town, built for $1,500.00. 4. Open-air arbor built in 1894, with a stage area closed on both ends. 5. Tuition Terms: Primary - $1.00 Month Intermediate-$1.25 to 1.75 month Advanced & Classical-$2.00 to 3.00 month Music-$2.00 month Art-$2.00 month Elocution (Public Speaking)-$1.00 month Admission Fee- 25 cents 6. Board available for $6.00 to 7.00 per calendar month 7. Study Courses; usual courses taught in high school and academies; preparation for business; or entrance exams to college; courses to prepare for a teaching career. 8. Free access to a school owned Library 9. A literary society called "the Improvement Club", conducted by the students Leon Cash had also served as the Superintendent of the Davie County Schools during his tenure at the FARMINGTON ACADEMY. In 1897, he left Davie County NC to teach at Salem Boys School in Winston NC, and his brother Tom Cash also left, and later became the Superintendent of the Forsyth County School system. For the next School Year 1896-1897 at FARMINGTON ACADEMY, Miss Lucy Wilson Weathersbee is listed as the Principal, but she only served this one year. She left the Academy to go to Yadkin College in the Town of Yadkin College, Davidson County NC. Miss Weathersbee was replaced as Principal by Miss Jessie Chaffin (Mrs. A. M. McGlamery) for the School Year of 18971898. It seems Miss Chaffin may have served as Principal until about 1901. In 1901-1902, B. W. Stephens was the Principal of FARMINGTON ACADEMY, with the following teachers: Miss Susie (Susan J.) Jones, Miss Victoria (Vickie) Brock, Miss Julia Harding and J.L. Tatum. Both Miss Susie Jones and Miss Vickie Brock were former graduates of FARMINGTON ACADEMY. B.W. Stephens would serve as Principal until the 1906-1907 Fall Term. For his years 1903 through 1906, some teachers mentioned were Miss Susie J. Jones and Enos Calvin Smith. This would be Miss Jones's last year as teacher at the Academy, she left after her marriage to 15 teach at the CANA SCHOOL in Davie County. Paul H. Nance is the next Principal of the Academy, and Mrs. Mabel Brock is a teacher for this 1906-1907 School Year. The Fall Term began on Monday 20 August 1906; with students being prepared for college and an active business life; good board rates were 25• per day; the tuition rates per month were: 1. Primary at $1.00 2. Intermediate at $1.50 3. Advanced Common School at $2.00 4. High School at $2.50 This School Year of 1906-1907 is the first mention of the FARMINGTON ACADEMY as a "HIGH SCHOOL". In 1907, North Carolina State Funds were being appropriated for "HIGH SCHOOLS" in the counties, and also a "compulsory attendance rule" for all students. In 1907, FARMINGTON ACADEMY was one of nine schools operating in the Farmington Township of Davie County NC. There are no records available for the Academy's teacher pay scale, but in the 1906-1907 Public School system, teachers were averaging about $100.00 per year salary. They were teaching for about a 4 month term of school; only about $3.00 was being spent on each pupil's education in the Public Schools System. The educational leaders of the TOWN OF FARMINGTON had been working towards operating a "HIGH SCHOOL", and all their hard work and efforts culminated at the 1 July 1907 Davie County Board of Education meeting when they were appropriated the amount of $250.00 from State Funds to use for the current School Year of 1908-1908. At that time in 1907, the members of the Board of Education for Davie County were Francis Marion Johnson, T. B. Bailey, and Albert Wilson Ellis; who met to discuss the establishment of a HIGH SCHOOL by the citizens of FARMINGTON. Here are excerpts from this meeting: "A local tax district has been laid off and voted upon by the citizens of Farmington, to establish a Public High School; the Board orders the said High School to be established, with a appropriation of $250.00 towards supporting the current school year; the Trustees for this High School were to be Dr. William Gaston Johnson to serve 2 years, G. B. Harding to serve 4 years, and C. A. Hartman to serve 6 years; for the school in District No.7." FARMINGTON ACADEMY was now operating the "First High School" in the County of Davie NC. A new Principal named Henry A. Doak would serve the school from the 1907-1908 16 Term until the School Year of 1911-1912. Some of his teachers were Miss Eunice Helms, Miss Dora E. Abernathy, and W. P. Henley. Fred B. Yoder was the FARMINGTON ACADEMY'S Principal from 1912-1913 until the School Year of 1915-1916. Some of his teachers were Kate Brown, Helen Brown, Bessie Gatts, and Cora Ballard. About 1913, the taxpayers of Farmington, Cana, Fork Church, Advance and Mocksville had levied special school taxes to conduct 6 months of longer school terms. The other Davie County schools continued to operate on a 4 month term until about the 1920's. Since 1907, school attendance had been compulsory; whereby the State of North Carolina mandated "compulsory education" for all 8 to 12 year old children, requiring at least a 4 month term of school. This brought on the necessity for school systems to hire an "attendance officer". On 5 July 1915, according to the Board of Education minutes, the following were appointed as the School Committee for the Farmington School: Frank H. Bahnson for 6 years, H. Grady Rich for 4 years, and Samuel Vance Furches for 2 years. J. M. Bowden was appointed as the Attendance Officer. The available Business Directory records for Davie County end in the year of 1916, the last year this school would be known as "FARMINGTON ACADEMY"; henceforth, it would be called FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. On 26 September 1916, a notice in the Davie Record Newspaper stated that "FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL WOULD BE TUITION FREE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS". This is the first mention of the name change for Farmington's School, though classes would continue to be held in the Farmington Academy's wooden-frame building until a new "brick construction" Schoolhouse could be built in 1919. _________________________ 17 FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL {TUITION SCHOOL, 1916-1919} The DAVIE RECORD article dated September 26, 1916 stated thusly: "Farmington High School, Farmington NC, will open October 2nd, with a strong faculty, and with an excellent school spirit in the community. Tuition free to high school students. Board at reasonable rates in private families. The health and moral tone of this community is good. All inquiries will be cheerfully answered. A.H. Flowers, Principal. F. H. Bahnson, Secretary". A. H. Flowers would be the first principal of the first school called Farmington High School, for the school year of 1916-1917, replacing Fred B. Yoder. Mr. Flowers would only remain as principal for one more year. The "School Directory of Davie County,Year 1917-1918" (Martin-Wall History Room,Davie County Library) tells us that the School Committee for this year was F. H. Bahnson, H.G. Rich and E. L. Furches; the attendance officer was Frank Clingman; A. H. Flowers,Principal, Teachers- Mary McMahan and Gelene Ijames. During this time period for education, Farmington High School was operating on about 6 months terms, with the grades believed to be taught, first through the tenth grades. The salary scales for tuition teachers in 1916 are not available, but the public school teachers were only being paid about $25.00 per month, for a 4 month term. The last year of classes held in the "old wooden building" was for 1918-1919, with Miss Lura A. Scott as Principal, and teachers: Miss Julia Austin, and Miss Eva Smith. In May 1919, the graduating class consisted of 5 students: Ruby Armsworthy (Mauney), Leona Graham (Smoot), Clara James (Howard), Early Smith, and Willie Taylor. As of the fall opening for the school year of 1919-1920, the Farmington High School would be a Public High School, with its classes to be held in a new "brick school building". Efforts for this new endeavor became a reality in 1917 when the Farmington Special Tax District No.7 passed a $3,000.00 bond issue for a new building. 