The Old-Time Spelling School; In Three Parts

Chapter 3: Preface

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About This Book

A nostalgic poetic portrait of rural pioneer communities and their winter entertainments, arranged in three parts that evoke a home valley, the competitive spelling contests that drew neighboring districts, and the musical and dramatic performances that followed. The verses recall local customs, communal gatherings, songs, declamations, and the preparations and pride invested in spelling schools, while honoring teachers, families, and amateur performers. The poem combines reminiscence and affectionate detail to highlight education, social bonding, and the pleasures of collective memory in small‑town life.

Preface

This poem was not written to bring fame, nor to waft a fortune; for, fame and fortune are but small incidents when compared with the higher things in life. It was composed more for pleasure—the pleasure of meditating on, and the commemorating of, the splendid people who were among the many fine early settlers of this state; and likewise to impart this joy to the readers who may peruse this little story of pioneer days.

Then the old “Spelling Down”—once so common in schools and so brilliant for its academic value, and keen social enjoyment—should be rescued from oblivion; yea even revived.

If the sending forth of these simple stanzas should bear any fruit, may some of these be the happy harvest.

—The Author.

Sylvan Heights,
Marysville, Kansas
Dec. 24, 1921.