USA > Georgia > Tift County > History of Tift County > Part 20
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ward obtaining the certificate for the standard school. When the day came for the judges to decide the winner of the piano, all of the schools were in shining readiness. Two people living out of the county were selected to serve with Prof. J. L. Lewis, President of the A. and M. School, and Prof. Jason Scarboro, superintendent of Tifton Schools, as judges. The Excelsior school won the piano with all six of the others as close seconds.
Two school fairs were held in Tifton that would have done credit to most any county fair today. Prizes were given for contests in music, reading, declamation and athletics in addition to those for school work and manual arts. The people of Tifton will long remember the parade of those happy school children through town to converge at the Courthouse where they helped put on an interesting program. A basket dinner was served and a general good time was had by all. In the presence of the happy chil- dren neighborhood differences were forgotten and out of it all grew a quickened sense of larger opportunities and responsibilities for the rural school and a better knowledge of the service it could render.
It was during Mr. Kersey's administration that Tift county had her first health officer. This was due to the influence of Col. R. C. Ellis, author of the Ellis Health Law. He got the board of education to accept the services if the Rockefeller Foundation in sending one of their em- ployees to assist the county authorities in ridding the county of hook worm. Dr. T. F. Abercrombie, our very efficient Secretary of State Board of Health, made his debut in health work in Tift County. So new was this idea to our rural folk that had the announcement of the presence of a voo- doo doctor in our midst, no greater consternation would have been caused. Many parents ordered their children to come home the minute the strange doctor visited their school. The doctor likes to relate that on one occasion a little ten year old boy was seen to jump from a window and run like a turkey when he drove up in front of the building. So badly did we need this work it was found that out of 1,400 adults and children examined 1,200 active cases of hookworm were found. Most of them were given treatment.
World War I intervened and put an end to most of our forward move- ment.
Mr. Kersey served but one term. When he left Tifton he moved to Florida where he continued in the ministry until his death a few years ago.
MR. A. J. AMMONS County Superintendent of Education
1917-1929
During the summer of 1911 there came to Tifton a young man by the name of A. J. Ammons, who had just graduated from Martha Berry's
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TIFT COUNTY EDUCATORS
Top row-Mercer H. Mitcham, superintendent of Tift County Schools. C. B. Culpepper, Tift County's veteran farm demonstration agent.
Bottom-Miss Edna Bishop, Tift County home demonstration agent.
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School near Rome. Having decided to make teaching his profession he applied to the county board of education for a position as teacher in Tift County. He was accepted and was placed in charge of the Harding school at a salary of $40 per month.
He was elected as principal of the Omega School the next year. They raised his salary to $60 per month. He remained at the head of this school for five years. It was here he met and married Miss Janie Bozeman, of Ty Ty, who was also a teacher in the school.
Mr. Ammons was a young man of unusual intelligence, with a scintillat- ing personality, always vibrating in human interest. He attracted this at- tention of the public and made many friends throughout the county.
When the time came to elect the next county superintendent his friends announced him as a candidate for the office. He was easily elected.
After receiving his commission and meeting all requirements, he was sworn into office on January 1, 1917. He held this office for twelve years. Many things of vital import in the county occurred during his administra- tion.
In 1918 the board agreed to pay $40 per month towards the salary of the first home economics teacher in the county. They likewise agreed to pay one half of the salary of G. W. Burton (colored), the first vocational agricultural teacher, who was employed by the Tift County Industrial School. On account of lack of space, poor equipment and little interest, this work was done on a very small scale; yet it marked the beginning of a great movement in the schools of the county.
Another great movement was inaugurated during this year-that of planning for the first consolidated school. There were more small schools around Chula than any other school ; so a large delegation from that sec- tion asked for permission to meet with the county board of education to discuss the merging of some of the smaller schools with Chula. The idea was met with favor, but much planning and hard work lay ahead for all parties concerned. It was not until 1922 that Chula's new brick building was completed. The small schools of Pearman, Fairview, Hat Creek, and part of the Fletcher school closed their doors and moved into the first con- solidated school building in the county. From that date forward consolida- tion became the order of the day. Buses had also replaced the horse and wagon as a means of transportation for the children.
