Bobby & Pauline Strickland – 21st Century Heroes of Salemburg, North Carolina

The pictures above say it all about the heart and soul of Salemburg, North Carolina citizens. Most, like Mayor Bobby Strickland and his wife, Pauline, are humble, hardworking and always getting their hands dirty helping with any job that involves the betterment or preservation of their home town, Salemburg, North Carolina. With their constant help and generous support this author successfully completed her trilogy of one hundred years in the life of this amazing small North Carolina village.

They exemplify the reasons for the books having been written. Both really love and care about the history and the continuation of life in this village. In addition to requisitioning and finding funds at the state, federal, and local levels to refurbish, rebuild, and develop the town,  Bobby can often be found mowing, weed-eating or cleaning up trash on the sides of the roads leading into the town.Pauline is often serving at town events and making welcome visitors and newcomers. She is her husband’s right-hand wonder! Usually working behind the scenes, but forever dependable, Miss Pauline and Mr. Bobby will leave a legacy of “How it should be done.”  They will be a hard act to follow.

If you are ever in Salemburg be sure to visit town hall and look them up to say, “Thank You!” for all they have done and continue to do.

They will be around during the upcoming Reunion on November 4,5, & 6^th, 2011 of Pineland/EMI/Southwood held on the campus of the Justice Academy. Find them, shake their hands and give them both a hardy hug of appreciation.

We may never see their like again! 

Ads/Articles from Sampson County Newspapers 1912 - 1941

From 1912 a newspaper

(Name of the school has changed and boys are now being slowly removed)

From the News Dispatch 1914

 

                                                    1941 ad for Pineland & EMI
   (Note that the name of the school has again changed. Now, as in the beginning, boys were included and by 1936/7 girls joined them in uniform. Also, Mrs. Jones was always very absolute in regards to the school NOT being co-ed, but a coordinated institution. Classrooms, dorms, and dining rooms were separate for boys and girls. Only at church and assemblies were they together - and even then they sat separate!)

More pages from Delphia Hall's Chapel Notes. Several pages were posted on July 10th and today I continue with several more pages for your enjoyment.

Chapel in 1926-7 in the public school in Salemburg, NC appears to have taken place every week. Some weeks there were Chapel Notes for every day, other times only a couple of days. I think there must have been much flexibility in what the school choose to do.  The program usually consisted of some singing, Bible readings, poetry readings, and discussions. All seemed to be uplifting and positive themes. The follow poem by James. W. Riley is a good example from the program on Sept. 15, 1926.

Many programs were aimed at promoting good citizenship, love of mankind, and respect for all. On Oct. 1, 1926 the page outlines instructions as to the proper way to stand before the flag and pledge allegiance. 

Other programs were on prevention of fires and accidents. From time to time there were dramatizations on for example:   safety, Hiawatha’s Wooing, The Courtship of Miles Standish. If students traveled away they were invited to tell about there trip. Murphy Royal presented about his trip on Oct., 20^th, 1926.

On Nov. 15, 1926, the following poem especially caught my eye. I have included it as it was written in Delphia Hall’s notes and also as I found it on line. If Delphia was writing from memory she did very well.

The pages above are Delphia's. Below, for your interest, I have copied the entire poem as I found it on a web page on line. Wonderful, wonderful :>)) 

Editor notes

It seems that "Moo Cow Moo" appeared in the Saturday Evening Post on November 21, 1903 (which sold for 5 cents at the time). The words above are those remembered by a few generations of reciters but unfortunately we don't have a hard copy to check their accuracy

Moo Cow Moo by Edmund Vance Cooke

My papa held me up to the Moo Cow Moo
So close I could almost touch,
And I fed him a couple of times or so,
And I wasn't a fraidy-cat, much.

But if my papa goes in the house,
And my mamma she goes in too,
I keep still like a little mouse
For the Moo Cow Moo might Moo.

The Moo Cow's tail is a piece of rope
All ravelled out where it grows;
And it's just like feeling a piece of soap
All over the Moo Cow's nose.

And the Moo Cow Moo has lots of fun
Just switching his tail about,
But if he opens his mouth, why then I run,
For that's where the Moo comes out.

The Moo Cow Moo has deers on his head,
And his eyes stick out of their place,
And the nose of the Moo Cow Moo is spread
All over the Moo Cow's face.

And his feet are nothing but fingernails,
And his mamma don't keep them cut,
And he gives folks milk in water pails,
When he don't keep his handles shut.

