USA > Alabama > Lowndes County > Annual report of the principals of the Calhoun Colored School, Calhoun, Lowndes County, Alabama with the reports of the treasurer for 1920 and 1921 > Part 1
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01234 5184
Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the Principal of
GENEALOGY 976.101 L95CCS 1921
Calhoun Colored School Calhoun, Lowndes County, Alabama
with the
Treasurer's Report for 1920 and 1921
1920-21
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF
Calhoun Colored School
CALHOUN, LOWNDES COUNTY, ALABAMA
WITH THE
Report of the Treasurer for 1920 and 1921
MAGNA CHARTA CABIN
Calhoun Colored School. Incorporated 1802
BOSTON PRESS OF GEO IL. ELLIS CO (INCORPORATED IQ21
OLORED
NAOHTTYD
CALHOUN
LOWNDES COUNTY
ALAB MAY
SCHOOL
1892
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
PAUL REVERE FROTHINGHAM, President Boston, Mass.
HENRY W. FARNAM, Vice-President New Haven, Conn.
PITT DILLINGHAM, Secretary . Boston, Mass.
CHARLOTTE R. THORN, Treasurer Calhoun, Ala.
N. PENROSE HALLOWELL, Chairman Investment Committee,
Boston, Mass.
WILLIAM JAY SCHIEFFELIN New York, N.Y.
HENRY WARE SPRAGUE Buffalo, N.Y.
JAMES E. GREGG Hampton Institute. Va.
ROBERT R. MOTON Tuskegee Institute. Ala.
Enbestment Committer.
N. PENROSE HALLOWELL, Chairman.
WILLIAM JAY SCHIEFFELIN. HENRY W. FARNAM.
Auditors.
Auditor of School Accounts, JAMES MOTT HALLOWELL, Boston. Auditor of Investment Accounts, ANDREW STEWART. C.P.A., Boston.
OFFICERS AND TEACHERS 1920-21.
Principal. CHARLOTTE R. THORN.
Dice=Principals.
EMILY HALLOWELL. CHARLES H. DICKINSON.
Academic Department.
JESSIE E. GUERNSEY, Head Teacher.
RUTHI I. TAYLOR . History and Geography, in charge of Tenth Grade
CECILE B. BOWMAN . English and Reading, in charge of Ninth Grade
LILLA B. ROBINSON . . Mathematics and Writing, in charge of Eighth Grade
RUTH MACNAUGHTON . . Science and Music, in charge of Seventh Grade
LAURA W. BROWN Sixth Grade
LAURA E. WOLF Fifth Grade
FLORIA E. DAVIES . Fourth Grade
BETTY W. DICKINSON Third Grade
IRENE WILEY
. Second Grade
CATHERINE E. SCOTT First Grade
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Endustrial Department.
CELIA R. EDWARDS
Sewing
NANCY R. ROPER
Crafts
BEATRICE MATTHEWS
Crafts Assistant
ANNIE E. CRAWFORD
ESTHER G. BROWN
Domestic Science
NEBBIE TUCKER
ALICE J. SMITHI
-
Laundry
FEDNA D. HALL
ROBERT W. BROWN .
Agriculture
CHARLES O. BROWN .
POWELL W. HOLLY
Blacksmithing
ALLEN S. EWING .
Cobbling and charge Water
System
CHARLES J. EDWARDS
Carpentry-shop and Repairs
*A. WALTER ROPER
Care of Boys
Executive Office.
Secretary to Principal. Cashier. Book-keeper.
ANNE C. PULSIFER. GILBERT W. BRITTON. FLORENCE ROBINSON.
Secretaries.
MI. JOSEPHINE SWEET.
+CORNELIA W. SCOTT.
TRUTH F. FISKE
TABITHA MASH. R.N. School and Community Nurse. MARY T. DICKINSON. Librario .. *A. WALTER ROPER. Disciplinarian.
Community 22lorkers.
AF. B CHESNUIT * CHARLES H. DICKINSON.
* Name appearing in two places shows time di ded filmben two department + Part year. # Part time
Tresslar, Montgomery, Alabama EDWIN B. CHESNUTT, SR.
AN APPRECIATION.
A loss which can never be fully restored was the sudden death of Mr. Edwin B. Chesnutt, Sr., who was the only Southern white member of our force. He has given a devoted and in- valuable service of twenty-five years.