In 1919 the legislature passed a law whereby the state could pay each County Superintendent $50 per month. The Tift County board subse- quently raised Mr. Ammons' salary to $75 per month with an additional $25 for expense of operating his own car. This enabled him to hire some office help which gave him more time for visiting the schools and looking after many other details.
In 1922 Mr. J. S. Royal, a representative of the Tifton Gazette, and a
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great lover of music, met with the board of education and asked that music be installed in all of the schools as a regular branch of study. The board thanked him for his interest, but said that it would have to be left up to the individual schools as there were no public funds available for such.
In 1924 the board agreed to take over from the county commissioners the full payment of the salaries of the farm and home demonstration agents. This made possible by the Acts of 1922 Georgia School Code for same.
By 1926 each of the twenty-eight small schools with the exception of Oak Ridge and Emanuel had been consolidated into seven schools. Each one housed in spacious, comfortable, attractive brick buildings. All were furnished with the most modern equipment. All had basketball courts, Parent-Teacher Associations, and served hot lunches to most of the chil- dren. County-wide curricula activities were rapidly taking place.
In 1929 the board of education did their first humanitarian act for the Negro children of the county by electing Prof. J. M. Deas, of Adel, as principal of the Tift County Industrial School. From then on matters began to pick up for that school. (This school will be considered under separate article.)
Mr. Ammons did a great deal of work with both the county and city boards of education in planning for the creation of the big Tifton con- solidated district. This meant establishing the lines of full twenty-four lots of land and part of eight others. The carrying out of the plans and the erecting of the Tifton Junior High Building fell to the lot of his successor, Mr. W. L. Harmon.
When Mr. Ammons finished his work as superintendent of education in Tift County there had been as previously stated the consolidation of all but two schools; sixteen transportation routes established transporting one thousand children to and from high school each day. Every phase of educa- tional work had been raised to a higher standard and much other valuable work for the county in general accomplished. The board of education and all with whom Mr. Ammons had to deal expressed themselves as well pleased.
On vacating the office of superintendent he did not sever his relations with the schools. Chula happened to be without a principal at that time so he stepped in and taught two years for them. Omega then called him back to take charge as principal for that school. He remained with them for nine years.
When Alma High School was in need of some one to head its school and offered a better salary Mr. Ammons accepted the position.
Two years ago his retirement was in order, but on account of the teacher shortage Alma prevailed upon him to continue teaching still. He has bought
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a home in Alma with considerable acreage and says he hopes to spend his later years in quietude.
In a recent letter from Mr. Ammons he says :
"It is a pleasure to know that I had a small part in the constructive work of the Tift County Schools. I want to express my deep appreciation to the various members who composed the board of education. Some have gone home to glory but many are still living. I am greatly indebted to the mem- bers of the Twentieth Century Library Club for their assistance in the early days of our consolidation. I remember distinctly how they visited the schools and helped to sponsor various projects.
"In my long association with the county the dream of my life almost came true. If the work with the boys and girls helped to build character, instill higher ideals, stir ambition and aspiration I should be happy. And I am."
MR. W. L. HARMAN County School Superintendent 1929-1934
It seemed almost that the cruel hand of fate stepped in and took matters in hand when Mr. Harman took over the reins of the county's school sys- tem. The country was plunged into the most terrible depression in its his- tory. Instead of being able to make the progress that one of his training, experience and love for the higher things of life, he was forced by circum- stances to shorten the school term, lessen the teachers' salaries and curtail every other means of improvement for lack of funds.
Knowing Mr. Harman, as most of us did, we felt that this condition almost broke his heart and no doubt did help to shorten his life.
In order for the county to keep the Rosenwald aid we had to assist in the campaign to remove adult illiteracy. For this work Mr. Harman called for volunteers to teach at night for a period of six weeks. The following white teachers responded : Prof. A. J. Ammons, J. C. Sirmans, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Dean, Mr. W .. C. Bryan, Miss Marian Ragan and Mr. J. C. Adams. Four colored people were taught to read and write.
Mr. Harman had the pleasure of supervising the construction of the splendid junior high school building and almost within the same year wit- nessing its total destruction by fire. This added another burden of planning and rebuilding in time for the next term of school. This program necessi- tated so much extra work that the board of education appointed Mr. Charles C. Harman to assist his father in the office.
