Meadow Creek School 1915

Meadow Creek was a one-room schoolhouse located near Sam Fields Road just east of Gee's Grove. The Chatham Record article accompanying the photo notes that the school ran on a six-month schedule, with interruptions for farm work. There was a big wood stove in the middle of the room--and no bathrooms. "Boys went outside to the left and girls went to the right."

The location of the school was marked when the article was published in 2008, by a large flat rock -- formerly the play area for students -- located in a pasture south of Siler City.

Thanks to Dawn Overman for pointing us to this photo, which was printed in the 24 April 2008 Chatham Record. We clipped it from there and have posted the list of students below. This picture courtesy of B.T. Phillips, Jr. of Rockingham, who attended the school in 1930. The identifications were made by Willia Phillips Seawell in 1995.

Shown (L-R) First Row: Wanda Pickett, Willia Phillips, Mark Brewer, Leona Pickett, Myrtle Fields, Blanche Webster, Carrie Webster, Jennings Phillips and Sam Fields.

Second Row: Teacher Martha Wright, Unknown, Shafter Elkins, Myrtle Phillips, Alma Pickett, Emma Stanley, Arlene Dorsett, Ida Dorsett, Unknown, Johnny Stanley, Sam Phillips.

Third Row: Sallie Stanley, Grace Phillips, Lula Phillips, Laura Pickett, Alma Lambert, Robert Johnson, and Clyde Brewer.

Dawn says this photo is the only one she has of her grandfather as a child. Maybe you'll find someone you know as well.

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