School House still stands in a Tennessee Valley
The Lays School was built in 1913 in a valley with a loud creek running through the back property. There was a house and a store nearby that are no longer there. I talked to Mr. Lays who owns the property and School House.
We sat on his front porch and gazed at the mountain across the road where his wife is buried in a small cemetery tucked into the ridge. He was born in 1930 and attended the school in 1936. He said “We had recess in the morning, afternoon and after school. I had to get to School early to light the fire so everyone would be warm. We brought our dinner to eat around noon!”
I also talked to Larry Seals who was a student after Mr. Lays. He said “Irene Cook and Evon Shelton were teachers there. We would catch frogs and water moccasins on our way to school.
If you got hurt they would pour alcohol on it and send you home.”
They both told me about the two small rooms on either side of the front door. They called it “The Coke closet” but upon questioning I decided it was probably the Cloak Closet. This is where they would have milk for a penny a cup and keep their dinners they had brought with them. The bell in the Bell house isn’t there anymore but they have fond memories of when they rang it as boys on a sunny day in a valley.
I love how you were able to connect to those who remember this school when she was still in her glory and supporting the children in her community. Beautiful school house.
Ok….this is it….the story told to you by Mr. Lays, himself; the creek running behind the school; his wife’s grave and all the details of their lives there make this old schoolhouse probably my favorite.
I’m so glad you like it! It was so nice to talk to Mr. Lays.
I loved the story and the photos. I laughed out, “The Coke closet.”
Awe! That’s wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you, Janet! 🙂
My father, Larmer Nicely, taught there at sometime that I estimate to be in the late 1930’s or early 1940’s.
I know he rode a horse thru the woods from his home to the school house. I have told my grandson these stories and he is still not sure if he believes me. Wish I had more information. I know Irene Cook also taught at Washburn Elementary where my father was principal later. She was my teacher when I was in the fourth or fifth grade. I remeber that she spent one night at the home of each of her students. That would have been in the mid 1950’s.
Thank you, so much for this! 🙂
My father, Larmer Nicely, taught there at sometime that I estimate to be in the late 1930’s or early 1940’s.
I know he rode a horse thru the woods from his home to the school house. I have told my grandson these stories and he is still not sure if he believes me. Wish I had more information. I know Irene Cook also taught at Washburn Elementary where my father was principal later. She was my teacher when I was in the fourth or fifth grade. I remember that she spent one night at the home of each of her students. That would have been in the early 1950’s.
This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing with me. Irene Cook must’ve been a very good teacher. I love the information about your Father. 🙂