But if you or I pull his handles, why
The Moo Cow Moo says it hurts,
But the hired man sits down close by
And squirts, and squirts, and squirts.




Prayers were important. Nov. 3, 1926, provides us a window as they learned to give thanks.

White Hall: built in 1919 and used as a clinic. It was the first hospital in Sampson County. In the summer of 1935 the building was renovated by Pineland College and named White Hall (housing and schooling girls grades 5th – 8th) In 1967 it was renamed The Fraternity House. It was next to the last of the schools early buildings to be destroyed in 1986.

On February 23, 1986 the Sampson Independent ran a picture and story of the razing of White Hall. Salemburg mayor Bobby Strickland is pictured standing on the porch of White Hall.

When the final day arrived Crotia and Jack Blanchard sat across the street and watch as the building being torn down. Crotia wrote the sweetest and the sadness account of the memories that returned to her as they viewed its destruction. In Sandspurs on page 278, this story is recounted. Unfortunately she did not date this account. 

According to Mayor Strickland this building could not be salvaged as the roof had deteriorated over time and the building was just too damaged to be repaired.  Jr. Barracks was referred to as ‘The Alamo’ so one is led to surmise that it was actually the last of the large dorm buildings (July 1987) to have been razed. The five large dormitory buildings still standing in 1974 before the entrance of the Justice Academy were: Pineland, EMI, White Hall, Jr. Barracks, and Little Women. However, before the closing of Southwood College, the Little Women building  had been remodeled and moved across the Autryville Rd. where it stands today. Pineland and EMI were burned early on. 

We were Sandspurs within the dash! 1875-1975 By Sharon J. Kellam

A distinctive history-story book, Sandspurs covers 100 years (1875-1975) of remarkable and rare events that took place in Salemburg, a small village in Sampson County, North Carolina. This small village gave birth and was witness to many miraculous endeavors, beginning with the establishment of the first high school in Sampson County and culminating with the gifting of the schools buildings and acreage to the state for establishing the North Carolina State Justice Academy. Salemburg rose to superior heights in the eyes of the county, the state, and the nation. Notables from President Hebert Hoover, down to statesmen and community leaders wrote to applaud the accomplishments, which took place in this academy in this small Southern village. All North Carolinians will laugh, cry, and applaud, while they enjoy reading about what happened here. A testimonial to the best of a small community and the devotion and efforts of committed individuals that made life better for children in their care are recounted within these pages. In doing so, they also made life better for the citizens of this community.

Sandspurs is a collection of documented history, maps of the school’s campus and village downtown district, biographical sketches of numerous leaders, along with stories from individuals regarding daily life in Salemburg during their era. It is seven books within the covers of one book. Each chapter could stand on its own with unique history and stories of this village’s accomplishment and successes across those one hundred years.

The individuals who led were giants who banded together with the community to aid thousands of students in getting a “leg up” in life. They gave of their time, energy, love and knowledge for the betterment of these students’ lives. Many took no salary, and many, like the students, resided in a dorm room. The students came not only from North Carolina, but from 25 states and 4 continents.

There are also two additional picture-captioned books covering the academy and the village available upon request.

Webpage:  sharonkellam.com

Phone for information:  1-336-818-9298

373 pages

5 maps

144 illustrations

Price:  $40 plus postage

Order form available on webpage of Sharon Kellam

The following photos come to me via the Justice Academy in 2010 too late to be included in my pictures in Sandspurs. Unfortunately much history was destroyed when Jr. Barracks was detonated as the downstairs floor was filled with many objects, books, materials, pictures, etc. that had been left when the campus was vacated for the Justice Academy in 1974-5.  As there was no place to send or store these materials there was no choice but to destroy them. Thanks to the Justice Academy for making there pictures available. 

Jr. Barracks 1940, known as ‘College Hall’ in 1964, later called the ‘Old Alamo’ was detonated and burned on July 25, 1987 by troops from Fort Bragg. Pictures here are from archives shared by the Justice Department.

I though some of you might like to see them. They did not come to me soon enough to be included in any of my trilogy publications. 

Memories of Major H. H. Sloop by Al Dyson

Picture of Sloop from 1938 Whispering Pines
Magazine

Story contributed by Cadet Len Dyson, EMI, 1938/39

*******

From the beginning Edwards Military School had a Major who reigned supreme.

EMI's Major was named H. H. Sloop. Commandant of the entire Cadet body.

The purpose of Military School to the Major was by strict discipline and constant practice, establishing an Officer class with the knowledge and ability along with confidence to position men expeditiously and strategically in the field with a best chance of attacking head on or by flanking maneuver whether Squad, Platoon, Company, Regiment, Brigade, or Corp.