18 1919 FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL HOUSE Another first in the Davie County's public education saga would again occur in Farmington, with the construction of a new brick school-house. The citizens of Farmington realized that even though the "Tuition School" format of their Farmington Academy offered its students an excellent education, it also short-changed the less fortunate public school students of the area. Preliminary construction plans for this new school-house began to be realized on 2 April 1917. On that date, the Davie County Board of Education agreed to pay one-half of the cost, as long as the cost didn't exceed $5,000.00, and provided that the Farmington Special Tax District No.7 paid their one-half. The Farmington Special Tax District No.7 had already passed a bond issue of $3,000.00, which would be paid by special tax levies. This Tax District No.7 had been established and voted upon earlier in July of 1907, when the community developed the concept to establish the "first high school" in the County of Davie. On 4 July 1917, the Davie County Board of Education estimated that a special tax levy of 13• on one hundred dollars tax evaluation would operate the high school for 4 months. The Board of Education also authorized the School Superintendent to borrow $2,500.00 from the NC State Literary Fund for this new building at Farmington. In 1917, the members of the Farmington School Committee were Frank H. Bahnson, H. Grady Rich, and Lonnie L. Miller. It would be almost 2 years later before the hard work and plans for this new school building became an actuality. First the Davie County Commissioners had to prepare the execution of the bonds, with the Davie County Board of Education advertising them. The bids were opened in July 1917, but all were rejected. By 25 August 1917, the bid of R. A. Wilkinson of Le Grande Ohio was accepted by the Board. A $3,000.00 bond was filed by the Board Treasurer J. L. Holton for the handling of the funds. All that remained now was authorization to build which had to be issued by the North Carolina State Legislature. Finally, on 3 March 1919, Albert Wilson Ellis, Melver J. Hendricks, and T. Herbert Nicolson were appointed as the Farmington School Building Committee. The Board of Education authorized them to be in charge of the funds of $5,000.00, and to build the new brick school-house. The bond of Melver J. Hendricks was approved as the Treasurer of the Building Committee. According to a 1965 "PLAT SHOWING FARMINGTON GRADED SCHOOL LOT 19 AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS ON THE PROPERTY" (Davie County Register of Deeds Office), this new school-house was built on the same 1 1/2 acres plot as the old wooden school house known as Farmington Academy (deed conveyed in 1881, but not recorded until 1908). Additional land would be needed for this 1919 new school and gym, and according to the above mentioned 1965 Plat, another 1 1/2 acres was acquired on 4 July 1919, being purchased from the Junior Order United American Mechanics (J.O.U.A.M.), Farmington Council No. 179. Eleven years earlier on 4 December 1908, Enos Calvin Smith and wife Thursa Cordelia Smith sold 1 1/2 acres for $125.00 to J. M. White, Luke M. Furches, and Willie A. Taylor, the Trustees of the J.O.U.A.M. Farmington Council No. 179 ( Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 23, Page 132). On 4 July 1919, E. P. Walker, W. S. Douthit, and James Frank Allen (Council Trustees) sold this same 1 1/2 acres to Albert Wilson Ellis (Chairman) and Peter W. Hairston of the Davie County Board of Education, for the price of $252.50 ( Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 25, Page 185). The 1919 Gymnasium Building was probably erected on this plot of land. According to the Davie Record Newspaper microfilm dated 31 May 1933, a new gym building is mentioned, with its completion date as the Fall of 1933. (No Board Minutes were found for this new Gym Building). This means that the 1919 Gym Building was replaced in 1933, and would be the wooden Gym Building remembered today that also served as an Auditorium and Lunch Room for about 20 years until the 1950's new construction project for a new Auditorium and Cafeteria. The 1933 Gym Building was erected on the 1 1/2 acres of land purchased in 1919, and after its demise, the land became the current (2007) "Walking Trail" at the Farmington Community Center. BUILDING THE SCHOOL HOUSE The original construction for the 1919 Farmington High School consisted of a 2-story brick school house and a one-story wood-frame gymnasium. No records have been found to date in regard to the contractors, etc. on the actual construction work on the new buildings. It must have been a "community effort" by the citizens of the Farmington Special Tax District No.7. It is recorded in the Davie County Heritage Book (1997, Article 583) that Hugh Brock, as a teenager, helped make the bricks that were used. In 1919, the Davie County Public Schools opening date was November 18th, but the new Farmington School was not yet ready for classes. Until completed, classes were held in the wood-frame Farmington Academy Building. However, according to newspaper reports on 17 December 1919, the buildings were almost completed and school was expected to open with the new year of 1920. In October 1919, the Farmington Building Committee received additional funds of 20 $855.00 from the Board of Education, which reimbursed them $255.00 for the additional land purchase of 1 1/2 acres, and $700.00 to be used to "complete and enclose the building". The wood-frame Farmington Academy building was also being dismantled during the process of construction on the brick building. The lumber, etc. was sold with the proceeds turned over to the School Building Committee Treasurer, Melver J. Hendricks, to be used on finishing the new brick building. The new brick Farmington High School finally opened in January 1920, but basically, only the first floor level was ready for classes. During the Spring of 1920, the Farmington School Committee made improvements on the school grounds: a playground area, rock walls, walkways, and entrance pillars, etc. By April 1921, the building still had not been completed, so the Board of Education advertised for bids for its completion. On 2 May 1921, the contract to complete the Farmington High School Building was awarded to T. Herbert Nicholson of Farmington, in the amount of $2,135.00. Most of the work needed for the repairs and replacements of the earlier construction were: 1. finish the 2 stair towers and install banisters 2. replace the wooden porches with metal and concrete floors 3. finish the inside of the 2nd story 4. install floors, etc. in the auditorium and stage area upstairs 5. paint all inside and outside wood with 3 coats On 27 July 1921, it was reported that the school house building was complete except for the seats in the auditorium. The seats were finally installed in July 1923 by Charles Alexander Hartman, at the cost of $175.00. A partition was also installed in the auditorium at the cost of $50.00 by T. Herbert Nicholson. By now in 1923, the total cost of the 1919 new school-house exceeded the original estimate of $5,000.00 by about $2,600.00. CONSOLIDATION On 1 March 1920, the Davie County Board of Education decided on a policy for the consolidation of several local schools into one school for several communities of the County. The 21 students would be transported to the Farmington School by trucks (later called buses) that the Board of Education would purchase and operate. Each school district in the County would be responsible for erecting a school house, which Farmington District No.7 had already done. The new Consolidated Schools would operate on an eight-month term. According to the School Board Minutes, on 4 April 1921 the Farmington Special Tax District lines were thusly: Begin at a point on Dutchman's Creek where the Farmington and Smith Grove Districts join, then east to the Yadkin River, then north with the river to the Yadkin County line, then east with the Yadkin River to where the Clarksville Township touches the Yadkin County line, the south with Clarksville's line to Dutchman's Creek, then southeast with said creek to the Cana School District line, then with the Cana line back to the creek and with said creek to the beginning; containing the Farmington, Yadkin Valley, and Pino School Districts. Farmington's election for consolidation on Saturday Mar~h 19, 1921 had already carried 139 for, and 26 against. It was ordered that the rate of special tax in the Consolidated Farmington District be 20• on one hundred dollars value of property, and 6• on poll taxes. In 1921, the Farmington School Committee members were: Thomas Hampton Redmon for 3 years; Lonnie L. Miller for 2 years; and William Stephen Douthit for 1 year. Farmington High School was the first to receive 2 Ford Model A trucks to be used as school buses to transport children living about 1 1/2 miles from the school. The County Board of Education ordered 2 Ford Trucks at the total cost of $2,000.00 on 4 July 1921 from Mr. C. C. Sanford of Sanford Motors in Mocksville NC. They were to include 1 extra tire for each bus. Though the School