When the School was founded he was the owner of the adjacent Chesnutt plantation of thirteen hundred acres, and was noted for his gentleness, absolute fairness and helpfulness to his tenants, by whom he was deeply be- loved. When he sold his plantation to the School to be resold to colored buyers, it was evident that his assistance would be invaluable in directing the business and agriculture of those who were inexperienced in the man-
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agement of property. On associating himself officially with the School he took from his other business two days a week, and more when necessary, for this community service.
His knowledge of the Negro seemed a div- ination, and he knew this people not only as they are, but also in their capabilities. Wiser and gentler sympathy and more delicate mani- festation of it could not be. He became an essential part of the life of the School. His genial but always dignified friendliness to white and colored alike, his high-mindedness, his dis- closures of intense religious life, his genius for devotion make us profoundly thankful for the busy and happy days spent with him. To know him was to love, honor and respect him.
In the name of the Trustees, the teachers and workers at the School, and all the people among whom and for whom he worked. are offered these words of appreciation.
SOME OF THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS SEEN FROM THE WATER TOWER
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT. 1920-21.
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CALHOUN COLORED SCHOOL:
Gentlemen, - That a settlement work in an agricul- tural section is largely controlled in all its activities by natural forces of wind, rain, sun, and by destructive forces of enemies of plant life, has been fully demonstrated this past year at Calhoun-just as fully as has been demonstrated what can be accomplished through human pluck, ambition, conscientious sense of duty and faith. with training and co-operation added. The past twelve months have been encouraging ones under what seemed at times almost deadening discouragements, and the year has proved one of strengthening of purpose and life both in the School and the community.
Dr. Frissell about a year before his death. while talking over the interests of our work, said, "To best serve its com- munity, Calhoun must base all its work upon the needs of an agricultural group." More and more do we see the wisdom of his words and try thus to serve the people. This will be partly shown in the two department reports later introduced in full-the community and the agricul- tural reports.
The opening of the school term each fall is made a fam- ily affair, parents and friends sharing in the first-day exercises with the pupils. Out of doors. our only large gathering-hall, we welcome old and young.
It was our good fortune to have with us as the speaker of our opening day. Dr. Robert R. Moton of Tuskegee. who came to us with his usual large-hearted cheer and interest, and with words of helpfulness and inspiration. Particularly fitting was he as speaker. for om opening
IO
day is also a memorial to Miss Dillingham, one of Cal- houn's founders, whose spirit and faith still are guiding inspirations. Dr. Moton's personal acquaintance with Miss Dillingham enabled him to bring home to all the beauty and strength of her life and work.
A vital part of our duty to the community is helping the parents train the young people, not away from the homes, but to a betterment of homes and home life.
Academic Training.
The academic training is through a strongly sustained course of study from primary through the eighth grade and then the two years of high-school work. Not only a well-
FIRST AID BY BOY SCOUTS
prescribed course, but one that is broadened through much additional reading, especially in the higher grades, of books and periodicals that will deepen the love of reading as well as of knowledge. Wherever it is possible, students are advised to attend higher schools on graduating from Calhoun.
Industrial Training. Our industrial training is especially planned to meet two needs-the improve- ment of the homes and farms, as well as laying a foundation for trades to be completed in other schools, such as Hampton and Tuskegee. The Industrial
I I
Department for girls includes training in sewing and simple dressmaking, cooking, laundering and housekeeping. The crafts work includes rug-making by hand and loom, mat- tress-making, baskets, chair-seating and various other things all tied to the needs of the community homes. For the boys there are carpentry, blacksmithing, cobbling and class and field agriculture, all of which are of use in home or on farm.
Physical and Social Training. In addition to the academic and industrial courses, further training comes through military drill for the boys and gymnas- tics and drill for the girls. These with clubs, societies and social gatherings are valuable factors in the all-round training and development of our pupils.
BOY SCOUTS AT A BACON ROAST
Religious Training. "The methods and aims of religious work among our pupils have not changed. except as they have developed. The young people's appropriation of ethically spiritual Chris- tianity rewards our effort. Calhoun is, as has been said of our parent school Hampton, 'essentially a spiritual en- terprise, conceived as a form of missionary service."
"A part of the calls in the community have been of a pastoral character, the neighboring chinches being this
12
year without resident pastors. The Sunday-school of the principal church has three of our number among its teach- ers, another directs the choir, and this important church's best leaders are resident members of the School force. We have given a superintendent to a Sunday-school in another part of the community. There have been many participa- tions in religious services and consultations."