Assurance that these warriors were all Christian trained was not the Major's strong suit, except to be certain his boys arrived each Sunday at church on time and seated moving not a muscle...frozen in their seat...paying strict attention... Any miniscule squirming was duly noted and followed with an appointed time on the quad marching for an hour with a nine pound rifle accomplished...Needless to say we had no other choice than to listen to the sermon. We did.

Major Sloop did not appear a contented man. He rarely smiled. His attitude was to stay apart and above. His unofficial presence in the building and on the grounds was seldom witnessed. His office which stood just inside the main entrance and remained a place Cadet's avoided except for invited egress and ingress. It was not a spot to loiter...Major Sloop was trouble. When you did see him, he was impeccably dressed in the uniform of a United States Army Officer, A short stocky bulldog observing and taking notes.

Notwithstanding, we all wanted to be like him. He was our role model. A warrior. A person to follow into battle. Sort of a hero who stood out as being unbeatable. invincible, instilling genuine pride to our hearts and minds. I sometimes wonder if he did not see himself as General Stonewall Jackson...Asking much....Rejecting any nonsense...Always at the right place at right time. Ready to fight. Prepared.

Edwards Military Institute, served as Major Sloop's Shenandoah valley, and Henry Hill, A place to plant the flag.   Staunchly defending a position. Always the high ground.  Never to surrender or retreat...to move forward...Attack..Attack Attack. 

Pineland, had its share of strong characters. Mrs. Jones, the former Mrs. Edwards, was the premier power behind the School. When she dropped over for the infrequent sharing of a meal, always took her position at the head of the VIP table. I serviced this table as Cadet waiter.  Put in charge at this station because it took more walking to replenish food served family style along with any seconds when requested. Kept me trotting.

Mrs. Jones on her last luncheon visit to EMI, while on my watch, was with effort by the Major assisted and aided into her seat, She was always dressed prepared for church. Preacher husband sitting to her right. with the Major to her left.  Her husband, in a white suit sat quiet, intimidated, beaten, a wilted funeral flower. The Major, stiff and to her left, formal and correct in every way.

Mrs Jones did the talking.  I look back and surmise that at this lunch taking place was much similar to Jesus and his disciples at the last supper. A lot going on. The end near. Silver exchanging hands. The die  being cast...Preordained.

Within days Major Sloop would be gone.

I remember one instance never forgotten when at our bi-weekly Literary Society conclave, each Cadet was required to stand and give a recitation...a poem, a short speech, a bible verse, or anything that allowed one to stand before a body to look across into eyes and speak.

Major Sloop placed emphasis and worth on this particular part of the school curriculum and when present, observed closely, keeping a lookout for leadership and promotion material.

Sadly, my first attendance, as the newest member of Henry Clay Literary Society, found me nervous and was not taking this event with due respect and diligence   My preparation had not considered Major Sloop would be attending.

Memorization had never been my strongest suit.... and I made the mistake of planning for as little time as possible on my feet in front of the group. I had learned from a couple of my classmates that there was a short bible verse that might satisfy the requisite requirement.

Shortly after the session began, Major Sloop stepped into the room to observe. Unexpected.

When my turn came around to recite, after we had listened to such achievements as recitation of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, along with other just as relevant, I stood up looked around, took a short pause...and said, "Jesus wept"....The crowd sucked in its breath...Silence....than snickering became laughter...An explosion of laughter.

Major Sloop leaned forward and glared....

My reputation instantly took wings...crashed and burned...First impression....Lasting impression....Not good.

5 demerits and an hour on the quad

                                                                       ******

There was running, shouting, Word was hurriedly passed, Major Sloop was leaving. In fact he was gone...No warning...No farewell.

Everything came to halt... Formations were ragged and more voluntary than mandatory...Evening approaching. ....Cadets packing and leaving...The end?....Everyone on the go ....I decide to go also...   Where?

Flagged ride to Roseboro....Took in a movie...Came out...What to do now...At a loss...Hitched again back... a ride on first thumb...

Up to my room....Bed....Next day, Cadets were returning.... Within 24 hours order was restored...It was announced a new person would replace the Major. He would be on premises in quick time....

I do not remember much about the new replacement. He was unproven. There seemed little interest.  Cadet Officers and Non-Com's were in charge. There was no Damocles sword hanging over our heads any longer as had been with Major Sloop...It was never the same afterwards...It was a new time in an old setting....Something alien.