Board purchased the vehicles, the school was responsible for the gas, oil, care, and repairs as necessary. In October 1921, the County also constructed a Garage at the Farmington High School to house the trucks. The original building was 18 feet by 20 feet, 12 feet high at the front-9 feet high at back, floored with a galvanized tin roof. Later in 1923, the building was enlarged. This Garage was used at Farmington School until 1926 when the Board of Education assumed the management of all county school buses. Bus drivers in 1921 were paid $1.00 per day. The bus routes for the Farmington buses were laid off in October of 1921 by the School Board Committee of E. P. Bradley (Secretary of the Board) and J. W. Etchinson (Board Member). The buses were delivered on 3 22 October 1921. Later in 1923, Sanford Motors Company provided chairs for the 2 school trucks (buses) at the cost of $52.50. In September 1923, the Board of Education ordered the students of Pino School and Yadkin Valley School to attend the Farmington Consolidated School, being transported by the buses. On 7 July 1924, 5 GMC trucks with Oxford bodies, 16 feet long with 2 long-side seats and 6 center seats, painted, lettered, with Oldham Cushion tires were ordered from Sanford Motor Company in Mocksville NC for $2,450.00 each. The original 2 Ford Truck chasses at Farmington were traded in at $200.00 each, with Sanford Motor Co. to provide 2 new chasses for the bodies of the old trucks, do necessary repairs, and new paint jobs. By July 1924, the Farmington School Committee was Thomas Hampton Redmon, William A. Taylor, and Luke Marsh Furches. In 1931, another consolidation of schools was authorized by the Davie County Board of Education. The students of the White's School on Eaton's Church Road would now attend the Farmington High School. IMPROVEMENTS, ADDITIONS In the school year of 1921-1922, the first grade students at Farmington High School remembered the water pump in the school yard, the "big" spacious rooms, and the outdoor toilets. The "privies" or "outdoor toilets" for the County Board of Education had been contracted to J. A. Sofley in October 1921. He charged $28.00 for a toilet with hole, or $25.00 for one without the hole. By April 1923, the County Board of Education required "sanitary privies" to be constructed for Farmington School. The specifications were for 10 ft. x 6 ft. cement vaults at the cost of $80.00 each. On 8 October 1923, T. Herbert Nicholson was awarded the contract for $200.00 to build the cement toilets. Later in 1938, the WPA (Works Progress Administration) built a "sewerage system plant", consisting of a concrete septic tank and cesspool for the Farmington School. Not much information is known about the water system for the school. Current students remember the water tank that was located next to the still existing "pump-house" building. The Model XZ well pump was called a Sucker Rod Pump, manufactured by the F.E. Myers & Brother Company of Ashland Ohio, and it is still in the existing pump-house in 2007. It is assumed that the early 1919 lighting system for the classrooms, etc. was either gas or kerosene lamps. In October of 1921, the Allis Chalmers Community Lighting Plant for the 23 Town of Farmington was in the planning stages, and by November 1921 the electrical power lines were being installed. On 7 December 1921, electrical power lights were available to the town and its school. The name of the power company was the Farmington Electric Light Company. In September 1924, the water at Farmington School was ordered to be examined for any abnormalities before the beginning of the school term. All attending students who had not taken the typhoid vaccine within the past 3 years, would receive a vaccination by the County Physician on the first day of attendance. It is assumed that the early Farmington High School used wood-stoves for heat. Some former students remember the pot-bellied wood stoves in the Gymnasium and Ag Buildings, with wood supplied by parents or grandparents. By July 1932, coal was being used as a source of fuel. Home Ice and Fuel Company of Spencer NC bid $5.26 per ton, delivered to the bins at the school. Their bid was accepted on 30 July 1932. In October 1940, the County Board of Education decided a "low pressure steam heating plant" was needed in order to maintain a 6 month school term at Farmington School. The Noland Company of Winston-Salem NC in November 1940 submitted the low bid of $2,219.68 for the heating plant, with C. C. Sanford & Sons of Mocksville NC to install the heating materials in the classrooms for the bid of $240.00. The amount of $2,500.00 was borrowed from the State Literary Fund to pay for it. The work was completed over the Thanksgiving school holidays. In 1925. Farmington High School would need another classroom and a larger library. The earlier Library had been housed on the second floor of the school, in the area of the upstairs Auditorium. On 3 August 1925, the specifications for this new building to house the Laboratory and Library were thusly: 15 ft. x 26 ft. building with 10 ft. roof pitch, with a partition divider; wood frame and weather boarded; stove flue, 2 openings; shelving for no less than 600 books; tongue and groove flooring; galvanized roof; 2 outside doors, 1 in the partition; 2 10 ft. x 12 ft. windows in each room. On 17 August 1925, the contract for the Lab & Library was awarded to the low bidder Fred R. Lakey of Farmington. Mr. Lakey completed the building in October 1925 and was paid his contract amount of $242.50. This building was located just south of the Ag Building (existing in 2007). In the 1940's Inventory of Buildings at Farmington School referred to this building as the "Music Building". On 5 April 1926, Lonnie L. Miller and Frank Bahnson were appointed to the 24 Farmington School District Committee. Mr. Bahnson was to fill out the term of Thomas H. Redmon. Then, on 4 April 1927,Mr. Bahnson was again approved as a committeeman. Funds of $120.00 were appropriated to the Farmington School on 31 May 1926 for the services of a janitor. On 3 October 1927, the County Board of Education approved the amount of $667.58 for improvements at the School: physics $250.00; tables $10.00; chairs $22.80; World Book $69.90; Book cases $42.48; repairs $5.50; paint $16.90; library books $250.00. This expenditure was to furnish the Lab and Library Building built in 1925. Due to the death of Grady Rich, John Frank Johnson was appointed in his place on the Farmington School Committee, #2 District. On 4 April 1929, Lonnie L. Miller was appointed for a 3 year term; in April 1930, Frank H. Bahnson was appointed again to committee; and on 6 April 1931, S. Wade Furches was appointed to the school committee. In July of 1930, the special tax rate for Farmington School District No.2 was 19• per $100.00 value of property. By 1932 the Farmington High School was in dire need of several more classrooms. A Committee of Board of Education Members (Peter Hairston, J.B. Johnstone, and I.P. Graham) made an inspection of the School on 18 July 1932. Their recommendation was to build an addition of 2 or 3 rooms to the original 1919 building. Barber & Yoe, Architects of Salisbury NC drew the plans and specifications. The Board of Education advertised for bids and on 30 July 1932, and the bids were revealed as follows: Mooney & Hendrix, Mocksville NC, $3,700.00 D. G. Grubbs, Mocksville NC, $4,150.00 Fowler-Jones,Winston-Salem NC, $3,990.00 L. S. Bradshaw,Salisbury NC, $4,895.00 Wilson Brothers,Spencer NC, $4,231.00 The 3 low bidders were asked to change their bids thusly: 1. State the amount to delete all basement work (storage room, steps, windows, etc.) 2. State the amount if they used standard brick on all newnew brick work, in lieu of matching the existing brick. Mooney & Hendrix submitted a revised bid of $2,710.00, D. G. Grubbs for $3,100.00, and Fowler-Jones for $3,040.00. The revised bid of Mooney & Hendrix was accepted at $2,710.00 less $44.80 for blackboards that the Board of Education would furnish. 25 About 5 years later in 1938, it was determined that the Farmington High School required the following improvements: 1. 