Community. Of general value to the community is the class work of the School nurse along lines of home nursing for our girls in the higher grades. This work is strengthened by a similar work with the women of the community in their Health Club, which meets weekly at the School. Here all practical health questions are discussed, and training given in first aid, care of sick, and diet for the invalid. It is hoped that in time a small hospital and nurse training school can be established to save the lives of those who live seven miles of poor roads from a physician and twenty-seven miles from a hospital-few can meet the expenses of the latter. While we have no visiting nurse excepting in emergencies, the School nurse and dispensary are at the service of the community as it comes to the School, which is the com- munity center.
Sales Day. A community item of vital interest is the "Monday Sales" held each week, provided there are any supplies on hand. If those friends of the School who send barrels, boxes, and packages of new and second-hand clothing and various household articles, could witness one sale, I know they would feel repaid for their thought and work in collecting and for- warding all that comes to help clothe the people and make more comfortable and attractive the homes. From fifteen to forty men and women are in attendance each week, hoping to find just what they need; some returning several times before successful, with their small cash savings that are held for these special needs.
The father of a large family expressed the thought of all when he said, "I don't know how the people could have lived through this hard year without the chance to buy good clothes for a little money." A large, late shipment of partly worn shoes provided foot-covering for many who were without shoes for Commencement Day. The
13
seventy-eight barrels and boxes received during the year. while helping the poor of Calhoun, also resulted in the following good to the School: $884 in cash payments, ninety-seven dollars' worth of Christmas gifts and twenty- five dollars' worth of articles for school departments. The total of $1,006 represents in cash or saving of expense the salaries of two workers. May we hope for an even larger response to our appeal for clothing, shoes and household needs?
Agriculture. The farm report opens with a short ref- erence to the yield of our own corn crop. The statement regarding poor crops, and the low prices of the same may be considered as indicative of the condi- tions under which most of the farmers lived last year. The report deals with the new School Farm of 250 acres which is in the center of the tract of land bought for selling to the Negroes and which serves as a demonstration farm for the people of the community. The small home farm at the School is used mainly for truck-gardening. care of dairy herd and poultry, to help supply the living for our large family of 130 teachers and students.
From the agricultural report the following is quoted : "The yield of our corn crop was reduced fifty per cent. on account of the ravages of the army worms which made their appearance here last summer, just in time to injure all of the oldest corn on the School Farm and to com- pletely destroy several of our best but younger cornfields. The damage was done within twenty-four hours of the appearance of the pest. A large force of men working day and night and the expenditure of over $400 for poison and machinery enabled us to destroy the army worms before they reached other farms. The loss on the School Farm caused by the damages of this pest. together with the slump in price of all farm products, combined to make it impossible for the Farm to make a good financial show- ing this year. Labor had to be employed on a basis which anticipated from one hundred to three hundred per cent. more than our products are now worth.
"An encouraging side of the situation is that on this School Farm there have been made decided improvements which will not appear in our cash statement. Aside from the 12 acres of tile drainage which was installed the winter
ACTIVITIES OF THE NEW SCHOOL FARM (CRENSHAW PLACE)
I 5
of 1919, we have fenced most of the place with barbed wire, opened all of the ditches and cut some new ones where they were needed. We have also done a great deal of work on three-fourths of a mile of levee which bounds our farm partly on the south and east. We have repaired the stables that were on the place at the time of purchase. This provides better accommodations for the School horses and mules and allows for better care of the same.
OAT CROP ON TILLED LAND
"While the land on this new School Farm is fertile. the drainage was poor, and it had been either poorly cultivated or not cultivated at all for several years. Because of the improved conditions under which we are farming this year, it appears at this date that we may expect good crops. The harvest of our 1921 oat crop has already begun. It is the first field crop of the season and will be the largest oat crop ever produced on the Farm. A ver remarkable crop of oats is growing on the tilled land, and as soon as it is harvested we shall plam cow peas for the purpose of hay and of fertility.
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"The picture attached shows a portion of the Home Orchard which we have started with the co-operation of Auburn, our State Experimental Station, to test out the best varieties of fruits for this season. The peaches and grapes have a good crop of fruit set this year, while the apples, plums and pears are not expected to fruit before another year. The picture includes a crop of rye which later will be plowed under as green manure.
