Brinkley Argus May 31, 1907 Holly Grove News Holly Grove High School Commencement The commencement exercises of Holly Grove High School were held on the 24th of May. It was a memorable occasion notwithstanding the enclemency of the weather and the stormy threatening clouds, the entire town turned out to the concert. To say that the performance was good would fail to do the occasion justice. It was extraordinary. Everyone acted the part assigned perfectly, showing that they had been well tutored by Prof. Owens and Miss Essie Salmon. The nine little chairmen did exceedingly well and their uniforms were perfect. Popping the Question, by Miss Katie Roberts and Willie Branch brought down the house. Old Rip Van Winkle capped the climax. Old Rip was Prof. Owens. He acted his part so perfectly that some of the boys said, “Wonder if the Prof ever was intoxicated, if not he certainly has been a very close observer all his life.” Advertising for a servant by several of the girls was greatly enjoyed. Many of our older citizens declared it to be the best entertainment of the kind ever had in H.G. The students acquitted themselves so well and their ….[this part of the article is missing]
Brinkley Argus Dec. 14, 1906 Holly Grove News -The children of H.G. high school will entertain next Friday night at the Hall with a box supper and Bazaar. They want to make money to pay for a clock and bookcase. Prof. Owens was kind enough to order these articles for the school and give the children an opportunity to pay the bill which they are anxious to do. Prof. Owens and Miss Essie are in high favor with all the school and justly so, too, as they love the school and are doing excellent work in both rooms.
Brinkley Argus Dec. 21, 1906 Holly Grove News -The box supper last Friday night gotten up by the girls and boys of Holly Grove High School, was a perfect success in every way. The boxes not only looked pretty and nice on the outside, but were also packed on the inside with all kinds of good things that would tempt the appetite of the most fastidious person. Every box was sold at a good price and we can truthfully say that all who bought a box will testify to the fact of the full (?) for the many paid the girls who (?)…the boys deserve high praise, too for such honestly filled boxes….What induced Prof. Owens and Miss Essie to propose this box supper and bazaar is easily explained. The girls and boys of the school are ambitious and progressive. They need a bell, a book case, and a nice clock for the school….The receipts were something near $45.00 with no expense….
“Back in the Fifties” An interesting sketch of the First School Days in Holly Grove Holly Grove, Ark. Nov. 3, 1906 Dear Argus We are now a days so prone to retrospect the past as to figure into future. But an occasional lifting of the curtain and with a queroulous look into the escaping past, we get encouragement for the present, and can better remember our present day comforts and advantages.
We do not know that intellect is so much stronger today than a half century ago in some respects. Students in the older days were more accurate than now. But our present days are crowded with more life, more to be lived in a day than then. Yes, today we live more in a day than our forefathers lived in a week, because of ten thousands of thoughts and inventions then not dreamed of.
In our public schools have been made many changes and the growth of our public school system has been little less than marvelous. Our graded courses, fewer hours in the school room, modern facilities, new methods, and text books, have made for us a broader and a far reaching task.
Today, we dare say, find memory work below the level of fifty years ago, but the practical details and the principles of useful knowledge occupy the space once taken up by prolonged mental drills.
In about 1856, on a little spot of ground, now in the north part of Capt. Tom Mull’s yard, stood a rude, log schoolhouse which today can be seen near the house of Mr. Davie Dial. In this house was taught the first school that later became the community and later still the beautiful modern town of Holly Grove.
John Cocke taught the first session in this schoolhouse, and this was taught by private subscription.
Rev. John Schafer, a young Methodist minister, who was transferred from an Oklahoma conference, and came in company with our townsman, W.D. Kerr to Arkansas to begin the arduous duties of a pioneer preacher and leader, taught the second session, or rather began the second session of school in 1860, in this same little log schoolhouse. But finding he could not serve his people to the full extent of his duties as a preacher and teacher, Mr. Schafer came to his friend, W.D. Kerr, and prevailed on him to take the school and teach out the unexpired term. This Mr. Kerr did in a successful and fruitful manner. Among some of the pupils of Prof. Kerr were: Miss Susie Smith (now Mrs. D.B. Renfro), Mr. Jim Cocke, Col. Tull Smith, Tom Pickens, and Bush Roberts.
The first “free school” was possibly taught in Holly Grove in 1858. There were no free schools in our country until after the Civil War. A Mr. Wagant was the man that after preserving efforts secured the organized work and aid of the free schools in this section.
