The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-12
LETTERS TO EDITOR
VISIT TO HUEYTowN SCHOOL


 It has been my pleasure recently to visit some of the county high schools in Jefferson county witnessed revelation of progress as was simply startling. Everywhere were marks of progress. Advancement in all lines of school work I shall speak particularly of the Huey- town High school, because here I enabled to draw sharp lines of contrast now with 25 years ago, when attended county teachers institute at that place. This high school stands near the old building where meeting was held. It is indeed refreshing to compare con- ditions now with that date.
 I remember a bunch of educators landed in Bessemer that morning and began hike of four miles to the school building, where Pro lessor Godsey conducted school at that time. We had jolly crowd on that journey. Among them was Professor Roof of Howard college, a splendid man from all standponts. He called our walk of four miles linked sweetness, long drawn out
 At that meeting were many of the best men of the land teaching throughout the county Among them were Maj. Sol Palmer, Big Jud Waldron, Prof. I. W. McAdory, County Super intendent Sam Robertson, Felix McGlothen and many others, high-cass, scholarly men who de- PAOLSboaNfA. assembled more faithful, devoted teachers than these who met periodically at different locali- ties in the county. They did their hest with the meager financial support then afforded. A teacher then who drew $200 or $500 public money during the year was counted 'in luck" The balance of his pay was collected from the patrons.
 On my recent visit to the high school, which the young people abbreviate "Hu-To-Hf' (Huey Town High), I boarded a transport truck at Bessemer, loaded with fine lot of young men. whose songs and laughter attracted attention of residents along the way. We had one "blow- out on the way when another car picked us up and soon landed us safe at our destina- tion. Here they came from every direction from miles away in transport trucks which sped over the beautiful solid highways.
 was cordially received by Prof. H. F. Gill more, principal, and his splendid corps of teach CTS. I was given the right of way to all the grounds and every room.
 found system and order prevailed every where Splendid work was going on in every room. The boys workshop where plane, saw and hammer were busy with porch swings, book racks, music stands and other brick-bracks of excellent work, under Webb Parsons, director. The girls work room under Miss Elizabeth Lof- tin director presented busy picture-cutting out dresses, running sewing machines, etc, and trimming hats. Oil stoves were in evidence where cooking is taught
 visited the laboratory, where the sciences of chemistry and physics are taught by experi- ments with natural objects and analysis made, revealing natures constituents. found group of young people in the library searching ref erence books and reading.
 With such men, guided, assisted and super vised by wise board of education, in the county, we need have no fears for the future welfare of the boys and girls of Jefferson county. Without a strong board, whose lives are wrapped up in the present and future gen. eration, we could hope for but little. Let's keep it out of politics and shun the man who appears to aspire to position for honors of the office only.
 I understand this school is model to be followed throughout the county. This plan of community organization am told, follows the latest suggestions made by rural sociologists.
 It was my purpose to visit all the high schools in the county before their closing. I do this by the courtesy of Dr. Baker, county superin- tendent, who handed me letter of introduc- ticn to the principal. s. A. ELLIS Birmingham, June 10, 1922.