Published on: Wednesday, March 03, 2010

By Norma Jean Fazenbaker

Birthdays

Happy birthday in March to Danny McKinney, March 1; Kim DiRocco, March 4; Robert Shifflett, March 6; Tami Cruz and my great grandson, Daniel Carter, March 7; Ken Wilkins, March 9; Deanie Pounds, March 12; Mary Cowie and my daughter, Judy Lucas, March 13; Mildred Hofman and my great granddaughter, Ariel Barkhurst, March 14; my granddaughter, Jaimi Fazenbaker, March 15.

Mel Franklin

On March 13, there will be a community organization meeting for Mel Franklin, who is running for District 9’s council seat at the Surratts-Clinton Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Mel is running on a “change of direction” for the county so if you are interested in Mel’s campaign, please show up at the meeting on the 13th.

Surrattsville High School

Prior to 1910, Surrattsville High School, the second oldest school in Prince George’s County, was a small frame building. Since the school was not crowded, the one-room school building at Piscataway was abolished and those students referred to Surrattsville.

Many children walked long distances, rode horseback, or came to school in horse and buggy. A small stable was provided at the school for feeding and sheltering the horses. Eugene S. Burroughs was the first principal of the school, receiving $750 a year. In 1908, the total expenses for the school was $1,673.19, which included books, teachers’ salaries, fuel, and other miscellaneous expenses.

That year, the total enrollment was 107, of which 68 were in the elementary grades. Latin and French were taught, as well as the three Rs. There was also a Cadet Training Corps at the time. There were three members in the 1908 graduating class and Blanche Hurt was the only graduate in 1907.

In 1910, a larger frame building, with six rooms, was built where the present auditorium now stands. In 1910, at the time the furnace was being installed, James T. Hawkins, known as “Uncle Jimmy” was hired as school custodian,. He died in October 1950 after 35 years of faithful service to the school. He left a spot in our memories that no other can fill.