The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-24

Jefferson county has had it's first nov able school" including a. series of instrue- tions in farming, in animal industry and home economies. It took a good deal of courage to encounter the weather, espe- eiaily when it involved a nine-mile drive across the mountains to "comer." This point is designated as the most progress sive farming section of the country. With the snow threatening our path board ed the train Tuesday afternoon for War rior accompanied by Miss Jennie Mae Rosser of the Girls Canning club and county teacher of domestic science; Mrs. Q. B. Kerlin of Auburn, associate state agent for boys corn clubs; Mir. l.. A. Ed mundson, local agent for boys corn clubs. and AIr. ]. H. Worthy of Alexander City,
 assistant to Mr. J. A. Wade, state com missioner of agriculture. Reaching War
 rior after dark, the evening was spent in contemplation of the terrible drive. with bitings winds and almost impossible roads, Nothing ventured, surely nothing gained. Mr. Kerltn and myself, appointed as ad- vance guards, left the quiet little village at break of day, with a horse that seemed to know the roads better than he did | good square meal of corn. The icicles cracked under his feet as he wound around the mountain edges, overlooking valleys, for miles, over uncultivated fields, a quiet not disturbed by even the usual country cowbel This scene furnished Us ample material for speculative farming, of the possibilities of an almost forsaken country, and when we did pass a home the surroundings indicated that the prov
 ender grew in the mines and was gathered in coin from q monthly pay roll, whose destiny was the com pany's commissary
 or the nearest store. This nine miles, with many narrow escapes, it was evident MT. kerlin was lucky man with the reins, gave LIS ample opportunity to won- der why so many things were, and were not? Among the things that were not we noticed the absence of pastures, of
 cows, of poultry, the winter garden and even the lack of shade Then we were glad we came glad to know some hope could be held out to those who did not appreciate the opportunities of the soil,
 or value the privileges of a rural life or the comforts so easy to be had with little cost. and d few extra strokes.
 After six miles in view of the mining district, we turned to the right and drove i to "Corner.' named on account of its geographical position in the county After mile drive on this branch road we soon ] found there was an awakening in the vicinity-better roads, d rich soil and i UeluS Wlln tall SlalkS or COllOn il1R Stand- ing from the recent crop. and soon the homes came in sight; flower beds were 1 layed off, green hedges were standing,
 and then a splendid school house stood ] in view with several hundred rosy 1 checked boys and girls in the yard wait ing for the school bell to ring; when the 1 sound came we looked back upon years l that have gone with a silent wish
 Backward. turn backward. oh, time in your flight"
 l Make me a child again that I may re- claim lost chances.
 This expert demonstration is an oppor- 1 tunity extended to the father, mother and
 the child and these people appreciate it and are ready to take advantage of 1 it. Arriving half frozen on the scene we
 shook hands with sturdy fathers and
 busy mothers (not a negro in the neigh
 borhood). they live by the sweat of their
 brow and the fruits of their labor The
 welcome was genuine. They were glad
 we came and proved it. Before II o'clock
 the corps of teachers arrived, including
 MT. l.. N. Duncan of Auburn: Dr. H. P ; Wilson. specialist on hog cholera; B. J i Burleson, on corn cultivation and fertil
 izer; MT. McGruder dairy expert: Mir
 McNeal, county superintendent of schools l and MT. Irving, assistant superintendent l and Miss Nellie Tappan of Montevallo teacher of home economies and cooking The school continued through Wednes day and Thursday. including four days sessions, and one night Each day ther'