The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-08
Birmingham Teachers Enjoying California

left Birmingham for California June 12 consists of about 150 mem bers, most of whom are Birming- ham and Alabama teachers ex- pecting to take courses at the summer session of the University of California and attend the meet ings of the National Education Association at Oakland and the World Conference on Education at San Francisco. Dr. c. B. Glenn, superintendent of the Birmingham schools, is a member of the party Here is a summary of the journey sent by request to The Age-Herald by Miss Belle R. Harrison:
 "With most of us, pleasurable anticipation had been enjoyed for weeks. We knew a wonderful trip was in store but the half had not been told nor dreamed of. A more congenial party could hardly have been gotten together. As most of the number were teachers, they had a fellow feeling and community in terest. Many know each other, but 1t made no difference whether they were friends or acquaintances prior to the trip, all were courteous, kind and cordial Blonde or brunette, tall or short, man, woman or child, young or old, we were all members of one large family, starting on a journey where happiness for all was the watchword. We reached the queen of our Southern ports, New Orleans, which, by the way, is not new, the following morning in time for breakfast. We were given ride in automobiles, visit ing points of interest.
 After leaving the grand old city, next in order came San An tonic. There we were driven through Breckenridge Park, with it's beautiful sunken garden, Mexican village and Japanese tea garden. Flowers of every description, color and kind, blossomed in riotous pro- fusion. The hanging garden we have read of, but the sunken gar den is photographed on our mem ory. We were shown the Alamo, built in 1718. Its hallowed walls, though battle scared, still remain intact. We visited the Alamo as shrine where heroes shed their blood for the cause of liberty. But the death of Crockett and Bowie and other brave men brought free dom to many, when Remember the Alamo became the battle cry to arms.
 "We entered Fl Paso and crossed the line into Mexico, where we were served at Juarez an elaborate Mexican dinner. The menu was: sopa caldosa, chile con carne, ta- males, tortillas tostalas, trijoes re- fritos con queso.
 Some of our party, strange to relate, indulged only in bread, but ter and ice water. The Rio Grande River flows between Texas and Mexico and is unique at that point, being wet on one side and dry on the other.
 "The next morning saw us in Albuquerque, a progressive, at tractive city. We were treated royalty wherever we stopped. The Chamber of Commerce or city off cials placed cars at our disposal and showed us the Lions of their city. When we returned to our happy home-our special train pro- vided by Mrs. Alexander-it was as one big family to enjoy quiet or hilarious time as we felt dis posed. To the musically inclined, and their name is legion. there were songs sung in the observation car-songs ranging from classic to jazz-an infinite variety, suiting all tastes. Impromptu and impro- vised verses, recitations and other amusements were enjoyed. We have bought and written 9,S9A1h postcards and folders, more or less. In selling us souvenirs, the Mexi- cans and Indians have robbed us, but we were willing victims.
 "Each day has brought us new pleasures, new sights upon which to feast our eyes. We have seen the sun rise and set on Arizona's Grand Canyon, a sight which beg gars description. We have ridden