Judge W.D. Kerr, the third teacher of the “Holly Grove” became one of the directors.
Our of these primitive conditions and from this worthy foundation, has grown our modern school facilities, with a special district, good equipment in every way, seldom excelled throughout Arkansas by a town or people near the size of ours.
Today our school is doing 9 grades of work and is furnished with the best and latest text books of our day and is presided over by W.A. Owens during a nine months term of each year.
Whether teachers, pupils, parents, and directors feel it or not, we owe greatly to these early efforts of the pioneer teachers and directors and organizers for our abundant privileges of intellectual and social life of today, which were never fully dreamed of in those times gone by but nevertheless time has given us a busy life of comforts, privileges, and responsible duties which we must account for to the generations of fifty years since.
Brinkley Argus Oct. 7, 1897 Holly Grove News -Holly Grove High School will open Oct. 11, N.B. Barrow Principal.
Brinkley Argus Jan. 20, 1898 Holly Grove News -Miss Gertrude Patterson’s school opened Monday a.m., 17th
Brinkley Argus May 19, 1898 More From Holly Grove -Prof. Burrow’s school will close with a big entertainment next Friday, and we are asked to be present, as the closing exercises will be grand.
Brinkley Argus May 27, 1898 More From Holly Grove -Prof. Burrow’s school closed last Friday, and the Prof., with the help of his excellent wife and some of the young folds of Holly Grove gave us a most delightful entertainment which all enjoyed most heartily. We compliment the Prof. in his selection of the young ladies and gentlemen who took part in the exercises. Miss Bessie Branch, one of H.G.’s favorite young ladies, and one of much culture and refinement, acted her part to perfection. Miss Lida Chunn who lives at Searcy, also had a part, and as she is, to some extent, a stranger to H.G. people, we will say that Miss Lida is one of Dr. Chunn’s daughters, and sister of the late Mrs. J.E. Williamson. She is an excellent lady and highly accomplished and well-qualified for any and all kinds of usefulness and acquitted herself most credibly. Miss Bettie Black, of Clarendon, who has a millinery establishment in H.G., and stays the most of her time in Holly Grove, was one of the wise choices of Prof. B. as one of the young ladies for the occasion. Miss Bettie is such a lovable and generous hearted and so generally loved, ‘tis needless for us to try to say how well she performed her part. As to the young men, I will let Thisbe do them justice, as she is better adapted to describing such occasions than myself. It is enough to say that the affair was a success and simply grand all the way through and we all congratulate Prof. and Mrs. Burrow in their being more than repaid for their efforts in preparing the school and young folks for this pleasant occasion…
Monroe County Citizen Apr. 19, 1928 HG Gleanings -Miss Wilsie Mayo is planning a six o’clock dinner Thursday evening in honor of the Seniors of the Holly Grove High School.
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 12:33, 2006-01-21
Monroe Co. Citizen May 19, 1927 Holly Grove Gleanings -The Commencement sermon for the graduates of the HGHS will be preached Sunday in the Presbyterian church by Rev. H.W. Allen of Brinkley. The public is cordially invited to attend this service
Monroe County Citizen May 26, 1927 HG Gleanings -The Commencement sermon of the high school was preached last Sunday, May 22 at 11 a.m., in the Presbyterian Church by Rev. H.W. Allen of Brinkley. Bro. Allen was assisted by Bro. Cribb of the Methodist Church. The sermon was a splendid one and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who heard it. The special music arranged for the occasion was also greatly appreciated. The program was as follows: Prelude, Opening Sentence - "The Lord is In His Holy Temple"; Doxology Prayer by Bro. Cribb Gloria Patria by the choir Anthem, Allelujah, Praise His Name Song, "Stand Up For Jesus" by the congregation Scripture Lesson, Bro. Cribb Announcements, Rev. Cribb and Mr. Dial Offertory, "Sabbath Chimes" Song, "A Song of Victory, by the choir. Sermon, Rev., H.W. Allen of Brinkley Duet, "The Shephard's Call", Mesdames E. Darnell and H.L Green Benediction, Rev. Allen
Monroe County Citizen Oct. 6, 1927 HG Gleanings -The Seniors met Friday evening and organized their class. The following officers were elected: President, Junius Crow; vice-president, Annie Elliott Matthews; secretary-treasurer, Bertha Williams, Class flower, American Beauty Rose; colors, red and white. These young people are planning a good time for this year. Different kinds of entertainments, also hay rides and other jolly good times.
