by Irene Brand
“I didn’t have you in mind,” Daniel said, with a stern glance at his grandmother. “There are some tough characters living in the Flats, and it might be well for them to see that Marie has male protection if she ever needs it.”
Lena hesitated momentarily, but she said, “No doubt you’re right. I’ll take her visiting a few more places nearby. Then there’s no reason you can’t go along with both of us when we go to Chestnut Flats. That way, we can go anyplace we want to, without being afraid someone will harass us.”
“I can do that,” Daniel agreed immediately. “The crops at the farm don’t need any attention now. Even if something comes up, my employees can handle anything necessary.”
Somewhat distressed by this conversation, Marie wondered what kind of situation she’d brought upon herself. The longer she’d been here and the more she’s heard about the Flats, the more she felt uneasy. Why hadn’t she paid attention to her parents and stayed away from Cades Cove and Chestnut Flats? But she’d been so sure that it was God’s will for her to come here that she hadn’t considered the problems.
Her conscience pricked a little by causing her to wonder again if she was really seeking God’s plan for her life or if she welcomed the opportunity as an ulterior motive to see more of Daniel Watson. Still, given her desire to teach and the scarcity of openings for female teachers, she knew she would have come to the Cove if she’d never met Daniel.
Besides, she didn’t want to live in the shadow of the family’s accomplishments all of her life. She wanted to prove that she could be self-sufficient. When she’d mentioned this sentiment to her mother, Evelyn had laughed knowingly. Giving Marie a hug, Evelyn said, “You inherited that independence from me. As an orphan, at an early age I realized that I couldn’t depend on anyone except God to guide my steps. Considering everything, I feel more than satisfied with my life. And I think you’ll find your way, too.”
Perhaps noting the uncertainty and fear she was experiencing, Daniel put his arm around her shoulders in a brotherly hug. “Now, don’t be worrying about this. Nobody is going to hurt you when they know they’d have me to deal with. But to be on the safe side, don’t go to Chestnut Flats unless either Granny or I’m with you. Promise?”
Although she didn’t like the idea of being obligated to Daniel Watson, she recognized the wisdom of his words, and she nodded agreement. Daniel and Lena’s assessment of some of the residents in Chestnut Flats was probably the reason why her parents hadn’t wanted her to take this job. Fearful as she was, however, she had spent several years of her life preparing to become a teacher. She wasn’t going to give up her dream without making an effort.
The next afternoon Lena asked Marie to go with her to Chestnut Flats to pay a call on a destitute family that Lena often helped. Daniel wasn’t available, but Lena felt it would be safe to go anyway. “This will give you a good introduction to that community before we visit the parents. Lots of good people there, but in any town or village, there will be citizens who aren’t desirable. If I can help anyone, rich or poor, good citizens or bad, I go, and no one has ever threatened me yet.”
She must have detected that Marie was growing somewhat skeptical about her teaching position and whether she’d be able to cope with the problems she was about to encounter. “I don’t want you to be distressed by that warning Daniel gave you,” Mrs. Turner said, as they approached the village. “Most of these residents are people who’ve lived in the area as long as I have, and you have nothing to fear from them. However, I’ll have to admit that for the past year or so several newcomers, mostly men, have drifted into the Flats. They’ve built shacks on the edge of the settlement and pretty much keep to themselves. Daniel says that some of them will be gone for weeks at a time, so he thinks they may be involved in some kind of devilment in other areas and return here periodically to hide from the law. We don’t have any proof of that, of course. He worries about me going there, too, but I have some friends in Chestnut Flats who need help from time to time, so when I’m needed I go.” Smiling, she said, “Daniel needn’t think he can boss his grandmother around.”
Realizing that Daniel and his grandmother were much alike, she couldn’t decide who was the boss in the family. She had the feeling that both of them did what they wanted to, and let the other one think it was his or her idea, but silently she thanked God for giving her the opportunity to know both Lena and her grandson. It amazed her that she had so quickly become fond of these people she’d known for such a short time. They’d made her feel cherished and protected.
The next afternoon, they visited several parents in the Flats whose children would be attending the school. Marie was gratified by their reaction. Most of the parents were enthusiastic, except for the families who lived in a questionable area of Chestnut Flats. Even there, they stopped at the home of one couple, Harry and Minnie Hofsinger, who invited them to stay awhile. Minnie had helped get the school building ready just a few days before, and Marie felt that she was already a friend. Marie quickly took advantage of the invitation to learn more about the home life of her prospective students.
The house was made of logs, pigs rooted in a nearby garden spot and the front porch was littered with farm equipment, harnesses and baskets, but when she and Mrs. Turner were invited inside the house, Marie was pleasantly surprised to find it neat and clean. The windows were covered with dainty white curtains and the furniture, while old, was enhanced by beautiful quilted coverlets and comfortable cushions.
“Why, this is a lovely room!” Marie exclaimed. “I suppose you’ve made all of these beautiful quilts and cushions.”