Life went on....Not as before....There was a pervasive sense of loss. It never left.

How could this be. We all began to realize, and I mean all....Major Sloop was EMI..... The heart and soul...

This was mid April, School would be over in May.... That last day was here... Pack up time. On my departure my father arrived and we loaded my few belongings...It was a sad moment.

I never looked back....I never came back...Just like Major Sloop I don't recall ever saying goodbye.

For a long time I wondered what happened to Major Sloop.

I had heard that he was recalled into Service to be placed in charge of taking men into harms way. The War in Europe started just months after he disappeared from EMI and would have provided an opportune time for the Nation to use his skill.

I will tell you this, I never forgot the Major. I don't think any of us did. He was a force to have been reckoned with.

I loved EMI

Years later, last time back,  A visit after 20 plus long seasons, EMI, the building and towers presented a silent ghost...Empty, forlorn with interior burned and outside boarded up....An abandoned shell...

                                                                       ********

Today, Long passed from sight, decades later....leveled...Replaced by monuments of remembrance, EMI is alive and well in hearts and minds all over North Carolina and beyond...Proud, Unvanquished, Having served its purpose.  Victorious.  Never to be forgotten.

Cadet Alfred Dyson, Jr.   

Private 4th Platoon

Henry Clay Literary Society

EDWARDS MILITARY INSTITUTE

1938/39

Salemburg's Unique Persons & Events

Why Is Salemburg Unique

·          Where was the first high school and the first hospital in Sampson County?

 

·          Where in 1889, did the Honorable Kemp P. Battle, the much loved and revered 
        professor, who was able to get UNC – Chapel Hill, NC opened, after being closed 
        for several years during the Civil War Reconstruction years, speak to a crowd of over 1000 people standing in the field?

·          Where did Marion Butler, prominent political leader in the late nineteenth and early twentieth 
         century, begin his career and what school did he use as his first platform for public recognition?

·          What town in the Southeast was chosen for the country’s First Model Rural Community in 1914? 

·          What town in North Carolina had a state law passed making  it a felony to, drink, play billiards, 
        or dance even outside the  the town limits?

·          Where did the mysterious and eccentric Dr. William L. Payne come to set up his Silkworm Industry 
       in hopes of making a fortune for everyone involved?

·          What town is home to the Tarheel Challenge School?

·          Answer:  Salemburg, North Carolina

  - What school had in 1949 the youngest president of any college  in the United States?

  - What school had high school and college girl cadettes trained in military precision, marching, and dressed 
    in military uniforms?

  - What Sampson County high school initiated a Literary Debate Societies in the 19th century?

   - What school in the USA had a campus with over 450 students; on a campus with 5 separate schools, for male 
    and female students, ages 2 years old through second year of college? 

   - What school did Jack Lucas, the youngest Marine in the 20th century to receive the Medal of Honor during
     WWII, attend?

  - What school in the USA was open to interested and deserving students, ages 2 years old through second year
    of college, at NO COST?

  - What school had the largest kiln in the southeast offering classes in china painting, ceramics and other arts?

  - What college did "Pistol" Pete Maravich attend in NC?

  - What school, in 1973, became the North Carolina Justice Academy, to train police officers? President
    Blanchard lobbied as a NC State Senator for this institution and Gov James E. Holhouser hosted the opening    
    ceremony.

  - Answer: The school began as Salem Academy in 1874, changing its name later 
      to Pineland College, then to Southwood College, now the NC Justice Academy 
      in Salemburg, NC.

 

  - What couples started with $100, three wooden buildings and four acres; with NO SUPPORT, 
    built a campus of 35 acres, 5  separate schools, housing 450 students, ages 2 years through second 
    year of college? They provided food for the student body and faculty from a school farm. 
    Working with NO salary they lived in a small apartment under the staircase of the school’s main building?

  - Answer: Mollie Bright Roberts - Edwards - Jones & George Franklin  Edwards/William Jackson Jones. 

  - What Moore County North Carolina girl, born after the Civil War, raised during the Reconstruction years,  attended Guilford  College? She dreamed of creating a school and after a lifetime of   work, was successful in helping thousands of children from four continents, and from nearly every state in the United States?

  - Who marched for woman’s suffrage, picketing the White House during the early nineteen
 hundreds? Who communicated with people in the highest places: Governors, Presidents,
 Heads of Universities, Statesmen, Lawyers, and Businessmen?

  - Answer:  Mollie Bright Roberts Edwards Jones!

© 2009