Monroe County Citizen Dec. 8, 1927 Holly Grove Gleanings - The Seniors of the Holly Grove school are going possum hunting one night this week.
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 09:02, 2006-02-20
Mrs. Ethel Rae Chism of Holly Grove will be retiring at the end of this school term after 40 years with the Holly Grove school system. Mrs. Chism is a native of Holly Grove, the daughter of Floyd and Alma Ables Gerlach. She has two brothers and one sister living and three brothers deceased. She and her husband, Everett "Bud" Chism have one daughter, Jimmie Rae Hopper and one granddaughter, Mary Beth Hopper. Mrs. Chism attends the Believers Fellowship Church in Holly Grove, is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and serves as it’s chairman of Community Services. She attended school at Stevens School between Holly Grove and Ragtown the first years of school in the elementary grades. Stevens consolidated with Holly Grove Schools; however, her family moved to Lawrenceville and she attended school in Holly Grove. She graduated from Holly Grove High School in May of 1945. Mrs. Chism has worked at the Chamber of Commerce in Brinkley, N.D. Early Supply Company, and Farrell-Cooper Lumber Co. in Brinkley. She was employed at the Holly Grove School District in 1948 and moved away and came back in March, 1949, and has been employed there since that time. She has worked for eight superintendents during her tenure at Holly Grove schools and seen a lot of students come and go. She graduated while J. Marion Newman was superintendent and was employed while he was superintendent. James C. Perry followed Mr. Newman, then Leslie N. Speck, who filled the vacancy of superintendent for about twelve years. Devane Baldridge followed Mr. Speck, then Thomas Carroll, Al Gaston, Raymond Dunbar, and William H. Dowell. Mrs. Chism plans to travel some. Her hobbies are crocheting, sewing, and other household duties. Mr. and Mrs. Chism plan to camp, fish, travel, and other enjoyable activities.
(contributed by Sue Gannon Cheatham and Julius Gannon)
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 09:04, 2006-02-20
April 3, 1947 Holly Grove News -The Senior class of Holly Grove presented their annual play Friday night, directed by James Sylar.
Monroe County Sun April 10, 1947 Holly Grove School News Bobby Lambert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Lambert, will be valedictorian of the 1947 graduating class. Bobby has been outstanding in extra-curricular activities and in sports. He lettered in football three years and was co-captain of the team last season. He also lettered in basketball for two years, is vice-president of the Senior class and has been a member of the student council during all four years of high school. Frances Self, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Self, is salutatorian of this year’s class. Frances is editor-in-chief of local high school paper, was football queen in November and is editor of the high school annual. Other honor students are Jean Sain [salutatorian], J.C. Lawless, Billie Deane Templeton, and Boyce Harrod.
Brinkley Argus August 23, 1956 Holly Grove Schools Open 1956-57 Term on September 4 "The Holly Grove Public Schools will open for the 1956-57 school year Tuesday, September 4. All students will attend for a half-day the first week. The cafeteria will not serve meals until the second week." "Beginning pupils in the first grade must be six years of age before the first of October, 1956, in order to be eligible for school this year. Birth certificates of all beginning first grade pupils will be required. These certificates should be available to the teachers on the first day of school."…. "Many improvements have been made this summer. Several of the rooms have new ceilings, replacing the old plaster. All rooms have been painted."….. "All students who care to purchase their books may do so. They are now available at the high school."
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 09:03, 2006-02-20
Monroe County Citizen Feb. 12, 1925 -Mrs. Newby’s pupils entertained the S.I.A. Friday afternoon at the school auditorium. A nice program was given and all enjoyed the afternoon. The high school will entertain in March. -Don’t fail to see "The Twelve Old Maids" at the school auditorium Tuesday night. The ladies of the Missionary Society are producing the play and it is reported to be a laugh from start to finish. -Miss Elizabeth Morrison will present her pupils in a musical recital at the school auditorium on Thursday night. A pleasant evening is in store for all those who attend.
Monroe County Sun May 14, 1925 Holly Grove Gleanings -The high school with their teacher, Miss Mildred Balch and Lucille Carr, enjoyed supper on the lake Monday night.
Monroe County Citizen May 21, 1925 Holly Grove Gleanings -Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Lambert entertained the graduating class of Holly Grove High School on Monday night at their beautiful home in honor of their son, Beverly, who is a member of the class. -Mrs. J.W. Renfro entertained the graduating class Wednesday night. Thursday night will be the big night for the class.