Obviously pleased, Minnie said, “Yes. My mother taught me to work with my hands, and it stood me in good stead when I married Harry and we moved to Cades Cove. I was very lonely at first, but I’ve learned to appreciate the solitude and this mountain air. We lived in the coastal area of Virginia, and it took some getting used to. I found the life hard at first, but I’m happy now.”
Minnie called her two children in from playing to introduce them. “This is Sam. He’s five,” she said, ruffling the curly brown hair of a plump little boy. “He takes after my side of the family. Our girl, Rebecca, is a year older than he is. I’m so glad you’re going to be here to teach them. I feared we might not find a teacher. Most of the people who live here are poor, and if a teacher can find something better, they won’t come to the Cove. ’Course no one can blame them for that.”
“I’ll admit that my father didn’t want me to come here to teach school,” Marie said with a smile. “Actually, I felt that God was calling me to the Cove, and if that was so, He would provide a way for me.”
“We’re going to have a pie supper at the schoolhouse next Saturday night to get enough money to provide school supplies for all the children,” Minnie said, changing the subject. “Have you ever been to a pie supper?”
Marie shook her head.
“The men bid on the pies the women make and the winner gets to eat supper with the woman whose pie he bought,” Lena added. “We usually have a big turnout. You’ll have to make a pie—the men always like to bid on the teacher’s pie, especially if she’s as young as you are.”
Laughing, Marie said, “I’ve never made a pie, so I’m convinced that no one would want a pie I made. At home, we have a cook who has been with the family since before I was born, and she won’t let anyone else ‘mess around in my kitchen,’ as she calls it. Her bark is worse than her bite, though, so I’ve spent a lot of time watching her prepare our meals.”
Marie didn’t want it to seem like bragging to mention that her family had a servant to do the cooking, but she didn’t intend to live under false pretenses, either. She hoped she would be able to prove that, regardless of her background, she was capable of teaching in a one-room school.
“You’ll be expected to take a pie to this event,” Mrs. Turner said. “I’ll show you how to make one. We’ve seldo
m had women teachers here, and never one as young and pretty as you are. Your pie will probably bring a lot of money.”
“I’ve never been to a pie supper, either, but it sounds like fun, and a good way for me to get acquainted with the parents. With your help, I’ll make a pie or ‘die a tryin’,’” Marie said, quoting one of Aunt Fannie’s slogans. “What kind of pie do you suggest I make?”
“Usually, the young woman makes a pie that she knows her special beau will want to buy. Chocolate pie is Daniel’s favorite, in case you’re interested,” Lena said.
Shaking her head, Marie said, “Then I definitely won’t make a chocolate pie. Viola will expect him to buy her pie.”
“Then make something Daniel doesn’t like,” Minnie suggested.
Smiling, Lena said, “The only pie he doesn’t like is pumpkin. He ate too much pumpkin pie once when he was a child, and he vomited all night. He can’t stand the sight of a pumpkin pie since then.”
“Then a pumpkin pie, it will be,” Marie said.
“Are you getting excited about your work?” Lena asked as they headed for home.
“Very much so. Partly because I like to teach and because I want to be self-sufficient if the day comes when I have to work for a living.”
“You’re a wise woman,” Lena said. “Your parents raised you right.”
“They really did, and I appreciate it so much. You no doubt know about my parents’ background. I feel that I must have inherited a little of their missionary zeal. I’ve concluded that my invitation to teach in Cades Cove is a special calling, too, and when I leave here, I’d like to know that I’ve made a difference in the lives of the children I’ve taught.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll do that,” Lena assured her.
* * *
Although Marie had completed her teaching studies at the college with high honors, as the days drew nearer for the opening of school, she again began to doubt that she’d be successful as a teacher. The students she’d taught in her practice sessions at the college in Charleston had been the children or grandchildren of the professional staff. They were well-mannered, dressed in fashionable clothing and eager to learn.
As Lena took her to visit more of the homes, she observed the children of Cades Cove, and she didn’t detect many of the characteristics she had encountered in her student teaching. The fact that many of the local children didn’t have nice clothing didn’t bother her nearly as much as their seeming lack of ambition.
When she bemoaned this fact to Mrs. Turner, Lena said, “Now, sit down and listen to me. I’m going to talk to you like your mother would do. You knew when you came here that this wouldn’t be easy. Cades Cove is several years behind the rest of the world. Some of the children will be well behaved, well dressed and intelligent. Others won’t. Their clothes may be patched, some of them may come to school dirty, they’ll stink and there might be a few with lice in their hair.”
“Lice!” Marie said, bewildered, having no idea what Lena was talking about.
“Head lice are small, bloodsucking insects. They live in the hair on people’s heads and feed off the blood from their scalps,” Lena explained.
A groan escaped Marie’s lips. She felt light-headed and wondered if she was going to faint.
“I figured you’d never heard of them,” Lena said, “so I wanted to warn you to be very careful about touching your hair while you’re working with the children. Most of them will be clean, but some of the children only have one outfit, so they have to wear the same clothes every day. Their mothers will wash their garments on Saturdays.”
