| SCHOOL TERMS |
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| In the fall, after the cotton and corn
were harvested and the hay hauled into the barn,
it was time to start another school term so about September 15th or when
the first bale of cotton was
sold and school supplies such as new Sears overalls, Big Chief
tablets, etc. could be bought, the fall term
began. The family father would start his fall plowing
and the children marched off to school. Goodbye
to summer swimming waterholes and cotton picking. There was no longChrist- mas break, usually the break lasted from Christmas Eve school program to the day after New Year. Then, in late April the cotton and corn needed hoeing so goodbye to books and learning. There was however time for a school closing program before it was time to go back to the fields. During the eight months school year, much activity occurred. Television was not turned on (in fact there was no electricity) to interfere with homework and school activities. Instead of soap operas on TV, talented community women and men put on Dramas and Humorous Plays in the school house. Sometimes in the beautiful spring nights, the staging was done outside under the moss-covered trees in front of the school house with patrons sitting on board benches. The stage curtains were wagon sheets on ropes. Of course, there were no electric lights so the lighting was done by lanterns and oil lamps. The atmosphere was really superb for some very professional Dramas and Humorous Play Productions. |
| On cold winter nights, the chili suppers
and box suppers were popular. In the later years
(circa 1930 - 1940), P. T. A. meetings came into being, and for each P.
T. A. meeting there was a full
program of recitations, songs, poems, etc. Sat-
urdays at the old school house were for community business meetings of the Beef Club, Community Telephone Line meetings, elections for Trustees, Road Commissioners, Constable and other local, county, and state government. Sun- day, after church, was for picnics, family reunions, and in the Spring naturally the Sunday afternoon baseball games. |
| This wholesome living and excellent quality of life bred into the fortunate people who came to live and love in the Skull Creek Community lasted even when times changed. This freedom and love of life is what our forefathers and mothers came seeking and found for their children and grandchildren to enjoy. As the years passed, School Terms changed and so did education |
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