2 toilet rooms, fully equipped 2. water supply and electrical wiring of the entire building These improvements cost $4,000.00, with the money borrowed from the State Literary Fund by the Davie County Board of Education. This is another project that benefitted greatly from work done at the school by the WPA (Works Progress Administration). On 15 April 1939, the Farmington School Committee consisted of William Batson Allen, Oscar R. Allen, and John Sparks. On 1 May 1939, Samuel Wade Furches replaced William Batson Allen, who had moved to the Smith Grove School District. The Farmington School Committee on 7 April 1941 was Samuel Wade Furches, Vernon Miller and Burr Coley Brock, Sr. These members were still serving in 1945. On 21 July 1941, more improvements were needed at the Farmington School, in order to maintain their current 6 month term of classes: 1. Electrical wiring of the amount of $800.00 2. A Vocational Shop for $1,500.00 No other information was found for these 2 improvements, though we know the Ag/Shop Building still exists today in 2007. Some remembrances state that this project may have also been done by the WPA. On 4 April 1949, the Board of Education approved plans for the construction of additional shop space at the Farmington High School. As early as September 1945, Farmington High School had requested the Board of Education to consider a new Auditorium and Classrooms Building. No action on this request would be taken by the County Board of Education until about 1948. The Farmington School Committee recognized the many needs to be addressed in order to bring Farmington Consolidated High School up to its standards as a leader of education in Davie County: (1) had more teachers than classrooms, 12 rooms but 13 teachers; (2) current classrooms inadequate and crowded; (3) the Gymnasium Building built in 1933 also served as the school's Auditorium and a small Cafeteria; (4) had problems with unsanitary conditions created by the presence of the septic tank cesspool just outside the Cafeteria in the Gym Building; (5) toilet facilities were inadequate for the size of the student body; and (6) had inadequate home economics facilities. The Board of Education acted on 1 December 1947, addressing the need to enlarge and improve the school buildings of Mocksville Elementary School, Davie County Training 26 School, Cooleemee High School, William R. Davie Elementary School, Cooleemee Elementary School and Farmington High School. They requested $800,000.00 of School Building Bonds from the Davie County Commissioners on 1 December 1947. The Farmington High School's estimated amount was $61,000.00 for the construction and $6,750.00 for equipment, for an Auditorium Building including a Lunch Room, Bathroom, Home Economics Laboratory, and an Office. On 3 May 1948, the Board of Education met with the Davie County Commissioners who passed the bond order of $800,000.00. This was subject to the vote of the Farmington citizens. At the School Bond Issue vote held on 20 July 1948, Farmington passed the issue "175 For" and "25 Against". Newspaper reports stated that the successful vote was due to the hard work of the Farmington School Committee (Burr C. Brock, C. B. Seats, and C.H. McMahan), the Farmington Parents Teachers Association (P. T. A.), Principal Ralph J. Smitherman, and the teachers of Farmington High School. John R. Hartlege of Salisbury NC was chosen by the Board of Education as the Architect for the school bonds construction work. The time line for the beginning of the construction was originally set for 1 March 1949; however, due to the many delays on the part of the Architect (at one time the Board even considered replacing Mr. Hartlege) the blueprints and plans were not ready for the Farmington Auditorium Project until about 5 March 1949. Even then, when the plans were presented to the Board, they rejected them. This was due to the fact that the Architectural renderings of the Farmington Auditorium Building placed the Lunch Room and Home Economics Lab in a basement location, with the walls extending 7 1/2 feet into the ground. The ground in this area close to the existing school house building, was plagued with a " watery underground", not suitable for a basement. This "basement dilemma" was solved by Samuel Wade Furches (Board of Education Member) who suggested that the location of the Auditorium Building be moved to the School's Playground north of the Farmington 1919 school house location, which is where the Auditorium currently stands today in 2007. Additional land, 100 ft. road frontage-8/10th of an acre, was deeded on 9 June 1949, for $1,000.00, from G. H. Smith and wife Bertice H. Smith. This was to increase the Playground area that would be taken by the new construction. (Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 49, Page 193) The Playground area of 3 acres had been deeded on 12 March 1936 by Mrs. Cordelia Smith (widow) to the County Board of Education for the amount of $437.50. (Davie County Register of Deeds, Book 35, Page 500) 27 On 11 June 1949, the Board of Education ordered 100 bleachers for the Farmington Gym Building. Earlier, the Gym's tin roof had been replaced. Finally, on 6 July 1949, the general contract for the construction of the Farmington Auditorium Building and Classrooms was awarded to Herman-Sipe Construction Company of Conover NC, at the sum of $51,640.00, with a time limit for construction completion at 90 days. The cost of the heating, plumbing, electrical, and engineering> services brought the total cost near the $61,100.00 estimate of 1947. A new Boiler Room was added but that cost was not found in the Board minutes. On 6 September 1949, Mrs. Vernon Miller was appointed by the Board of Education as the Treasurer at Farmington High School to handle the construction funds, etc.. The Davie County Board of Education Minutes of 28 March 1950, state that the Auditorium/Lunch Room/ Home Ec Department work at Farmington High School was complete. The Auditorium would seat 480 people, and included dressing rooms, stage equipment, a balcony room for audio visual education, and an office in the rear of the building. Adjoining the building at the rear to one side was the Home Economics Lab built according to State of North Carolina specifications. There were 3 unit kitchens with sinks and cabinets; 3 tables with individual pupil tray space; 2 electric and 1 gas range; 5 sewing machines (3 electric, 2 pedal-type); 25 chairs; 4 kitchen work tables, built-in ironing board; lots of storage; and toilet facilities. The Cafeteria adjoining the Horne Ec Lab was very modern and well-equipped. It had Formica-top tables with chairs to seat 150 people at one time; 1 gas range; 3 work tables; and a 45 cu. ft. refrigerator. Also included in the "bond issue work" was a steam central heating system that provided steam heat to all classrooms. The existing toilet facilities were re-worked with new equipment installed, and the Science Lab was also reworked. The old wooden water tanks were replaced by a new metal tank to increase the water facilities, and the school's playground was improved. The "bond issue" improvements seemed to boost the school's spirit as it is reported that the 1950-1951 attendance was at 96% of a total enrollment of 302 students. An average of 180 students daily would eat in the School Cafeteria, managed by Mrs. B.G. O'Brien. Lunch cost 20• per day. When the old cafeteria was in the Gym Building, several former students of the 1940's remember buying a bowl of liquid soup for 5•, but if you could afford the lunch meal, it would be either 10• or 15•. In March 1948, the lunchroom attendance dropped about 50% due to the withdrawal of the Federal Assistance Program for the poor 28 students. In 1955, Ray Daniels received the contract to build the covered walkways going from the School-house Building over to the Auditorium Building. In 1951, the Farmington School Committee members were C.B. Seats, Odell James, and Joe Langston, serving a 2 year term. C.B. Seats, Odell James, and Joe Langston were still serving in 1954 and 1955. J. W. Seats, Johnnie Sparks, and Odell James served as of 1 April 1957. CONSOLIDATION AGAIN The year of 1954 again brought about the issue of consolidation, whereby 200 citizens representing all areas of Davie County voted to consolidate the 4 existing high schools (Cooleemee, Mocksville, Shady Grove, and Farmington) into one high school for the entire county. Davie County High School as we know it today in 2007 was the result of this 1954 consolidation. The new high school building was erected on a 30 acre site south of the Town of Mocksville on Highway 601. It opened in the Fall of 1956. The School Year of 1956-1957 left Farmington School as only an Elementary School Graded facility. About 11 years later in 1968 the "consolidation of schools, issue arose again. Locally, it involved the elementary grades of Smith Grove Elementary and Farmington Elementary School, as they were now to be consolidated into just one school facility. School Bonds of $2,495,000.00 were voted in to build 3 new consolidated schools. In 1970, this new consolidated school in the Farmington Precinct opened, known as Pinebrook Elementary School for grades 1 through 8. The last elementary classes held at the Farmington Elementary School were for the School Year of 1969-1970. By 1972, the "old original 1919 Classroom Building" was in the process of being demolished. The Auditorium Building, the Pump House Building, and the Shops/Ag Building are all that still stand in 2007 on the 7.04 acre tract once known as Farmington School. Since 1971, this property has been the home of the Farmington Community Center. The Wooden-frame Gym Building was saved in 1972 to become the home of the program called "Head Start", but several years ago it was declared unsafe and torn down, with the land now used as the "Community Walking Trail". 