Marie had the sensation that her scalp was crawling with vermin, and Lena must have felt sorry for her, because she said kindly, “If you don’t touch your hair, you’ll probably be all right, and I intend to check your hair every evening to be sure you haven’t picked up any unwanted visitors.”
Marie muttered, “It isn’t possible,” and shook her head in despair.
“It is possible, and likely to happen. I taught school here for several years,” Lena continued, “and I know what you’re facing. Nothing is going to be like it was in Charleston, or even in Canaan for that matter. If you aren’t willing to accept that, now is the time for you to decide, and go back home, where everything is easy for you.”
Tears welled up in Marie’s eyes, and she ran from the kitchen and into her bedroom. Collapsing on the bed, she stared at the ceiling, wishing she’d never heard of Cades Cove. Why hadn’t she been content like most other young women to get married and have children for someone else to teach? What was she trying to prove?
After she’d lain there for a half hour or so, she heard a tap on the door. Knowing it was Lena, she said, “Come in.”
With a slight smile on her face, Lena entered the room. “I supposed you’d have your clothes packed ready to head for Canaan by this time.”
“You won’t get rid of me that easy. When I encounter some of these situations you’re mentioning, then I may give up and go home, but if I do, I’d be angry at myself the rest of my life. I may fail at being independent, but I’m not ready to call it quits yet.”
“Good girl!” Lena said. She leaned over the bed and gave Marie a motherly hug. “You’ve got what it takes to succeed in this world.”
“It’s not me that I’m worried about, but I was thinking how terrible it must be for these children to live in such primitive conditions. How can I help them improve their way of living without sounding condescending?”
Marie sensed that Lena was watching her with a strange gleam in her eyes. “Now what have I said wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing wrong! I was just wondering how Evelyn and Vance Bolden raised a young woman like you. Anyone would be proud to have a daughter like you.”
Somewhat embarrassed, Marie said, “Why thank you! I’ll tell them what you said.”
* * *
When Marie rang the bell on the first day of school and unlocked the door, she was amazed to see a large crowd of children on the lawn. The girls were giggling, and the boys engaged in a little horseplay as they crowded into the room, the boys sitting in the chairs on the left, and girls on the right. The boys pushed and shoved as they tried to claim seats until Marie, remembering Lena’s advice, said harshly, “Stop that, or I’ll assign you to the seats you’ll be using.”
She recalled Lena’s farewell words that morning.
“I’ll pass along the same advice that one of the trustees gave me when I started teaching—don’t let the students see you smile for a week or more. If you’ll establish who’s boss during the first few weeks, the school year will be bearable. If you don’t, the older kids will make your life miserable. I’m not saying it will ever be easy, because you’ll face new challenges every day. I don’t mean to discourage you,” Lena said. “You’ll do all right. At least ninety percent of the parents will support what you’re doing.”
Groaning, Marie said, “I probably won’t last through the first week.”
“Oh, yes, you will,” Lena said. “We’ll pray you through those difficult days.”
Unfortunately, the previous teacher hadn’t left a list of students, or even what grades she would be expected to teach, so the rest of the morning was consumed as Marie learned the names of her students and what grades they were in. With their help, books were distributed and Marie breathed a sigh, feeling that she was making a good start to the school year.
Although lacking in many items that Marie thought indispensable to a school, one of the things that surprised her most was that there wasn’t an American flag in the building. Fortunately when she’d been packing the books she had brought to the Cove, she’d come across a flag of the United States of America. Evelyn had bought it once to display on the Fourth of July, but since Vance hadn’t yet completely adjusted to the fact that the Confederates hadn’t won th
e Civil War, she’d put the flag away.
Evelyn was pleased to have Marie take the flag with her, and she had hung the flag in a prominent place in the schoolroom, intending to start each day with the salute to the flag. Lena agreed that, when the Cove had such a diverse population from many sections of the country, it would be appropriate to display the flag. Knowing this, Marie didn’t believe there would be any objection to starting the day with a salute to the United States, which was common in many schoolhouses around the country now.
Before she introduced her students to the salute, she wanted to be sure they understood the meaning of what they were reciting. She explained that several years earlier, a Boston-based youth magazine had published a twenty-two-word recitation for schoolchildren to use during planned activities to commemorate the four-hundredth anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of America. Marie had done quite a lot of research on the recitation, and she’d decided that it would be appropriate to start the school day by having the students recite the pledge. She had written the words on the board.
So after she’d dealt with the preliminary registration and seating arrangements, Marie said, “I want to start each school day by pledging allegiance to the American flag.”
A small hand shot up in the air from the row where two third-grade boys sat. “What’s allegiance?” he said, stumbling over the word until it sounded more like alesneezelance to Marie.
“That’s not quite the correct pronunciation,” Marie said. “Let’s learn to pronounce the word correctly first, then I’ll tell you what it means. Repeat after me. Allegiance.”
After several attempts to pronounce the word, all the students except a few of the younger ones said the word correctly. The words allegiance and indivisible seemed difficult for them, and Marie said, “Repeat after me.”
Saying one line at a time, she waited for the students to repeat after her.