Mr. Harman was of great assistance to Prof. Deas in building the new Tift County Industrial School which the county finally approved, and
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donated the sum of $500 toward its erection.
Mr. Harman was re-elected at the close of his four years work and had just finished the first year on his second term when he died.
The resolutions passed by the board of education express the sentiments of the entire county.
"We take this method of expressing our sympathy to his loved ones and we call upon all who loved him to bow in humble submission to God's will in calling him home and to lift hearts of gratitude and rejoicing that we were privileged to know him and work with him in the schools of Tift County.
"We rejoice for his long life, his wonderful school work, his love of children and his fellow man, his undying interest in the education and welfare of the children of this county and state.
"Therefore, be it resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Board of Education, and that a copy be sent to the family of Mr. Harman as a testimonial of our sincere appreciation of his usefulness, not only as superintendent of the Tift County Schools, but also as a citizen of Tift County.
"Tift County Board of Education."
Mr. Charles C. Harman TIFT SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
1935-1937
Mr. Charles Harman was appointed by the Tift County Board of Education to fill the unexpired term of his father, Mr. W. L. Harman.
He was a young man of superior intellect and his training under the guidance of his father well qualified him for the duties of the office which he was seemingly filling in an acceptable manner until his tragic death, which occurred on May 5, 1947.
"Whereas, the life of Charles Goodman Harman, our late superintend- ent has come to an untimely end, and
"Whereas, for a number of years he served the schools of this county both as clerk in the superintendent's office and later as superintendent of schools, we, the members of the Tift County Board of Education, wish to express our genuine sorrow and keen regret caused by his going. It is im- possible to understand the mysteries of life and death. We do not attempt to divine the infinite but only recall the warm personality which was so recently among us.
"Therefore, be it resolved that we express our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones who mourn his passing and pray the light of Heaven to ever guide them during the dark hours of life.
"Tift County Board of Education."
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FACULTY MEMBERS TIFT COUNTY SCHOOLS 1946-47 TERM
Brookfield-W. M. Melton, Principal; Margaret Booth, Martha Dean Jenkins, Mamie Moore, Mrs. H. D. Lee. Mrs. W. M. Melton, Norma Touchstone, Mrs. Warren Tucker.
Chula-E. W. May, Principal; Ethelene Pirkle, Mrs. J. Wilbur Ty- son, Mrs. Mary Pollette, Marjorie Gibbs, Helen Melton, Mrs. Henry Barfield, Mrs. Mattie Carroll.
Eldorado-F. J. Moon, Principal; Mrs. Morgan Greene, Mrs. Clara Wells, Billie Rowland, Agnes Marchant, Mrs. Geo. Julian, Mrs. B. R. Stocks.
Emanuel-Mrs. R. R. Moore, Principal ; Kathleen Page, Eula Daniels; Willord Massey.
Excelsior-Mrs. A. D. Dean, Principal; Murl Rountree, Mrs. D. B. Spinks, Mrs. G. C. Avery, Lois Horne.
Harding-Mrs. J. M. Rooks, Principal; Lena Gordon Williams, Mrs. J. M. Elrod
Omega-G. M. Schlegel, Principal; A. O. Lee, Voc. Ag. Teacher ; Emily Thomasen, Homemaking; Mrs. Bertha Rollins, Marjorie Sim- mons, Mrs. Lois Griner, Ruby Young, Mrs. Estelle McFarland, Mrs. L. Bass, Mrs. Lucy S. Gibbs, Mrs. C. G. Weeks, Annette Shannon.
Ty Ty-Howard Evans, Principal; Mrs. J. L. Monk, Mrs. H. C. Gibbs, Mrs. Hazel Fowler, Reba Arnett, Mrs. Judith Chesnut, Mrs. W. C. McCormic.
Frances Benson, County School Supervisor.
Virginia Quattlebaum, Visiting Teacher.