"The farm machinery which was installed about four years ago continues to serve the School and community in a very helpful way. This machinery includes thresh- ing machine, corn and wheat mill, feed mill, rice mill and syrup mill. During the past year a small sawmill with
EXPERIMENTAL ORCHARD PLOT AND RYE CROP
a 12-25 tractor has been added to the equipment. This machine will serve the community by giving the men the opportunity to bring their timber to the School and have it made into lumber. For the mill work we take toll of one-half in lumber, while the men happily take home the other half for needed improvements and repairs."
The community gatherings at the School show varied interests. Several times during the summer the commun- ity is invited from six o'clock to nine o'clock in the evening. These informal meetings, held out of doors, are made semi- social with simple refreshments and music before the sub- jects of the evening are introduced.
During the year there are also held general meetings, parents' meetings, farmers' conferences, Health Club meet-
17
ings, and special pleasure programs are provided for holi- days. Each day brings the individuals for consultations and business dealings.
From the report of the head Community Worker the following is quoted: "A census of the community within five miles of the school gives the following figures :-
RECORD OF FAMILIES JUNE, 1921.
Radius of miles.
I
2
3
1 20
5
Total.
Number of
land-owners
IO
38
25
1
97
Number of
land-renters
19
23
IO3
II3
57
315
29
61
128
133
61
412
Total number of families as follows :-
Adults
80
162
348
339
149
1.078
Children over six years of age
48
94
201
213
114
6-0
Children under six years
18
49
105
56
323
9+1
305
319
2.071
Members at home .
138
283
654 629
95 647 634
312
1.996
Absent at school or at work
8
22
25
7
75
This radius does not limit the range of community work. but marks the district in which it can be best studied.
"The total population is nearly the same as for the last two years. The principal loss, due to the Negro exodus. came before that date. The attraction of the School made comparatively small the loss of the people open to its influence. The departures, generally not regretted. during the last year were due to bad crops and low prices of farm produce. The loss has been balanced by the return of good elements from the North and Southern cities. and by new-comers of their kind. The exodus and the bad season of 1920 have resulted in a salutary sifting of the com- munity.
"A considerable number of those who return bring back money saved, which they invest in farm equipment. One boy bought two horses and a colt for his father's farm. Some have invested in farms on the Crenshaw tract of 1.950 acres recently purchased for resale to colored buyers. Enterprising school boys in our upper grades have used for education their carnings in the North of Southern cities. The return from the exodus brings grave economic prob- lems to the South. But this vicinity largely escapes them. As the exodus did little harm to our work, so its refluence is bringing us little that is not good. The best of those who left us are returning and they attide their returning friends. A valuable increase in the population of this com-
18
munity is confidently expected by the people here, and is based not only upon the return already accomplished, but also upon news of others who are 'fixing' to come.
"The purchase at a low price of 1,950 acres, fertile and accessible, by a trust financially independent of the School, but intimately cooperative with it, was made possible by the agricultural depression. It was inevitable that these conditions should retard sales to Negro buyers. Added to the general insecurity, to the disastrously low prices of farm produce, with the relatively high price of farm im- plements and other accessories, were 1920's exceptionally bad weather and poor crops. The boll weevil was hungry. The corn crop, an important staple, was poor, though its destruction in the community by the ravages of the army worm was prevented by the extermination of this pest on our School Farm. At the end of the season of 1920, many rentals upon this tract were badly in arrears, and progress in land payments was slow except in a few instances. But the improvement at the close of the school year, May 31, 1921, is so marked that the assurance is warranted that the rentals will be paid in full for both years, with unim- portant exceptions, if any, and that payments on the five-year plan will show a gratifying increase. The condi- tion of the crops already assured gives us this confidence, which is reinforced by the tendency of the cotton market, by the opportunity, eagerly welcomed, of work this sum- mer on the School improvements, and especially by the industry which characterizes the settlers upon this land. One forehanded buyer has already paid in full for one plot and is buying two other plots, assigning equal por- tions of his land to his three young children. The North- ern philanthropic investors may be cheered by the at- titude exemplified by a sturdy farmer, who was told that some of them felt poorer than he did. They is? Then I'm sho gwine to help 'em out.' Meanwhile results are evident. Only one occupant shows undesirable traits, and he will not stay long.
