The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1907-05-08
Letter From lrmo.
To the Editor of The Dispatch.

We all know how the weather Is,
yet when we are pushed for some
thing to say, we talk about the
weather. It seems to be natural with
most people. This reminds me Of an
old gentleman who was very deaf and
who always took it for granted that
the first question asked would be
about the weather. A mischievous
fellow, knowing his weakness, one
day said to him: "Good morning,
sir! How's your wife?' To which
the old man answered: "Ugh! damp,
dirty and disagreeable, and no signs
of a change"
Irmo is still on the map; ever the
same-not dead-but moving along
slowly The habits and customs of
the people remain the same, which is
a well recognized characteristic of the
Dutch and their defendants. They
are thrifty; ever in pursuit OF the
dollar which, in their estimation, out
weighs some of the more important
issues of life. We move when the
spirit moves us, somewhat like Quak-
ers, or when the hand of progress
pushes us forward. We need more OF
the civic spirit, and an awakening to
greater interests, educationally and
morally, in the future welfare of our
children. We should learn that we
live not for ourselves alone, but for
our children and for our country, and
for them we should put forth our best
efforts:
Some time last year Rev. Richard
Carroll bought the Lowry homestead
Of 600 acres near our town. and pur-
poses to erect buildings and to es-
tablish thereon a negro industrial
school. Also, he has given forty
acres for the establishment of a negro
Baptist college. Through the efforts
of this noted negro educator it is very
probable these schools will soon be in
operation, and it is hoped that this
may stimulate the white people OF
this community to the extent that
they too will put forth greater efforts
in the interests of education. Surely
we are not going to stand idly by and
see the negroes attending school and
receiving education, while u own
children grow up in ignorance.
That accomplished and long ex-
perienced lady, Miss Mamie E. Crooks,
has just closed one of the most sue
cessful terms of school that has ever
been taught at Irmo. She is a hard
student, an earnest worker and one
of the best instructors we have ever
known. We greatly congratulate
ourselves on having had her services.
We appreciate her excellent work,
and hope to be able to retain her for
another term at least.
Having had a splendid exhibition
of school exercises about Christmas,
we decided to close this term on May
the third with a basket picnic and
addresses by invited speakers. Prof.
Derrick, ofsWhite Rock, our worthy
County Superintendent of Education,
Mr.. j. 3. Rawl Kyzer, Hon. A. F.
Lever, the much beloved 'Baby''
Congressman, and Rev. Wayne, of
the Methodist church of this place,
addressed the audience. All of these
gentlemen made splendid addresses,
and we greatly appreciated both their
presence and their good speeches, but
we feel sure that the other three will
join us in feeling honored that we
had the pleasure of a most splendid
educational address from Congress
man Lever. Mr.. Lever has not let
the high position he holds turn his
head, but he is today the same friend
~, genial fellow that he always was,
and he makes us all feel that he is
still one of US. How characteristic of
the true and noble man that he is!
Maya, 1907. H.