Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1912-06-26
Country Maid and Her Milk PAIL
.(By Fannie Mcdonald Foster.)

Country Maid and Her Milk Pail"
(By Fannie Mcdonald Foster.)
My Schoolmates and Friends: Il
was asked to read a story in the
back of the old Blue-Back spelling
book on this occasion, but If knew
how to talk and what to say would
much rather talk about my teachers
instead of reading. I am going to
say a few words anyway, whether
say 1t rightly or not.
With all due respect to all the
others, think my first teacher, In
1883, was my best. refer to Mar
shall S. Stribling. 1t was sad day
to the children Of Richland commu-
nifty when he quit teaching and went
into business. He was always so
kind and gentle with the little ones.
l knc" | still have treasured in my
memory many Of the good things he
said to me. He not only taught US
our lessons, but would teach us
right from wrong.
But when the occasion demanded
he didn't hesitate to punish the boys.
l can see him now reaching up over
the door and bringing down one Of
didn't mind using. If any of you
doubt this, ask Joe Dendy and Clint
Stribling. Not many days during the
whole school that they didn't receive
their share, but Rfchland never turn
ed out two better boys.
Mr.. Stribling's influence will be
felt In this community even after he
has crossed over.
Next was Miss Eleanor Beard, a
splendid young teacher that we all
loved. Then Miss Ella Dendy. She
knew full we'll how to handle her
scholars and to punish them, too, If
necessary. remember one day
about half dozen of us girls slipped
off and went to a negro funeral, and
when we got back she had the
switch already in her hand. She
didn't use 1t, however, but that lee
ture! VIII we ever forget 1t?
Then Gus Shanklin taught us over
by the mill (Never could say Mis-
ter, because had gone to school with
him, and then he couldn't look seri-
GUS enough either. Can now,
thought Never have forgiven him
for scolding Mamie Davis and me for
throwing his beagle dogs in Richland
Creek, at place where the banks
were very steep, and they nearly
drowned. We didn't think we had
done anything, but he did.
Next was j. Paul Stribling. His
was long term and one of the most
successful schools ever taught at
R'chland Hc had iNst graduated at
DahlOn@EA; knew eXNctjy what to do
With his scholars aud he did it to
pcriort1UD
And chou oul teachers were Mr..
ana Mrs. stokes StribNng, and two
.>ttu. teachers never sraced Rich
land community. And they had their
a.
large number Of grown children in
were) that persisted in love-making
and courting, etc. They could find
no way to stop it. OWN 1T ever be
stopped as long as there is a good
old worldD Finally one day, his pa
tience being exhausted, he said: 'If
you don't quit this courting business
this will be my last school," and he
kept his word, but not before he had
taught two splendid schools. I re-
member crying all day the last day
because they were going to leave us.
Speaking Of love-making and
heart-breaking, / want to say right
up here that no girl ever won his
heart. He was always ready for any
fun or amusement, but when 1t came
to loving girl he wasn't there. He
couldn't be caught; but all the same
we will always be proud OF our
Charlie Jaynes.
Next came good, gentle, little Miss
Lucy Stribling. She managed her
children with such ease and grace
that we all loved her dearly.
The Dendy boys were my last
eachers-Erskine and Plumer-
and If in their distant fields they are
teaching as we'll as they did at Rich
land their reward will be unlimited.
Didn't go to school to Joe. (Can't
call these boys Mister, either, as
they had been playmates from child
hoodD / stopped school right there,
as one Of my first schoolmates want
ed to be my teacher, and | am still
learning.
All honor and praise to all Of my
teachers. They are still dear to my
heart, and ever will be. They are all
still alive and young, and in their de-
clining wears, as they count their
milc-stones, one by one, may their
pathway be joy and peace, and their
last days their happiest and best
Now, If you will pardon my ramb-
ling words, | will proceed to read
instead Of talking, as / was asked to
do, my little story in the back OF the
old Blue-Back spelling book-'"The
Country Maid and Her Milk Pail"
FinGcrlcSS Pianist Wins HOnors