29 STUDENTS OF FARMINGTON ACADEMY, 1882 - 1908 James “Jim” Frank Allen John Jones Allen Mary Susan Allen Cora B. Athan Francis “Frank” Henry Bahnson Hal Bahnson Martha “Mattie” Johnson Bahnson Sarah Bahnson J. rush Bassett Bill Brock Burr Brock Matthew L. Brock Minnie Brock Victoria “Vickie” Brock William “Willie” E. Brock Kate Brown Margaret Brown Bill Brunt Pansy Brunt William R. Burton Dora L. Clark M. Lula Clark W.P. Clingman H.L. “Bob” Cook Claudius F. Cuthrell Ernest M. Cuthrell Frank Douthit Hamlin Douthit James “Jimmie” Douthit Mamie Douthit Florence Eaton William T. Eaton Flora Ellis Mabel Ellis Sally Minn Ellis G.G. Finch Ben Foster Esther Foster Kelly Foster Viola Foster ? Furches Ophelia Gordon Pearl Gordon Vera Gordon Samuel Asbury Harding Guy Hartman Margie Hartman Mary Nell Hartman Pattie F. Hartman Camilla James Mentora Jarvis Viola Jarvis Susan “Susie” J. Jones Annie Johnson Lena Johnson Vada Johnson Wesley Johnson Chalmers L. Kimbrough Allie Long Frank Long Fletcher R. McMahan Mary Myers Lizzie Nicholson T. Herbert Nicholson Sallie B. Redmon Lila J. Redmon ? Rich Joe Hampton Rich Martha “Mattie” Rich Charles F. Sheek Ben Smith C. Reid Smith Lizzie Smith Mary Luna Smith Maude Smith Nan Smith Paul Smith Zeb Smith Virgil E. Swaim Henry Vestal Lila Vestal Paul Vestal Sally Vogler Emma Ward Laura Ward William W. Ward Oliver Lafayette Williams NOT A COMPLETE LIST, VERY FEW RECORDS AVAILABLE. 30 STUDENTS OF FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, 1911 - 1970 Kenneth Noel Absher Marie Absher Lillian Adams Margaret Adams Maude Adams Paul Adams Shirley Adams Charles Randolph “Randy” Alexander Debbie Alexander Benny David Allen Betty Lee Allen Beulah “Boots Lee Allen Billy George Allen Bobby Gene Allen (1936) Bobby Gene Allen (1950) Brenda Faye Allen Carolyn Ann Allen Clarence “Red” Weir Allen Donald Dewey Allen Donnell Allen Dorothy Mae Allen Eddie Dean Allen Ella Allen Elmer Gray Allen (1932) Elmer Gray Allen (1941) Ethel Allen Flora Allen Francis Eugene “Sonny” Allen Gilmer Ray Allen Grady Wilson Allen (1911) Grady Wilson “G.W.” Allen Grover Allen Herman C. Allen Hazel Allen Jacob Franklin “Jake” Allen Jessie Lea Allen Jimmy Ray Allen John Gray Allen Katherine Allen Leo Gray Allen Lillian Grey Allen Lillian Joyce Allen Lloyd Grant Margaret Ellen Allen Martha Louise Allen Martha Reese Allen Mary Katheryn Allen Mildred Estelle Allen Nola Frances Allen Norman Lee Orpha Louise Allen Patsy Allen Peggy Sue Allen Reba Mae Allen Ronald Paul Allen Samuel Asbury Allen Thellia Gertrude Allen William Heber Allen William Junior Allen Woodrow Allen Classel Anderson Eugene Anderson Faye Anderson Gerald Anderson James Anderson Linda Gail Anderson Lorene Anderson Lucille Anderson Thelma Anderson Margaret Ann Angell Ellen Armsworthy Ruby Armsworthy Howard Athan Ada Atkinson Frances “Pan” Atkinson Willie Atkinson Charles “Charlie” Bahnson Frank Bahnson Helen Bahnson Jane Amanda Bahnson Sylvia Bailey Betty June Baity Bill Baity Clara Mae Baity Fannie Belle Baity Flake Baity Frances Henrie Baity Gaye Nell Baity James Baity James Wesley Baity Jerry Harding Baity Kenneth Baity Leon Baity Lydia Baity Mary Baity Mary Eliza Baity Mary Katherine Baity Nelly Baity Pansy Baity Roby Lee Baity William Baity Mabel Baker Gale Barlowe Sandra Barlowe Cecil Beaman Emma Beaman Jim Beaman Christina Beauchamp Phillip Beauchamp Theolene Beauchamp Annie Mae Beck Billy Ray Beck Dorothy Mae Beck Edith Beck Edith Mae Beck Edward Lee Beck Eula Mae Beck Grady Lewis Beck Joyce Beck Nellie Mae Beck Peggy Anne Beck 31 Stacy Beck Sylvia Beck W.A. Beck Wayne Beck William Robert “Bob” Beck Willie Beck Sandra Gail Bennett Frances Binkley Alec Blake Annie Blake Charlie Blake Clinton Blake Eva Blake Frank Blake Herbert Blake James Blake Joseph Moses Blake Laura Lee Blake Miller Blake, Jr. Norman Blake Roy Blake Shirley Ann Blake Carol Bledsoe Helen Bledsoe Kathy Bledsoe Ann Boger Bobbie Boger Brenda Boger Carolyn Boger Charles Ray Boger Edith Boger Emily Ruth Boger Ethel Boger Harold Boger Howard Boger Hubert Samuel Boger Jim Boger Johnny Charles Boger Juanita E. Boger Linda Boger Mary Frances Boger Martha Boger Nancy Boger Odell Alfred Boger Pauline Boger Peggy Ann Boger Sheek Boger Shirley Boger Virginia Boger Billy Booe Billy Wayne Booe Lewis Booe Margaret Booe Nancy Camilla Booe Pearlene Booe Vernon Booe Wanda Lee Booe Wilma Booe Adelaide Bowden Lorene Bowden Boyce Bowles Charles Bowles Cletus Bowles David Bowles Jo Ann Bowles Kenneth Gray Bowles Linda Sue Bowles Linden Bowles Mary Kathryn Bowles Mozelle Bowles Ruby Bowles Sallie Bowles Sanford Bowles Wilson Bowles Aaron Bracken Beatrice Bracken John Robert Bracken Faye Brannon Sherrill Kermit Brinkley Billy Brock Burr Coley Brock, Sr. Burr Coley Brock, Jr. Cornelia Brock Eleanor Caroline Brock Emma Sue Brock Frances Brock James Enoch Brock James Hugh Brock James Moses Brock John Brock John Tabor Brock Margaret Jo Brock Mary Elizabeth Brock Richard “Rick” Joseph Brock Rufus Leo Brock William “Wee” Laurie Brock Zelma Brock Margaret Brown Ann Burgess Diane Burgess Gary Burgess Linda Burgess Betty Busiek Don Busiek Joe Busiek Dressa Campbell Morey Joe Campbell Scottie Campbell Betty Maureen “Tooter” Carter Charlotte Carter Clarence “Tom” Carter Erma Carter Harold Lee “Sonny” Carter Jimmy Roger Carter Joe Thomas Carter Lassie Mae “Squeeky” Carter Lawrence Carater Magdalene Carter Mary Ann “Polly” Carter Richard Lee Carter Anne Caudle Billy Jack Caudle Dorothy Caudle Evelyn Grey Caudle Glenn Caudle 32 Glenn Allen Caudle James Charles Caudle James E. Caudle John Henry Caudle Lelia Mae Caudle Lucille Caudle Patricia Ann Caudle Patty Sue Caudle Robert Lee Caudle Clarence Charles Hazel Charles Lawrence Charles Lonnie Charles Ruby Charles Angell Cline Dottie Cline Flake Rupard Cline Marion Sanford Cline Nora Mae Cline Patsy Lou Cline Peggy Sue Cline Charlene Clontz Peggy Coe Hilmer Collette Jack Collier Helen Collins Mildred Conner Curtis Cook Gladys Cook Lewis Kenneth Cope Ann Elizabeth Cornatzer Billy Cornatzer Clinton Cornatzer Eugene Cornatzer Frankie Katherine Cornatzer Bonnie Rose Cornelison Peggy Cornelison Howard Cox Brenda Cranfill Mary Lou Cranfill Sherrill Cranfill Mary Craver Annie Clair Davis Donnie Davis Elaine Davis Gladys Davis Janet Louise Davis John Wes Davis Johnny Davis Larry Davis Louise Davis Martha Ann Davis Mattye Lou Davis Myra Jane Davis Peggy Ann Davis Robert “Bobby” Eugene Davis Willie Davis Willis Davis Winifred Davis Elizabeth Deese Ray Deese, Jr. Robert “Bobby” Gray Dill Alice Dixon Beulah Dixon Howard Dixon Lamar Dixon O’Brien Dixon Christine Doby Alice Douthit Franklin Douthit Henry Douthit J.W. Douthit Joseph Douthit Mary Ada Douthit Mary Ruth Douthit Ruth Douthit Vance Douthit William Monroe Draughn Betsy Driver Betty Driver Bonnie Hope Driver Bruce Driver Clarence Driver Harry Kenneth Driver Hope Driver Mary Nell Driver O.E. Driver, Jr. Thelma Driver Dean Dull DeWilla Dull Frances Dull Gene Dull Harvey Dull Joe Dull Linda Dull Mildred Dull Peggy Ann Dull Poe Dull Roger Dull Sallie Fay Dull Sara Marlene Dull Susie F. Dull Tillman Dull Vernon McKinley Dull Vestal Dull Wade Dull Donna Dunn Edna Dunn Elmer Dunn Hollaway Dunn Joseph Dunn Marjorie Dunn Ollie Dunn Pauline Dunn Vida Creola Dunn William “Bill” Dunn Jerry Dwiggins Sue Dwiggins Alpha Eaton Carolyn Eaton Charles Franklin Eaton Janice Eaton Sarah Ruth Eaton William Clarence Eaton David Roy Edwards Wake “Bill” Edwards Ben Ellis Billy Ellis 33 Eugene Ellis Frances Ellis Francis Reed Ellis Gilmer Ellis Johnsie Ellis Judy Ellis Luther Ellis Mary Louise Ellis Myra Davis Ellis Nancy Carol Ellis Patsy Ellis Robert Ellis Ruth Ellis William Albert Ellis Clarence Elmore David Richard Elmore Linda Ann Elmore Cleo Essic David Nell Essic Francis Essic James Essic James E. “Chip” Essic Lelia Ann Essic Margie Essic Mary Ellen Essic Donald Rayford Evans Phyllis Evans Ervin Faircloth Annie Lois “Polly” Ferebee Billie Ferebee Catherine Ferebee Elizabeth Ferebee John F. Ferebee