Ethel Wins the Spelling Championship

When the spelling class was called those who missed went down to foot of the class, and those who spelled well went up ahead. There was some luck in the matter. Nevertheless, I fairly danced on my way home, when I went up to the head the first time, as a very small girl barely eight years old. As the years went by, we learned all the words in the blue back speller and Ethel caught up to Blanche and me. Daddy always made us spell in the old manner, spelling and pronouncing one syllable at a time when we practiced at home: c-a-t-cat, e-ee, g-o-go, r-y-ree, cat-e-go-ry.

Recently, all eighth grade children participated in a county spelling bee. Ethel represented our little Hamlet School and spelled against students from all over the county. We were so proud of her when she came home with first prize, which was a book by Mrs. Corra Harris, and a bouquet of flowers.


Here we are with Uncle Frank, and Aunt Kate when they visited from the Carolinas. Me, Aunt Kate, Ethel; Uncle Frank and Blanche in front. We're all in front of snowball bushes in bloom.