TIFT COUNTY
Superintendents of Education :
Mr. W. R. Smith-Jan. 1, 1906-December 31, 1910
Mr. R. F. Kearsey-Jan. 1, 1911-Dec. 31, 1916 Mr. A. J. Ammons-Jan. 1, 1917-Dec. 31, 1928 Mr. W. L. Harman-Jan. 1, 1929-Dec. 31, 1934 Mr. C. E. Harman-Jan. 1, 1935-May 5, 1937
Mr. W. T. Bodenhamer-May 12, 1937-Oct. 17, 1939
Mr. C. F. Hudgins-Oct. 17, 1939-Dec. 31, 1940
Mr. M. H. Mitcham-Jan. 1, 1941- First County Board of Elucation :
Mr. Briggs Carson, chairman, Dec. 9, 1905; Mr. P. D. Phillips, Mr. G. W. Crum, Mrs. J. N. Horne, Dr. F. B. Pickett.
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Present County Board of Education :
Mrs. E. L. Patrick, Omega District; Mrs. L. W. Whiddon, Chula District ; Mrs. J. C. Branch, Brookfield District; Mr. M. H. Evans, Ty Ty District ; Mr. R. W. Harrell, Tifton District.
M. H. MITCHAM
1941-19-
Mr. Mitcham may well be termed the war superintendent of the county, as he had to fight many local battles throughout the length of World War II on account of ever changing conditions and general unrest, which naturally follow such conditions.
To read the minutes of his administration one marvels that he managed to keep his schools intact, with teachers resigning to accept war jobs or to go to some other place where higher salaries were being offered. These conditions did, to a certain extent, lower the standing as many emergency certificates had to be granted to those who were less qualified, but simply offered their services as a patriotic duty.
He and his board are to be congratulated on holding things together and accomplishing as much as they did under the existing circumstances.
In 1941 the county was declared out of debt for the first time in its history. In order to progress you must have funds, so it was not long be- fore we were in debt list again, but many new projects were in the making.
All schools were operated for nine months for the first time in the his- tory of Tift County and without aid from the school district. All buses were county-owned and all steel for the first time.
Lunch rooms in every white school in the county were operated for the first time.
The Bookmobile and County Library Program was greatly expanded, having over 2,500 volumes, which are circulated and read many times dur- ing each year.
The Tift County Board of Education has offered more financial assist- ance to county schools than ever before in the school history.
The Tift County Industrial school with N.Y.A. assistance built its vocational building at a cost of $3,500 to the County.
In 1943 the schools of the county completed 67 courses in woodwork, ele- mentary electricity, care and repair of farm machinery. Six hundred- seventy participated in this program. Several canning plants were installed in which 97,000 cans of fruits and vegetables were processed. The Omega school qualified for Victory School. All schools cooperated in every war request and drive.
On October 30, 1944, the first nursery school in the county was estab-
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lished in connection with War Public Works. In order to secure better teachers the board voted a 25% increase in teacher salaries. A letter was sent to the county representative urging that he work for a 50% teacher increase of salary in the state.
The new state compulsory education law was put into effect.
In 1944 the Tifton Board of Education and the county commissioners met with the County Board of Education to discuss final plans for new vocational building to be erected on the high school campus in Tifton. Each agreed to pay one-third of the cost of building which was to cost $19,570.00.
In 1946 the county suffered a distinct loss in the death of Miss Lucy McKinnon.
The county now owns property at $300,000.00 valuation : $230,000 white schools-$40,000 colored school. Eighteen buses owned and operated daily over 40 routes. A hundred teachers are employed.
The county board is erecting maintenance shops for buses now. This work will make it possible to save the taxpayers of the county many dol- lars, for repairs have been one of the greatest expenses.
CHARLES LUTHER CARTER
Charles Luther Carter, the first Tift County teacher to retire under Georgia's new retirement law, was born near Jackson, Butts County, Georgia, Jan. 1, 1880. He is a first honor graduate of Jackson High school. In 1903 he received an A.B. degree at Mercer University. He was editor-in chief of the Mercerian in his senior year. In 1930 he received the Master's degree at Mercer.
He has been a teacher for thirty-seven years, thirty-five of which were taught in Georgia. He has served as president of Green and Cook County Teachers' Associations. In thirty-seven years of teaching he has lost only one day on account of illness. He has held the superintendencies at Pelham, Union Point, Ballground, Morven, Ray City, Lenox, Ty Ty, Excelsior, and Enigma.
His residence has been in the vicinity of Tifton for past seventeen years. In 1935 he purchased his present home in Tifton. Perhaps he has visited more Tift County homes than any other individual, In 1940 he took Tift County business and population censuses. Also he registered three school district censuses in this county. Deeply interested in Christian training, he taught six years in church schools and has been director of Baptist Training Union of Mell association for past three years.
