Chalk and Slate – Mount Vernon School at Beaver Creek in 1906

In the latter part of the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century, education took place in small “one room” schoolhouses in many Mitchell County communities. One of the earliest schools in Spruce Pine was the Mount Vernon School, which was located in the Beaver Creek area. Pictured here in 1906 are: First row (L-R): Annie Washburn, Proffitt, Zula Fisher, unknown, Proffitt, Marjorie Davenport, unknown, Edith Grumley, Bela Berry, Richard Wiseman, Joe Patrick (Mrs.), unknown, Lawrence Autrey, Rom Duncan, next two unknown. Second row (L-R): unknown, Jamima Biggerstaff, Myrtle Davenport, Washburn, Helen Fisher, Stella Fisher, Nell Swann, Essie Biggerstaff, Lizzie Pendley, Edith Rowe, Mae Patrick, Virdie Patrick, Annie Harrison, Dowe Woody, Spence Autrey, unknown. Third row (L-R): Julie Rose, Walter Buchanan, unknown, Sadie Duncan, Avery Rose, unknown, Ed Buchanan, Bill Wiseman, next two unknown, Lonnie Gunter, Lynn Davenport. Fourth row (L-R): Ora Duncan, unknown, Eva Washburn, Ben Biggerstaff, Bertie Pendley, Arthur Rose, Grace Blalock, Clara Rose, Lane Rowe, Kate Blalock, Minnie Buchanan, Edith Rowe, Maude Wiseman. Fifth row (L-R): Eva Patrick, Irma Fisher, Bill Fisher; Mable Wiseman, Aby Biggerstaff, Carrie Harrison, Sadie Wiseman, Charlie Slagle, Arthur Washburn, Dudley Berry, Dallas Duncan, Isaac Duncan, Willis Gunter, Lindsey Pendley, Robert Wiseman, Bess Berry, unknown, Essie Buchanan, Paul Rose.