Christmas 100 Years Ago at Locust

by Natalie Bauman

Christmas is the time of year when traditions come to mind.  We tend to settle into old patterns of how our families have celebrated the holidays.  We may not realize how much these traditions may morph and change over the years without our really knowing it.  It becomes very apparent though when we take a long look back, say, a hundred years ago.

My mother, Florence Clountz, who attended the school, related this story to me about Christmas at the Locust community one hundred years ago now. The little two room building known as Locust School was awhirl with activity. It could even be considered the center of the community.

Henry Nelson and his future wife, Edna Gardenhire, were the teachers. All grades except high school attended Locust, with the first four grades in one room with Miss Edna, while Mr. Nelson taught the remaining classifications in another.  Instructing five grades at one time is no simple chore.  For example, if it was time for a sixth grade lesson, the students would come to the bench in front of the Teacher’s desk.  If any of the other students misbehaved, they were introduced to a willow switch in the woodshed.

But the school served many functions other than classroom instruction. The community flowed to the school several times a month. Akin to present day UIL academic contests, "literaries" were held at Locust very often, usually on Friday night.   Nearby Willow Springs school usually competed against Locust.  Recitations were made by students, along with spelling bees and math contests. The math contest was conducted much the same as a spelling bee. The school with the most individual winners was the victor, although there was no material prize awarded. The real prize was the enjoyment everyone got from these gatherings.

The older students and the adults sometimes would also square off against each other in debates which were sometimes very heated. Students would stage plays which were held three or four times during the six month school term. These were enjoyed by everyone free of charge.

When school adjourned for the Christmas holidays, Locust school’s usefulness didn’t take a holiday. In early December, bake sales were held to raise money to buy presents for the children, as there were many in the area who were unable afford such things. Then on Christmas Eve, everyone gathered around the community Christmas tree at school. Santa was there to pass out the boxes of fruit, nuts, gum and hard candy to the children (things which they probably did not get during the year). This example of the Christmas spirit echoes the spirit of closeness held by this community long ago.  Although our Christmas traditions may have changed over the years, and the gifts given may be different; the warm spirit of love and fellowship should permeate our holiday giving as it did so long ago.

Locust also contributed to the community's spiritual education. It served as the only Baptist church in the area for many years. The preacher was Ray Short.  He was also Grayson County Superintendent of schools for several years.  The preacher of the Locust Church of Christ was teacher Edna’s father R. L. Gardenhire.  This church was later moved and renamed the Willow Springs Church of Christ.

The Locust school was torn down in the late 1940’s after the land was purchased by Mr. Ace Miller. All that was left of the school was an old well which Mr. Miller used when he built his home there.

 This little schoolhouse was nothing extraordinary in itself, but it does represent a period in history and a group of people who will long be remembered with fondness, affection and pride