South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-10-30
BETTER ROADS AND
SCHOOLS NOW GOAL
OF WEST VIRGINIA
Land of Mine Wars and Liquor
Stills Turns to Higher
Culture.

CHARLESTON, w. Va, oct 20
Good roads, better schools and
higher culture for the entire COM
munity has been the slogan of the
extreme southwestern part OF West
Virginia-the coal counties Of Lo-
gan. Mcdowell, Boone, Wyoming
and Miugo. Here 1t was in bygone
years that moonshiners fiourished in
the Businesses of the mountains
feudists fought their battles without
serious interference from the law,
and the wayfarer knew no better
highway than the rough timber
trail. But times are changing and
education is exerting its uplifting
influence.
Capt. George NJ. Ford, born a
mountaineer ami educated in one of
the foremost universities Of the
country, has recently become state
superintendent of free schools, and
in that capacity has been giving
much of his time to the needs of the
southwest
Schools in the mountain coun-
ties" said Capt. Ford, may not have
made the progress shown in some Of
the other states, because of our
many natural barriers. but they
rank high and the teaching staff is
good. Most of the teachers have
had normal school training, while
80 per cent of the white teachers
and 20 per cent of the negro teach
ers this year attended some summer
Of
low, but the need of education has
made II apparent TO all our people
that more money must be set aside
for that purpose. The state now
gives aid TO certain counties which
lack sufficient funds for the main
tenance OF their schools at the re-
Quired level.
Cites Wyoming Case.
wyoming county is one Of the
most remote sections of the state
1t is largely agricultural and poorly
served by railroads. School officials
have had much difficulty IN locat-
ing schools and providing the ne
cessary teaching staff because the
compulsory education law does not
require pupils TO walk more than
two miles TO school and the funds
available have made il impossible TO
sprinkle the territory with enough
buildings.
The poor roads in Wyoming
county also have had their influence
on education. But when one has
mentioned Wyoming. one has dis
posed OF the worst. Conditions are
much better in the four other coun-
ties, although Mix COS roads are still
poor and there is room for improve
ment in Logan. Each however. has
under way an ambitious road i'm
provement program. AS for schools,
both Mingo and Logan are well
equipped.
Most OF the school buildings IN
these counties are OF the one-room
type. but they are rapidly giving
way 20 the modern consolidated
school There are now such schools
in every county, and they are in
creasing as the road program is be-
ing completed and bus lines are be-
/ ing established TO transport pupils
TO and from their homes.
ITO get away from the stereotyp-
ed form OF buildings, we have en-
ployed an architect 20 design mod
ern. light and commodious struc-
I lures"
Mcdowell county is among the
best developed counties in the state
IL was a pioneer in the movement
Cor better highways and its free
schools have attracted wide atten-
ton. In the county seat. Welch.
school buildings are OF the most
modern design, while there Is a hos
pital for miners which is classed by