John Monroe Ferebee Thomas Ferebee Helen Flowe Franklin Fortner, Jr. Alvin Foster Blanche Foster Clayton Foster Donald Foster Eva Foster Glen Foster Glenn Foster Guy Foster Helen Elizabeth Foster James Thomas Foster John Foster Juanita Foster Junius “Junie” Foster Leon Foster Mary Boad Foster Mary Edna Foster Minnie Mae Foster Nola Jane Foster Robert Foster Sherman Foster Taylor Foster Hattie Freeman Paul Freeman Conrad Frye Annie Lois Furches Burke Furches Douthit Lawrence Furches Duke Kimbrough Furches Fred Furches Gwyndolen Furches Henry Furches Jean Furches John David Furches John Frank Furches Julia Furches Martha Furches Martha Furches (1930 grad) McGuire “Crockett” Furches Nancy Furches Norma Lewis Furches Robert Furches Robert “Bob Gray Furches Sam Furches Sara Louise Furches Tommy Furches Vashti Furches Virginia Furches Will Furches Beavey Lella Gaither Clay Gaither Janet Gaither Johnny Gaither Shirley Gaither Ella Mae Gentle John Henry Gentle Roselene Gentle Wayne Gentle Corrina Gillespie Norris Godbey Mary Godfrey Robert Godfrey Linda Goss Frank Gough Garnette Gough Peggy Mae Gough Shirley Gough Elizabeth Graham Gilmer Graham Leona Graham Ray Graham Libby Graves Harold Earle Greer Bobby Gene Gregory Butch Gregory Clausell Gregory David Gregory David Franklin Gregory Donald Wayne Gregory Edward Gregory Elwood Gregory Gerladine Gregory Helen Gregory James Harold “Bub” Gregory Jo Anne Gregory Larry Burton Gregory Lawrence Gregory Lula Gladys Gregory Marjorie Gregory Melvin Gregory 34 Edna Griffith Gaither Griffith Jack Griffith Mary Griffith Virginia Griffith Walter Griffith Diana Groce Gary Wade Groce Jimmy Groce Olean Groce Richard Earl Groce Steve Dale Gunter Oralene Hagler Carroll Hanes Charlie Hanes Jerry Hanes Kenneth Hanes Leonard Hanes, Jr. Linda Ann Hanes Louise Hanes Lyndol Hanes Mary Ruth Hanes Mary Susan Hanes Rachel Hanes Ralph Hanes Shirley Hanes Willie Hanes Ann Harding Charles Harding Felix Harding Grady Harding Joseph Henry Harding Katherine Harding Martha Harding Nancy Elizabeth Harding Ray Harding Ruth Harding Speer Harding Thelma Harding Joe Hardy Isabelle Harkey Joe Carr Harpe Joseph Harpe Kenneth Reavis Harpe La Vada Harpe Marcellus Harpe Margaret Harpe Martha Harpe Mary Harpe Miriam Harpe Patrician Ann Harpe Donald Alton Harris Faye Harris Judy Ann Harris Margie Harris Ruby Harris Charles Hartman Mary Nell Hartman Dorothy Hauser Eugene Hauser Frances Hauser Frances Louise Hauser Hazel Hauser Henry Hauser John Reid Hauser Mattie Hauser Pansy Hauser Paul Hauser Pauline Hauser Ruby Evola Hauser Lawson Henderson Grace Hendricks Harry Hendricks Melvarine Hendricks Patsy Hendricks Phillip Hendricks Ray Hendricks Sarah Nettie Hendricks Wade Hendricks Ray Hendrix Elizabeth Jane Hepler Eula Jean Hepler Lonnie Gray Hepler Robert Lee Hepler Gayle Hicks Bernice Hilton Betty Hobson Bonson Hobson Lorene Hockaday Sallie Ruth Hockaday Wilbur Hockaday James Hoffman Myrlie Lou Hollomon Lonnie Horne Calvin Howard Cornelia Howard Edith Christine Howard George Wesley Howard J. Alma Howard Jimmy Howard Mary Howard Ruth Howard Ruth Ellis Howard Vernon Howard Virginia Howard Belle Tatum Howell Coleen Howell Ezra L. “Zeke” Howell Geneva Howell Harley Howell Holt Howell Hope Howell Samuel Wesley Howell Thomas Howell Thurman Howell Woodrow Howell Linda Hudspeth Dean Hunt Billy Hunter Xenophon Clay Hunter Doris Faye Hutchins Edith Hutchins Edward Lee Hutchins Ervin Hutchins Flora Jean Hutchins John D. Hutchins Monroe Dean Hutchins Nelda Hutchins Wayne Edward Hutchins 35 Zane Gray Hutchins Betty Jo Ireland Betty Ruth Ireland Clyde Wayne Ireland Lucille Ireland Nannie Sue Ireland Sylvia Jean Ireland Brenda Gail James Charles James Clara James E.C. James Elizabeth C. James Elizabeth James Eugene James Gene James Helen James Howard James Jessie Lee James John Clay James Kay James Kelly James Laura Lee James Lillian James Myrtle Mae James Nell James Norma James Odell James Patsy James Polly James Woodrow James Camilla Jane Jarvis David Zachary Jarvis Frank Jarvis Helena Jarvis Lester Jarvis Thomas “Tommy” Jarvis Vanessa Jarvis Betty Lou Johnson Billy Johnson Edward “Ed” Johnson Edwin Johnson Edwin T. “Eddie” Johnson Gray Johnson John Francis Johnson John Frank Johnson John Frank Johnson Johnny Johnson Madeline Johnson Nell Johnson Patsy Ann Johnson Raymond Johnson William Johnson Donald Jones Ernest C. Jones Johnny Jones Louise Jones Thelma Jones Wayne Jones Barbara Jean Keever Donald Kensey Anne “Annie” Kiger Barbara Sue Baster Kiger Bessie Lee Kiger Dorothy Kiger Dwayne Kiger Eva Kiger John Henry Kiger Linda Jean Kiger Mary Catherine Kiger Pat Kiger Patricia Ann Kiger Robert Kiger Sarah or Sara E. Kiger Thomas Dwayne Kiger Benjamin Franklin King Edith Carol King Edith Gray King Elizabeth King Howard King Kelly Wayne King Elizabeth “Libby” King Lois Ann King Margaret Joyce King Nancy Ellen King Thomas King Wade King Teddy Kiser Herman Koontz W.B. Koontz Vera Ladd Thelma Laird Bobby Lou Lakey Buren Lakey Joy Lakey La Deen Lakey Lucille Lakey Margaret Lakey Mary Louise Lakey Ruth Lakey Carrie Nell Langston Francis Maxine Langston Grace Langston Janet Langston Margaret Langston Nell G. Langston Rachel Langston Robert “Bob” Langston Dorothy Lapish Harold Lapish Peggy Lapish Perlie Lapish Ruby Lapish William Lapish Charles Lashley Opa Yvonne Lashmit Addie Belle Latham Elmer Latham Eva Lee Latham Harmon Reid Latham Jimmy Marvin Latham Juanita Latham Louise Latham Paul Marvin Latham Steve Latham Wayne Latham William R. Latham Carl Lawrence Clay Lawrencevc 36 George Lawrence Donald Laymon Garnette Laymon Gray Laymon Joe W. Laymon Mary Katherine Laymon Wayne Melvin Laymon Dorothy Leagans Ellis Leagans Martha Lee Wanda Lee Helen Lewis Jim Lipscomb Linda Lipscomb Lynwood Lipscomb Cornelia Long Margaret Jane Lounsbury Carl Alex Lowe Herman Lowe Patricia Lowe Baity Lowery Cortez Lowery Deon Lowery J.B. Lowery Jimmy Dean Lowery Joan Lower Olive Lowery Thomas Martin Charles Masten Jack Masten David Mayhew Carolyn McBride Henry McBride Jay McBride Johnson McBride, Sr. Johnson McBride, Jr. Linda Fay McBride May (Mae) McBride Ray McBride Billy Wayne McClannon Brenda McClannon Emma Rose McClannon Eugene McClannon Faye McClannon John H. McClannon Judy McClannon Phosa McClannon Jessie Stanley McEwen Mary FayeMcEwen Price McEwen Ronnie McKnight Vivian McKnight Edith McMahan Elizabeth A. McMahan Mary Lee McMahan Tobitha McMahan Sarah Michalove Bayne Elma Miller Donald Miller Elizabeth Miller Frances Miller Gene Miller Lonnie Gene Miller Luray Miller Margaret Miller Patrick Miller Pelso Miller Vernon Miller Wanda Lee (Lou) Miller Clifton Mitchell Leona Mitchell Mamie Mitchell Polly Mitchell Elizabeth Katherine Montgomery Emily Montgomery Margaret Montgomery Richard Montgomery Robert Langdon Montgomery B.C. Moore Benny Moore Herman Myers James Henry Myers John Henry Nail Edna Lee Naylor Ruby Mae Naylor George Needham Julia Va. Needham Samuel Needham Virginia Needham Jasper Newcomer Pat Newton Nancy Jeanette Nichols Dorotha May Norington Carolyn O’Brien Ray O’Neal Robert parish Susan Parker Frankie Payne Joyce Payne Larry Payne Margaret Pendry Margaret Penry Faye Peoples Myrle Peoples Sarah Lou Peoples Violet Peoples Betty Phillips Bobby Phillips Carolyn Phillips James Phillips Lester Phillips Patsy Phillips Pauline Faye Phillips Wilma Mae Phillips Alice Pilcher Alvis Pilcher Bessie Pilcher Charles Edward Pilcher Davis Pilcher Edith Pilcher Emma Pilcher Harvey Eldridge Pilcher Hollis Pilcher James T. Pilcher Jerry Pilcher John Walter Pilcher, Jr. Mary Pilcher 37 Mary Lillian Pilcher Polly Pilcher Sally Pilcher Vestal “Buddy” Pilcher Annie Belle Potts Della Potts Dorothy Potts Edward Potts Janet Potts Lillie Mae Potts Mary Magdalene Potts Lucille Potts Paul Potts Rosa Lee Potts Nancy Jan Randall A.C. Ratledge Alvona Ratledge Betty Lou Ratledge Dewey Ratledge Edna May Ratledge Emma Lou Ratledge Flora R. Ratledge Kerman Ratledge Lou Ratledge Marie Ratledge Ruth Ratledge Tommy Ratledge Thurman Ratledge William Ratledge Zella Mae Ratledge Billy Reavis Clifford Reavis Curtis Lee Reavis Donald Reavis Dorothy Reavis Elizabeth Reavis Esther Reavis Lois Reavis Lowell Reavis Lu Ray Reavis Lucille Reavis Mary Jane Reavis Merrill Reavis Robert Lee Reavis Wayne Reavis Jane Redden Judy Redden Kaye Redden Robert Redding Albert Redmon Flora Ellis Redmon Frances C. Redmon Billy Reeves Brenda Renegar Burley Wayne Renegar Robert E. Rhine Sallie Ruth Rich Julia Richardson Robert Richardson Ruth Christine Richardson Betty Ruth Richie Davie Richie Elaine Richie Judy Richie Arnny R. Riddle Betty Jo Riddle Donald Riddle Emma Riddle Etta Riddle Eula Riddle Everette Lee “Toots” Riddle Kate Riddle Levin