Monroe County Citizen May 28, 1925 Holly Grove Gleanings -The high school pupils enjoyed a picnic Monday on East Lake.
Monroe County Citizen April 29, 1926 Holly Grove Gleanings -On account of the storm Friday night, the recital given by Mrs. Phil Trice and her music pupils was not finished. We hope she will repeat this program soon.
Monroe County Citizen May 6, 1926 Holly Grove Gleanings -Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Dial chaperoned the members of the Senior class for an all-day outing Saturday. They report a most delightful time.
Monroe County Citizen May 27, 1926 Holly Grove Gleanings -The high school closed Wednesday night and they gave a real nice play, "Welcome Home Jimmy". Everybody present thoroughly enjoyed the play. Something over $53 was made. -The high school held their annual picnic Monday.
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 09:02, 2006-02-20
Monroe County Sun June, 1956 Holly Grove Young People Enjoy Dance "A dance was given at the Holly Grove High School Cafeteria Saturday, June 18th by Mrs. F.W. Amtower and Miss Margaret Boals honoring Miss Jeanette Black of Jackson, Tennessee. Miss Black is a guest of Mrs. Amtower. The guests danced from 8:00 to 11:00 with an intermission at 9:30. During the intermission a floor show was presented by Hayden Lambert on the saxophone playing "Red Top", "Dance With Me Henry", and "Sentimental Journey", and W.J. Earnest, Jr. singing "Be Anything". Both acts were accompanied by Jeanette Black on the piano. One of the guests, Louis Marino, a native of Panama, gave a demonstration of the Mambo. Junie Davidson was Master of Ceremonies. Following the floor show, refreshments were served, including sandwiches, cake, and punch. Those attending were: W.J. Earnest, Jr., Tommy Bonner, Hayden Lambert, Shirley McNeill, Kenneth Fisher, Bobby Fisher, Betty Ruth Moore, Thomas Merritt, Lonnie Johnson, Arta Glover, Sue Hill, Thomas McKoy, Usher McKoy, Betty Martin, Louis Marino, Carol Jean Thompson, David Sain, Peggy Miller, Billy Riner, Mary Ann Chastain, Marcia Martin, James Monaghan, Marilynn Smith, Mary Ann Fitzgerald, and Junie Davidson. Chaperones were: Mrs. F.W. Amtower and Miss Marguriete McKoy. Music was supplied by record."
Monroe County Sun March 20, 1958 Chili Supper - "The Senior Class had a chili supper Friday night at the cafeteria. The public was invited. The class made $40. Mrs. Bob Lambert is class sponsor."
Monroe County Sun April 17, 1958 Senior Play "'Let's Face It', a comedy in 3 acts by Felicia Metcalf, will be presented by the Senior Class of Holly Grove High School Friday April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium." "The play centers around the 'wacky' Carr family, who is always getting into one jam after another. In an anticipation of a visit from a wealthy friend of the family, the Carrs are faced with the problems of fixing up their run-down house to impress their visitor. The unexpected and comical ending will keep you laughing all the way home." "Aunt Lucinda, played by Camillia Powell, gets everything in a spin because of her deafness, and her friend, Mrs. Elvira McDuffie, played by Linda Harris, is constantly running through with her nosy, disagreeable statements." "Others in the cast are: Leonard Mustin as Herman Carr, the man of the house; Barbara Story as Mrs. Carr, his lovable wife; Pat Sanders as Laine Carr, the oldest daughter; Dan McNeill, as Dicky Turner, a friend of Laine's; Don Bryan as George Carr, the teenage boy; and Peggy Miller as Carol Ruth Carr, the teenage daughter. Clyde Geisler plays the part of Mr. Drennen, a big manufacturer; F.D. Cowans as Don Drennen, Mr. Drennen's son; Jack George as Mr. Yegates, a lawyer; Mary Nell Hill as Jenet Roben, a friend of Laine's; Ann Henderson as Liz Estes and Jewell Bennett as Mickie Strong are friends of Laine's." "Carol Thompson and Janet Mayo are student directors, and Marcia Martin and Frances Gibbs are in charge of publicity. Martha Jones and Alics Mae Edwards are in charge of props, Pauline Johns of tickets, and Virginia Lee Posters. 'Red' Chastain, 'Square' Hill, and Bob Walker are in charge of lighting and sound effects. Directors are Miss Bette Barryman and Mrs. Bobby Lambert."
