15 May 1899 - Knoxville Journal, page 6 - Jonesboro Letter
Closing of the Jonesboro School-- Indications of Improvement--- The New Schedule. Jonesboro, May 11.—Almost ever since the first recollections of the oldest inhabitant, Jonesboro has been noted for its good schools. 'The descendants of the Scotch-Irish and Hugenots who settled in these valleys while this was part of Old North State brought with them for that day liberal culture, and among their first acts were the establishment of colleges and academies. The good seen then soon was not lost, but this county is now noted for its good and intelligent farmers, and pleasant homes made more cheerful and pleasant by cultured wives and daughters. This culture can to great degree, be traced to the good schools of Jonesboro, where many of these have received their education.
The Jonesboro graded school had its closing exercises this week. Management of this echool is both peculiar and successful. By using a common school fund and school tax levied by the taxing district authorities together with the tuition fees in the higher branches, the school is run nine months in the year. The total expenses for the past year about $2,300 all which has been met. The enrollment during the past nine months over two hundred, and the higher branches of study are taught by a competent corps of teachers. These consisted during the past session, of Prof. Charles Mason and assistants Miss Katie Armstrong, Miss Anna Smith, Mr. Wm. Vines, and Miss Lillian Scott with Miss Lida Simpson as teacher of music.
The entertainment on Thursday evening consisted of music, declamations, recitations and essays. On last evening the entertainment was given by those who have completed their course of study at this institution, and consisted of orations by James McPhetridge, Paul W. Kirkpatrick, and Misses Leona Powell, Monie Powell. Two beautiful gold medals were awarded. The first for the best scholarships in all branches under the tenth grade to Maggie Bayless.
It but justice to say that the orchestra, which made music at these entertainments could hardly be excelled by any trained city orchestra. It consisted of Prof. J.H. Aiken and Arthur Earnest, first and second cornet; Prof. James McMillan, violin; Charles Munsey, bass violin, with Miss Carrie Earnest at the organ. The house was both nights packed. The entertainments were in every way creditable to the young people engaged and nothing save the hot weather and crowded condition of the house prevented it being very much enjoyed...
5 August 1890 - Knoxville Journal, page 3 - Jonesboro Graded School
Jonesboro, August 4 - Over $2000 is being spent in overhauling the Jonesboro graded school building, and when school opens those interested will find numerous and beneficial changes. The patrons of the school are rejoiced at securing, again, the services of Prof. Charles Mason.
22 May 1892 - Knoxville Journal, page 3 - Jonesboro Jottings
The closing exercises of the Jonesboro Graded School were held yesterday and today. Some excellent work has been done by both teachers and pupils during the year; and as to this next year, all that need be said in regard to the prospect is that the board of directors is composed of such live school men and earnest workers as Judge John P. Smith, Newton Hacker, Kirkpatrick, Col. Dungan, John B. Simple, and M.L. Peoples. With these men to look after our school interest and success is guaranteed.