The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-10-28
An Appeal for the Improvement of
Public Schools.

Ids Spi IHS liz III VI q
religious paper reminded an audience
that, as early as 1921, Archibald DeBow
Murphey lamented the fact that North
Carolinians have no State pride.
a few weeks ago, one of Our public
men declared that North CarOlinians
nave no pride and that they are very
proud that they have none.
If Mr.. Murphey could be with US to-
day he would rejoice to see a troubling
Of the waters Of public sentiment that
will surely result in better things for our
state. He would be pleased to know that
q literary and historical society has been
formed, and that a celebration is to take
place on roanoke Island in 1904; that
Aliens History stories, the North Car
DINA Booklets and other recent publica-
tions pleasantly Introduce our children
tc the study of State history. | think,
however, that he would be especially de-
lighted by the widespread revival of
| interest in the subject Of public educa-
ton.
Led by our Governor, earnest men of
both private and public schools are work
| ing to remove the burden of illiteracy
that hangs like a body of death upon sus.
The principle Of local taxation is gaining
| ground rapidly. From all over the State
| come reports of districts or townships
| that have adopted the plan or that will
| soon vote upon its adoption. The vexa-
| tious problem of consolidation of dis
| tricts is taxing the skill of committee
| mel and superintendent. Nor is the
matter of improvement of school houses
neglected.
AS we read of what the men of North
Carolina are doing in this vital matter,
the question comes, "What part are the
women taking"
The women Of our State have never
failed to do their part in a good cause.
Monuments, hospitals, churches are en-
| during proofs of their zeal and ability.
| And, now all over the State, women are
| organizing themselves into clubs to i'm
| prove and beautify our public school
houses and their surroundings. When
new, these houses are, III many cases, un-
PAINTED, shutterless, bare; when old. they
are frequently building that a farmer
| would not house his stock in.
This work of improving school houses
| appeals peculiarly to women. 1t is they
who furnish churches, make parsonages
attractive for the incoming minister, or
ganize ice mission bands, provide com
forts for soldiers homes.
| A Woman's Association for the Better
ment OF public school houses in Wake
county was organized during the latter
i part Of July, at the close of the county
institute. The officers of The association
lave sent letters upon the subject to
every district in the county. There have
been responses from some of these let
ters, requesting personal aid in forming
branch associations.
| Tho woman IF NVako Lroroct have -
ganized q branch association and their en-
thusiasm promises much for the future
of the school. At Mt. Moriah a branch
association will soon be formed. Doubt
less the Influence Of a live association
in a district will arouse a spirit OF
friendly rivalry in ~neighboring districts
and so the good work will go on.
Our efficient county superintendent and
cur county board are heartily in sympa-
thy with the aims of the association and
the superintendent has the honor Of be-
ing the first associate member. A mum
Der OF others, both men and women, have
enrolled their names as associate mem
bcrs. They help the association by their
advice, it may be. and by the aymen of
an annual fee of one dollar.
Others who wish to Join are requested
to give their names to the correspondents
| secretary, Mrs. E. E. Mofftt. Raleigh.
The following is a list of associate
members to date: Messrs. w. G.. Glenn
ents, County superintendent: B. 2. Will
Hanson. j. ]. Thomas, W. II. Penny. J. J.
Bernard, Alfred Williams, C. j. Parker.
L. D. Watson. Henry T. Hicks, Walters
Durham, j. w. Bailey, T.. H. Briggs.
Sherwood Higgs. A. B. Stronach, F.. B.
Grow, j. G. Brown, Geo. Allen. w. ].
Peele, H. w. Jackson, war Proctor. N.
B. ~Broughton, Marshall Haywood, Mrs.
Charles E. Johnson, Miss Ada V. Wom-
bic.