Monroe County Sun May 1, 1947 Schools Consolidate We are reliably informed that Valley Grove School No. 20 of Indian Bay community has consolidated with the Holly Grove schools and is now sending its pupils to Holly Grove to their classes. Holly Grove has a wonderful school and the Valley Grove unit seems to have made a wise step in education for their children.
Monroe County Sun Jan. 30, 1947 Holly Grove School to Sponsor Annual "J. Marion Newman, Superintendent, announced today the Holly Grove school will sponsor an annual this year. James Sylar, English instructor, will be in charge. The annual staff consists of Editor in Chief, Boyce Harrod; Business Manager, Harold Hix; Assist. Business Manager, Carl Grimes; Sports Editor, Bobby Lambert; Assist. Sports Editor, Jean Sain; Art Editor, Bob Teeter; Senior Class Representative, Billie D. Templeton.
Monroe County Sun Nov. 20, 1947 Holly Grove School News Seniors Jack Coggins, senior class president, and John Robinson, senior, spoke to the Holly Grove Rotary Club and the American Legion respectively on their experiences at Boy's State, which they attended as representatives of these organizations last June. The seniors received their rings Monday, November 10. The Gra Mac studio from Searcy took senior portraits Monday, November 17. The senior English class has just finished reading Macbeth. Before the play was read, each student wrote a research paper on some phase of Shakespeare's life or about some event or charater during the Elizabethan Age. As a project, some of the girls dressed dolls to represent Queen Elizabeth, Sir Francis Drake, the Shrew, Touchstone, Lady Macbeth, and Juliet. Two girls drew pictures on the blackboard of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. The boys constructed pictures, scenes from Shakespeare were placed on exhibit for Parent's Night, November 10. Juniors Three junior girls, Bessie Calloway, Joan Ford, and Martha King, have been selected as maids to the footballqueen for the annual Thanksgiving game. The junior class has made about $140 during the school year selling cold drinks and sandwiches at the junior stand during football games. We are making plans for a large crowd at the Thanksgiving game. There are eight junior boys on the first squad of our football team. They are William Breeding, Julius Gannon, Earl Glassco, Jimmy Grimes, Walker Lambert, Byrl Shaw, and Bobby West. Milton Booker was injured during the early part of the season but it is hoped that he will be able to play in the Thanksgiving game. Freshmen Our class is to have charge of the Christmas program on December 19. We are to assist in the Homecoming program on November 26. Betty Thompson and Amy Thompson are alternate cheerleaders for the Thanksgiving game, with Amy acting as main cheerleader.
Brinkley Argus October 12, 1955 Miller to Head Honor Students For Coming Year "The Beta Club has elected new officers and selected projects for the year. Mrs. E.C. Clifton is the sponsor." D.R. Miller, senior, was elected president; Jean Williams, vice-president; Marilyn Smith, secretary; David Sain, treasurer, and Mary Rogers, reporter." "The Beta Club, an honorary organization, composed of honor roll students in high school, seeks ways to serve the school." For projects this year, the Club selected - 1. Fire Drills, a fire marshall and four monitors to be in charge of fire drills; 2. a standing chairman to arrange the stage before assemblies; 3. members to take turns punching lunch tickets; and 4. voluntary substitute teaching in the elementary school." "Those who are on the roll at the present time are: Mary Rogers, Marilyn Smith, Jean Williams, D.A. Miller, David Sain, Joe Coleman, Linda Harris, Virginia Lee, Marcia Martin, Gene Mayo, Janet Mayo, Dan McNeill, Camilla Powell, Billy Riner, Patsy Sanders, Mary Alice Smith, Carol Jean Thompson, F.D. Cowan, and James Lee."
Brinkley Argus October 18, 1956 Panthers Observe Homecoming Oct. 19 "Everything is being made ready for an elaborate Homecoming to be observed October 19. The Holly Grove Panthers will take on the Barton Bears. The class of 1941 will be recognized during the half-time ceremonies. All alumni had ex-students are urged to make preparations to attend. Homecoming Queen will be Barbara Clemons." "Maids are as follows: Barbara Brown, Connie Loften, Bonnie Loften, Arta Glover, Pat Glover, Patricia Sanders, and Mary Nell Hill."
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 22:14, 2005-11-14
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 08:14, 2005-11-15
