| EARLY SCHOOLS |
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| Schools in the old Common School Districts
operated quite differently from
the way that modern schools of today are operated. In the early school years the old saying: “Reading, Riting, and Rithmetic taught to the tune of the Hickory Stick” applied and administered. Whenever the “Hickory Stick” was applied in the school, you could depend on the application of the “Razor Strap” at home. |
| In the glowing letter that Freidrich Ernst
sent back to Germany in 1832, and
which letter was referred to earlier in this book, he also stated that “The more children the better for . . . field labor.” Thus large families were encouraged and needed to do field work. The field work took precedence over going to school. The writer’s mother stated that in her day (late 1800 - 1900), once the child learned to read, write, and count, parents were satisfied that their child had received enough education, and many children received only three years education up to six years education and few ever graduated with a seven year education. Also, if parents needed the child to help at home, they would keep the child out of school. Compulsory attendance laws were not in effect yet. In the proclamation issued by the President of Austin County Board of Educa- tion dated October 10, 1912 and quoted earlier in this book, it is noted that quote “we find that the attendance in a large number of schools is such as to render effective work impossible, we urge the patrons of these schools to make an effort to send their children to school more regularly. As an incentive for the children, we have resolved to issue awards of honor to all pupils who are absent not more than five days in one term. Furthermore, each teacher will be supplied with monthly report cards which we hope will create greater interest in school work.” Thus came into existence the dreaded report cards. Also, that made “Playing Hooky” and fishing at the old Skull Creek water hole impossible. |
| After World War I and “The Great Depression”
was over, more emphasis was
placed on education, school attendance became compulsory, and High School education became commonplace. After World War II and the G. I. Bill of Rights, which granted free education to the returning war veterans, college education also became commonplace and in today’s world, a college education is considered a must. |
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