Riddle Linda Riddle Margaret Riddle Minnie Riddle Nancy Riddle Peggy Jane Riddle Penny Sue Riddle Tommy Riddle Travis Riddle Vestal Gray Riddle Wayne Riddle Hayes Riley Azalee Robertson Boone Rummage George Sain Leonard Sain Willis Mae Sain Dorothy Ann Salmons Alberta “Tootsie” Seats Alice Diann Seats Annie Louise Seats Becky Seats Bessie Seats Billy Seats Brenda Seats Charles Erastus Seats Charlotte Seats Dallas Seats Dunne Seats Frances Seats Frank Seats Gene Seats Jane Amanda Seats John Seats John Andrew Seats John Harold Seats Laura Seats Leonard Alvis Seats Mary Elizabeth Seats Mary Elizabeth Seats Minnie Joyce Seats Nancy Carolyn Seats Nannie Sue Seats Pansy Lillian Seats Philip Seats Robert Seats Sallie Seats Thomas Seats William Howard Seats Barbara Shaffner Billy Shaffner Jerry Shaffner Jean Sharpe W.B. Sharpe Erma Sheek Gene Sheek 38 Harold Sheek Mary Jane Sheek Richard Everett Sheek Annie Clara Shelton Barbara Shelton Barnard Shelton Bettie Jean Shelton Billie Roscoe Shelton Billy Shelton Bobby Joe Shelton Edna Ann Shelton Elverett Shelton Glenda Mae Shelton Hallie Marie Shelton Hobert Shelton John Hugh Shelton Juanita Shelton Leslie Smoot Shelton, Jr. Luther Leonard Shelton Morris Shelton Ruby Shelton Ruth Virginia Shelton Theda Shelton Tommy Shelton Zelma Helena Shelton Angeline Shore Brenda Shore Clarence Shore Evonne Shore Helen Shore Henry Lee Shore Ida Irene Shore Juanita Shore Reta Lee Shore Annie Grey Smith Batry Smith Becky Smith Betty Ann Smith Billy B. Smith Billy Sherrill Smith Bob Lee Smith Bobbie Gene Smith Bryant Smith Buford Smith C.M. Smith Dan Smith David Smith Diane Smith Doris Smith Duette(De Ette) Smith Earl Smith Early Smith Eva Smith Everette Smith Frank Smith Grace Smith Gurney Smith Howard R. Smith Jerry Smith Jessie Ree Smith Jimmy Smith James Lee Smith Juanita Smith Kelly Smith Kermit Franklin Smith Larry Lee Smith Leo Smith Lonnie Smith Louise Smith Margaret Smith Mary Arvesta Smith Mary Kathryn Smith Mary Lewis Smith Maude Smith Minnie Lee Smith Myrtle Smith Naman Smith Odell Smith O’gene Smith Patsy Smith R.P. Smith Ray Smith Richard Smith Ruby Smith Rupert Smith Sarah Smith Sarah June Smith Spurgeon Smith Vernon Smith Virgil Ray Smith Wayne Smith Wiley Kelly Smith William Benjamin Smith II William Gray Smith Willis Smith Billy Sherrill Smith Zeb Smith Johnny Smoot Madeline Smoot Conrad (Conard) Snow Kenneth Snow Betty Lou Sparks Dwight Alan Sparks Frances Sparks Helen Sparks John Frank Sparks Kenneth Sparks Virginia Sparks Wayne Sparks Wilson Sparks Wilson Sparks, Jr. Bonnie Belle Speer James Early Speer J.W. Speer Lucy Nell Speer Roland Speer Roy Speer William Speer William Wayne Speer Annie Francis Spillman Delia Spillman Hilda Jean Spillman Laura Lee Spillman Nancy Carol Spillman Ora Elizabeth Spillman Ora Mae Spillman Paul Marshall Spillman Ruth Spillman Sallie Spillman 39 Terry Spillman Wilbur Spillman William Wilburn Spillman Mary Sue Sprinkle Colleen Stanley Dennis Stanley Leroy Stanley Sarah Mae Stanley Linda Steelman Gloria Sutphin Margo Sutphin Melda Sutphin James Swaringen Viola Swaringen Fletcher Swing Thomas J. Swing Cornelia Taylor Peggy Mae Taylor Rosa Ella Taylor W.A. Taylor Willie Taylor Nell Teague B.L. Trivette Colene Trivette Jack Cecil Trivette Mary Sue Trivette Wayne Trivette Bertie Lois Tucker Emma Lee Tucker Gilbert Tucker Helen Tucker Joseph William Tucker Billy Ray Vestal Conrad Vestal Everette Vestal Kate Vestal Leo Vestal Lewis Vestal Mary Vestal Wesley Vestal Timothy Wagner Earnest Wagoner Ruby Wagoner David Waite Billy Walker Clara Walker Clara Lee Walker Erma Walker Flora Mae Walker Gurney Walker Harold Walker Hazel Walker Louise Walker Mildred Walker Nancy Walker Norman Walker Paula Walker Paul Shore Walker Richard Walker Roy Lee Walker William Wray Walker John Wallace Leonard Wallace Mary Lee Wallace Robert Lewis Wallace Roger Bryan Ward Frances Lee Ward John Gaither Ward Lonnie B. Ward Forrest Watson R.J. Watson Edward Richard Weatherman Ruth Weatherman Barbara Webb H.G. Webb Martha Helena Weir James Wesley Aileen West Bill West Billy West Catherine West Christine West Edith West Eileen West Elizabeth West Emma West Ernestine West Frances Key West Geneivive West Jennie Vee West Jessie Lee West Josephine West Laura Lee West Lawrence West Lois West Lonnie West Luther West Roland West Sandra West Sarah Milla West Vada West Wayne West Wilbur West Ray Whisenhunt Robert Whisenhunt Ruby Whisenhunt Betty Sue Whitaker Bruce Whitaker Delmas Whitaker Dorsette Whitaker Janet Whitaker Jimmie Whitaker Mary Jane Whitaker Mildred Whitaker Roger Whitaker Alma White Charlie Hartman White, Sr Charlie Hartman White, Jr David White, Jr. Elizabeth White Fabian White Glenda Louise White Harmon White Harold White Harvey White Ike White James White 40 Joe White Kenneth White Margie White Ola White Oscar White Ruth White William White Elva White Frank White Geneva White Hugh White Joe White Linda Darlene White Ronnie White Roy White Billy Williamson Jeanette Williamson Lola Ruth Williamson Fletcher Williard, Jr. Harold Williard Larry Williard Abe Wishon Betty Wishon Charles Wishon Earl Wishon Grady Wishon John Wishon Lucille Wishon R.C. Wishon Sam Wishon Thomas Wishon Larry Womble Clauzelle Wood Clyde Wood Ella Gray Wood Esther Wood George Wood Glenn Wood Guy Wood Harold Wood Henry Wood Jerry Gray Wood Linda Wood Nannie Wood Pansy Wood Patsy Jean Wood Robert Wood Robert McKinley Wood Russell Wood Shelby Wood Wayne Wood Barbara Wright Leo Wright Marie Wright Carolyn Ann York Doris York Frances Mae York Bobby Zimmerman James Zimmerman Jean Zimmerman Sue Zimmerman (These pages of students are a partial list.) 41 FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES, 1918 - 1956 GRADUATING CLASS OF 1918-1919 Principal: Miss Lura A. Scott Ruby Armsworthy Leona Graham Clara James Early Smith Willie Taylor GRADUATING CLASS OF 1924-1925 Principal: Prof. J. Frank Scott Roy Blake John Brock Odell James Kelley James Grey Johnson Margaret Miller Rupert Smith Bryon Ward Hugh Williams GRADUATING CLASS OF 1925-26 Principal: Mrs. Lura Scott Welborn Mary Eliza Baity Leon Foster Duke Furches Henry Furches Ray Graham Grace Hendricks Lillian James Elizabeth James Nell Johnson Sallie Spillman Cornelia Taylor Mildred Walker GRADUATING CLASS OF 1926-1927 Principal: Mrs. W.S. (Lura Scott) Welborn Pauline Boger Helen Gregory Clausell Gregory Grace Hendricks J. Alma Howard Elizabeth C. James Thomas Martin Frances C. Redmon Nell Teague GRADUATING CLASS OF 1928-1929 Principal: Mr. S.A. Winslow Mary Eliza Baity Joe Blake Howard Cox Marjorie Gregory Gladys Gregory Thelma Harding Marcellus Harpe Kelly James Jessie Lee James Reta Shore Dan Smith Mary Lewis Smith GRADUATING CLASS OF 1929-1930 Principal: Mr. E.L. Ball Joseph Moses Blake Cornelia Brock John Wes Davis Louise Davis Elmer Dunn Wake Edwards Helen Flowe Martha Furches Annie Lois Furches Douthit Lawrence Furches Julia Furches Nell James 42 Billy Johnson Paul Marvin Latham William R. Latham Flora Redmon Ida Irene Shore Louise Walker Martha Helena Weir GRADUATING CLASS OF 1930-1931 Principal: Mr. E.L. Ball Lillian Joyce Allen Clarence Weir Allen Juanita E. Boger Frankie Katherine Cornatzer Mattye Lou Davis Frances Dull David Roy Edwards Blanche Foster Samuel Wesley Howell Louise Jones Mary Louise Lakey Sarah Milla West GRADUATING CLASS OF 1937-1938 Principal: Graham Rex Madison Mary Frances Boger Betty Driver Paul Freeman Martha Harding La Vada Harpe Miriam Harpe Bernice Hilton Edith McMahan Faye Peoples Margaret Smith Wilburn Spillman David Waite Jessie Lee West Eileen West GRADUATING CLASS OF 1939-1940 Principal: Graham Rex Madison Frances Brinkley Howard Boger Margaret Jo Brock Magdalene Carter Evelyn Caudle Bonnie Hope Driver John Monroe Ferebee Xenophon Clay Hunter Charles James La Deen Lakey Gene Miller Dewey Ratledge Azalee Robertson Frances Seats Bertie Lois Tucker Elizabeth West Harold White (According to source, list may contain some errors.) GRADUATING CLASS OF 1940-1941 Principal: Graham Rex Madison Martha Louise Allen Joyce Beck Nora Mae Cline Gladys Cooke Ann Cornatzer Glenn Caudle Poe Dull Cleo Essic Margie Essic Nancy Furches Libby Graves Faye Harris Woodrow Howell Nelda Hutchins Gene James Lester Jarvis W.B. Koontz Betty McMahan 43 Emily Montgomery Clifford Reavis Angeline Shore Kermit Smith W.A. Taylor Kate Vestal Clara Lee Walker Mary Lee Wallace Elizabeth West Ruth White Fletcher Williard, Jr. GRADUATING CLASS OF 1941-1942 Principal: Graham Rex Madison Charlotte Carter Glenn Caudle Ray Deese, Jr. Thelma Driver Vernon Dull Janice Eaton Francis Essic Vashti Furches Isabelle Harkey Vernon Howard Eugene James Thomas Jarvis John Francis Johnson Mary Lee McMahan