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
CHAS. F. HUDGINS
1939-1941
For the third, and we hope the last, time, the Tift County Board of Education was compelled to appoint some one to fill the unexpired term of their County Superintendent of Education.
In this instance it was not hard to make a selection, as Mr. Chas. F. Hudgins was well and favorably known in educational circles of the county, having been assistant principal of the Chula school for two years previous to this appointment. His scholastic attainments, highly approved Christian character, and his universal social appeal made him acceptable to all concerned.
He took over the reins of the county affairs on October 9, 1939, serving the remainder of Mr. Bodenhamer's term, or until the next election in the fall of 1940.
Mr. Hudgins came into office on the crest of the government wave of alphabetical letters, WPA, CCC, PWA, NYA. He at once set about to avail himself of all that each had to offer the county.
The Twentieth Century Library Club had already been operating under the WPA in extending their library services to the county schools. Mr. Hudgins began to work with the club women and helped to secure the present bookmobile. This was done by the county furnishing the body for the chassis, for which we paid seventy-five cents an hour until paid for.
In dedication of the Bookmobile to the county, a public program was given on the front lawn of the courthouse. Mrs. N. Peterson was given the honor of christening it in the name of Tift County Bookmobile. Participat- ing in these exercises were : Mrs. N. Peterson, originator of Tifton and Tift County's first libraries ; Mr. S. A. Youmans, City Manager; Mr. C. F. Hudgins. County Superintendent of Education ; Mrs. Estelle Fisher, City Librarian; Mrs. Ruth Thornhill, County Librarian; Mrs. J. J. Clyatt, Chairman Library Commission ; Mrs. C. B. Culpepper, Member Library Commission ; Mrs. Dan Sutton, teacher in the county (1908) to whom Mrs. Peterson lent the first book to be read to the school children, thus paving the way for the first rural school library.
Mr. Hudgins must have credit for several firsts in the county during his administration.
All schools were operated for eight months at the expense of the county and state boards.
Four schools extended their term to full nine months, with local as- sistance.
A supervisor for the primary and elementary grades was employed, filling a long felt need.
The WPA and NYA funds enabled the schools to provide additional
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help, and make it possible to serve milk and hot lunches free to all the children.
An NYA supervisor was employed to visit all schools and assist the local help in preparing and serving nutritious food. The girls were taught to preserve large quantities of vegetables, furnished by patrons, to be used in the next year's lunches.
All schools were required to fly the U. S. flag during the hours school was in session and to give the salute to the flag.
The board of education voted that in order to be eligible all school prin- cipals must hold a four years' professional certificate from the state depart- ment of education.
Mr. Hudgins has been associate professor of education in charge of guidance and training at the University of Georgia since leaving Tift County.
On April 1, 1947, he was made national chairman of vocational guid- ance and supervision.
WV. T. BODENHAMER
1937-1938
Mr. Bodenhamer was appointed by the Tift County Board of Educa- tion to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Chas. C. Harman, whose death occurred on May 5, 1937.
Mr. Bodenhamer possessed all of the attributes of capable leadership and proved himself an executive of ability during the short time he filled the office. His job was very much complicated, but he greatly endeared him- self to the board, by the masterly manner in which he solved some of the problems to which he had fallen heir.
He worked unceasingly for everything that would be for the highest and best interest of the county. Every phase of work was raised to a higher standard. He placed the welfare of the school children of the county above all else. He was instrumental in getting all-metal bodies for the school buses, thus better insuring the safety of the lives of the children.
That he was an educator of outstanding worth was proved by the fact that during the summer of 1939 he was appointed to a much higher posi- tion by the State Department of Education, that of State Supervisor of Education.
The board was very loath to release him, but in doing so they felt they were relinquishing him for a much greater field of service. They extended a special vote of thanks and appreciation for his work in the county, and wished for him every success in his enlarged service for the enrichment of a greater number of people.
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Mr. Bodenhamer is now president of Norman Junior College, at Nor- man Park, Georgia.
ALTON ELLIS-1947
An excerpt from an article written in the Tifton Gazette when Mr. Ellis was elected principal of the Tifton High School gives a sketch of his life :
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