"Three have built new barns, and two others have re- built things that were called barns. Three have done considerable fencing. Nearly all have ditched. These are but instances of numerous improvements under very difficult conditions. A bridge over a branch is being con-
19
structed with cooperation of work and money. Neighbor- hood wells are sunk. The tract is in striking contrast with neighboring plantations in thoroughness of cultivation, skillful diversification of crops, and approved farming methods. The location of the School Farm in the center has proved very helpful, the farmers being eager to learn its ways. The improvement is no less evident in the care of the homes, in earnestness for the education of the chil- dren, and in practical economic and religious cooperations.
"The expectation of the people in regard to land buying in this tract has been expressed by one of our shrewdest counsellors: 'As soon as our people recover from the con-
WIPING OUT THE MORTGAGE
ditions which are already passing there will be a general buying.'
"Of the spirit of the community people generally in this testing year of material loss and moral gain. a few in stances may be illuminative. One is the increased use of the enlarged facilities provided by the School for prepar ing farm crops for consumption or sale. Another is the absence of cases of severe privation during the winter. in marked advance from the sufferings of winters not remote following a bad farming season. Another is the enlist ment of the people generally in a carefully prepared plan of cooperative selling. Another is the large increase of
20
pupils in the School's upper grades. Another is the reduc- tion to forty acres, poor and remote, of land lapsed from Negro to white ownership. Another is a large and enthu- siastic Health Class of women, conducted by the School nurse. In one instance, characteristic of the temper of the year, a large mortgage to a former colored owner has been wiped out by a woman and her children, who worked the farm effectively while the head of the house worked away from home. All but one of the children have been in school regularly, and this one returns next term.
"Under this season's more propitious skies, with good crops already assured and the help of the remunerative work on the School improvements, the people of the com- munity, having weathered the storm. have never been more hopeful, determined and appreciative of the School's guidance.
"The Lee Place Outpost School has had the best year in its history. The only problem there is to keep the num- ber of pupils within bounds without discouraging the enthusiasm of its patrons. The Sandy Ridge Outpost School has made a great advance over last year. Both send their graduates from the fifth grade into the main School. The teachers of both schools have been reën- gaged.
"The number of community visits is estimated at 1,600. More than one-half of these are so recorded as to furnish a continuous community history, both personal and collec- tive. Mr. Chesnutt, a memorial of whom is given else- where, is succeeded in his part of the work by his son. The School nurse has done splendid service, as in the sav- ing of the sorely endangered life of a young mother. Dif- ferent in methods, but of the same spirit, was the plucking from under the shadow of the gallows of one of the com- munity wrongly accused of a capital crime, and against whom the evidence seemed conclusive until the School sifted it. He has been proved innocent and set free."
"1920 Special Fund." Wonderful generosity on the part of friends of Calhoun has been a marked feature of the year. The completion of the 1920 Special Fund for improvements and toward defi- cit represents since June, 1920, special gifts to the amount or $89,727, while for the usual year's support $34,369 were
2I
given, making the year's total of receipts $124,096 for improvements, current expense and toward deficit.
The "1920 Special Fund" appeal for $109, 125 was over- subscribed $870. The first $20,268 were received prior to June, 1920, in addition to the $89,727 raised this year, making the total for the Fund $109.995.
The work on improvements will be done during the summer months. On completion, in the fall, a short detailed statement will be sent all contributors as to re- ceipts and expenditures for improvements. Our apprecia- tion cannot be fully expressed in words, but our hearts are filled with gratitude and happiness. May Calhoun be worthy of all the sacrifices made for her.
154 persons and corporations gave to the 1920 Special Fund. 304 for Current Expenses. 62 to both accounts.
The conditioned appropriation of $35,000 by the General Educational Board was of greatest value because of its generous financial aid and also for the confidence it in- spired in others when considering our appeal.
Appreciations. In the death of Mr. Alfred T. White. Cal- houn has lost a most devoted friend whose life was ever an inspiration, whose counsel was invaluable. and whose generous financial support extended over twenty-five years. During these years never was there an omission of his annual contribution, but often additional gifts were made toward special needs. His generous pledge of $5,000 toward the 1920 Special Fund was re- deemed by his executors. His wise thought of Calhoun was evidenced by a legacy that would insure in the years to come a continuance of his annual support. The death of Mr. White was so distressingly soon after that of Mrs. White that their generous legacies were both received dur- ing the year.
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