Ruth Ratledge Lois Reavis Batry Smith Jessie Lee Smith Madeleine Smoot Ora Elizabeth Spillman Jennie Vee West Lois West Harmon White Leo Wright GRADUATING CLASS OF 1944-1945 Principal: V.G. Prim, Sr. Frances Atkinson Fannie Belle Baity Nellie Mae Beck John Tabor Brock Charlene Clontz Mary Nell Drive James Thomas Foster Joe Carr Harpe Lorene Hockaday Margaret Langston Phosa McClannon Robert E. Rhine Minnie Riddle Nannie Sue Seats Hallie Marie Shelton C.M. Smith Doris Smith Frances Sparks Edith West Joe White GRADUATING CLASS OF 1946-1947 Principal: Ralph J. Smitherman Beulah Allen Faye Anderson Thelma Anderson Margaret Montgomery Elizabeth Reavis Stacy Beck Harold Boger Vestal Dull Charles Lashley Sam Furches J.T. Pilcher Henry Lee Shore Roland West GRADUATING CLASS OF 1947-1948 Principal: Ralph J. Smitherman Ada Ann Atkinson Pearlene Booe 44 James Brock Willis Davis O.E. Driver, Jr. Dean Dull Gene Dull Carolyn Eaton Albert Gentle Lucille Ireland Helena Jarvis Olliver Lowery Marie Ratledge Lucille Reavis Nancy Riddle Eula Riddle Billy Seats Betty Jean Shelton Betty Lou Sparks Leonard Wallace Catherine West Harvey White Wade Wright GRADUATING CLASS OF 1948-1949 Principal: Ralph J. Smitherman Odell A. Boger Peggy Sue Cline Willis Davis Martha Ann Davis Dewilla Dull Sarah Ruth Eaton Robert Gray Furches Janet Gaither Shirley Gaither Sallie ruth Hockaday John Frank Johnson, Jr. Zella Mae Ratledge Curtiss Lee Reavis Betty Jo Riddle Johnny Seats Annie Grey Smith Kenneth White GRADUATING CLASS OF 1949-1950 Principal: Toler Haynes William Robert Beck Dorothy Mae Beck Mary Elizabeth Brock Lassie Mae Carter Clarence Smith Carter, Jr. Beavey Lella Gaither Bessie Lee Kiger Carrie Nell Langston Addie Belle Latham Rosa Lee Potts Annie Bell Potts Leslie Smoot Shelton, Jr. Lucy Nell Speer Peggy Mae Taylor Robert Lewis Wallace Charlie Hartman White, Jr. GRADUATING CLASS OF 1950-1951 Principal: Toler Haynes Elmer Gray Allen Edith Beck Grady Lewis Beck Nancy Boger Nancy Camilla Booe Richard Lee Carter Bonnie Cornelison O’Brien Dixon Harry Kenneth Driver Dorothy Carol Hauser Luray Miller Bayne Elmo Miller Peggy Jane Riddle John Harold Seats Jane Amanda Seats Buford Smith Fabian White Patsy Jean Wood GRADUATING CLASS OF 1951-1952 45 Principal: Sidney G. Wallace Lillian Grey Allen Eula Mae Beck Mary Kathryn Bowles Richard Joseph Brock William Laurie Brock Betty Busiek (or Busick) Don Busiek (or Busick) Carroll Hanes Thurman Howell Nannie Sue Ireland Edith King Lucille Lakey Edna Lee Naylor Robert Seats Edna Ann Shelton Sarah June Smith Bonnie Belle Speerl Larry Williard GRADUATING CLASS OF 1952-1953 Principal: Sidney G. Wallace Frances Henrie Baity Nelly Blanche Baity Mary Ann Carter James Charles Caudle Patty Sue Caudle William Clarence Eaton Myra Davis Ellis Nancy Carol Ellis James Harold Gregory Mary Susan Hanes Edith Christine Howard Margaret Joyce King Emma Rose McClannon Elizabeth Katerine Montgomery Robert Langdon Montgomery Harvey Eldridge Pilcher Vestal Gray Riddle Dorothy Ann Salmons Annie Louise Seats Leonard Alvis Seats Mary Elizabeth Seats Nancy Carolyn Seats Richard Evereth Sheek Bob Lee Smith Mary Kathryn Smith GRADUATING CLASS OF 1953-1954 Principal: Sidney G. Wallace Emma Sue Brock Allen Edward Lee Beck Hubert Samuel Boger Johnny Charles Boger Sherrill Kermit Brinkley Betty Maureen Carter Peggy Ann Davis Mary Ruth Douthit Nola Jane Foster Betty Lou Johnson Robert Lewis Langston Margaret Jane Lounsbury Mary Jane Reavis Billy Sherrill Smith William Benjamin Smith, II William Wray Walker GRADUATING CLASS OF 1954-1955 Principal: Sidney G. Wallace Phillips Beauchamp Norman Blake Virginia Boger Jo Ann Bowles Rufus Brock Jimmy Carter Peggy Cornelison Frances Ellis Maxine Langston Mary Fae McEwen Bobby Phillips Mary Lillian Pilcher Kerman Ratledge 46 Betty Lou Ratledge Thurman Ratledge Luray Reavis Emma Riddle Roger Wallace Glenda White John Wishon GRADUATING CLASS OF 1955-1956 Principal: Sidney G. Wallace Margaret Adams Wilma Booe Joe Busick Patsy Cline Peggy Coe Helen Collins Peggy Dull Clarence Elmore Rosalene Gentle Lawrence Gregory Olena Groce Ann Harding Johnny Hauser Ruth Howard Rachel Langston Gray Laymon Joyce Payne Lester Phillips Bessie Seats Jean Sharpe Gene Sheek Evonne Shore Jimmy Smith Leo Vestal Bruce Whitaker 47 PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS AT FARMINGTON ACADEMY 1882 - 1916 1882-1884 (unknown) 1884-1887 James F. Brower, principal 1887-1891 Oscar B. Eaton, principal R.P. Clingman F.M. Horn Miss S.B. Cuthrell Miss M.T. Furches Rev. A.R. Murchinson Miss Mollie Perry 1881-1896 Leonard “Leon” Agustus Cash, principal Mrs. Fannie Cash Miss Jessie Chaffin Mr. Williams Miss Julia Harding Miss Mattie Rich 1896-1897 Miss Lucy Wilson Weathersbee, principal 1897-1900 Mrs. A.M. McGlamery, principal 1900-1906 B.W. Stephens, principal Miss Susan “Susie” J. Jones Enos Calvin Smith 1906-1907 Paul H. Nance, principal Mrs. Mabel Brock 1907-1912 Henry A. Doak, principal Miss Eunice Helm Miss Dora E. Abernathy W.P. Henley 1912-1916 Fred B. Yoder, principal Kate Brown Helen Brown Bessie Gatts Cora Ballard 48 School name changes to FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL in 1916. It is still a tuition school except for high school students. 1916-1918 A.H. Flowers, principal Mary McMahan Gelene Ijames Phoebe Eaton Vada Johnson 1918-1919 Miss Lura A. Scott, principal Miss Julia Austin Miss Eva Smith Miss Phoebe Eaton Miss Vada Johnson FARMINGTON NEW BRICK BUILDING 1919 - 1970 Mr. Robey W. Adams Miss Ida Mae Alexander Mrs. Rose S. Andrews Mr. Paul Angell Miss Julia Austin Miss Mattie Ruth Ayers Prof. E.L. Ball, principal, 1929-1933 Mr. Charles Thomas Barbour Hazel Barbour Mr. Sheffield Beck Miss Sula Bissette Mrs. Carolyn S. Boger Miss Blevins Miss Ella Bohanon C.L. Bowden Sheek Bowden Miss Alice Boyd Mr. T.G. Britt Mrs. Norma Flowers Brock Mrs. Lucille A. Brown Miss Gussie Bumgardner Miss Addie Campbell Miss Mabel Chaffin Miss Mary Chilson Mr. Jimmie Chilton Mrs. Lucas J. Conrad (Miss Ina Cox) Miss Eva Cranfill Miss Frankie Craven Miss Minilla Craver Grimes A. Creason Mr. C.R. Crenshaw Mrs. Davis Mrs. Nell R. Day Lewis Dobson Theodore Doub Mr. Watson Gene Dull Mrs. Arma Duncan Mrs. Genevieve T. Duncan Miss Alice Dyson Miss Phoebe Eaton Mrs. Mary L. Essic Miss Alice Evans Milton Gray Everhart. Miss Ruth Fleming Helen Flowe A.H. Flowers, principal, 1916-1918 Miss Thelma Freeman Mrs. Eleanor Ward Gabard Mrs. Buck Garrison Miss Delia Grant 49 Miss Edith Griffith Mrs. Groce Miss Ellen Hamrick Miss Elizabeth Harding Miss Lena Mae Harmon Miss Carolyn Hartman Mrs. Esther Horn Hawkins Sadia Hawkins Mr. Toler Haynes, principal, 1949-1951 Miss Elizabeth Henderson Miss Mabel Holden Mrs. N.M. Hollis Miss Dorothy Holt Miss Sallie G. Holt Mrs. Evelyn S. Howell Gelene Ijames Mrs. Jessie V. Ingram Mr. John Dwight Jackson, prin., 1966-1970 Clyde Jennings Mrs. John Frank Johnson John Frank Johnson Miss Vada Johnson Elizabeth Johnston Queen Bess (Mrs. W.E.) Kennen Mr. A.M. Kiser, Jr., principal 1961-1966 Mrs. Mary Nell Lakey Mrs. Nell Hartman Lashley Mr. Melving Lashure (Lasure) Mr. James Lentz Billie E. Lewis Miss Helen Lewis Miss Nina Ruth Long Graham Rex Madison, principal, 1933-1944 Mr. D.D. Martin Miss Elfred McBrayer Mary McMahan Miss Mary McNeil Clarence Miller Mrs. Joe Vernon Miller Mrs. Thomas Miller Mr. Walter Grady Morris Miss Geraldine Musselwhite Miss Mary Nichols Atha Norman Dorothea May Norrington Mr. B.G. O’Brien Mrs. B. G. O’Brien Leroy Page Lenna Pearson William W. Peek, principal, 1959-1960 Mr. G.W. Pendry Miss Dorothy Perry George W. Peter, Jr. V.G. Prim, Sr., principal, 1944-1946 Miss Adelia Poindexter Miss Essie Poindexter Mrs. Lorraine B. Redden Lorene Bowden Redding Mrs. Florence B. Renegar U.S. Ritchie Mrs. Nan Roberts J. Frank Scott, principal, 1922-1925 Miss Lura A. Scott, principal, 1918-1920 Hazel H. Sharp Helen Sharpe Mr. J.E. Sherrill Jane B. Shore Miss Norma Shore Ruth Short Mrs. George H.C. Shutt, Jr. Mrs. A.L. Smith Miss Eva Smith Helen Smith Henry C. Smith Marvin Smith Mrs. Lillian J. Smitherman Ralph J. Smitherman, principal, 1946-1949 Mrs. R.L. Smoot Madeline Smoot Sparks Miss Ruby Steelman Miss Birdie Stone Miss Frances Summers Miss Amy Talbert Annie Lou Todd Miss Florence Thorneburg Miss Frances Threlkeld 50 Paul Trivette Mrs. Ruth Jarvis Tutterow Mr. Lacy M. Venable Mr. Vestal Rev. Vestal Mr. Sidney G. Wallace, principal 1951-1959 Mr. Paul B. Walters Mrs. W.S. Welborn, principal 1925-1928 Mrs. Betty E. West Mr. Wayne West Lawrence Columbus Williams Mr. Y.E. Williams Mrs. Elizabeth Graham Williard Mr. S.A. Winslow, principal 1928-1929 Miss Woosley Mr. Wright Mr. James R. York Prof. M. P. Young, principal, 1920-1922