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!)