Beech Grove School, Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina. October 20, 2010.
When Betsy and I visited Cataloochee Valley with our friends Patti and Neal, we stopped by Beech Grove School. Beech Grove School is a two room school built in 1901. It is the only one of three schools in the valley that still remains.
Visiting this school brought back memories for me. I attended two-room schools for the first eight grade. Washington School was for grades 1 through 4, and Riley School was for grades 5 through 8.
In both schools had two teachers, each with her own room. Each room had two classes. One class worked while the teacher taught the other class, and then the classes switched roles.
As a child I liked that system. I was always an avid reader, so when I was in the lower grade, I got to read with the class ahead of me. When in the higher grade, I got to do free reading while the rest of my class studied reading.
The same situation applied to arithmetic. I got to study arithmetic with the upper class when I was in the lower class and I tutored students in the lower class when I was in the upper class.
Desks in Beech Grove School, Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina. October 20, 2010.
The desks at Washington School were very similar to these in Beech Grove School shown in the picture above. Riley School has been demolished, and Washington School has been converted into a private residence. But I do have happy memories of both of those schools.
Tags: American Life, North Carolina, Travels
Senior Moments 
November 18, 2010 at 7:06 am |
Those desk brought back memories when I saw them. I sat at a desk just about like those in grade school.
November 18, 2010 at 8:13 am |
Great memories and awesome photos George.
November 18, 2010 at 8:32 am |
me to on attending a school like this one, very similar. i forgot to tell you to look for it on top of the mountain in Clear Creek. I was in a class with 1 through 4th, me in the 4th and loved it. only 5 4th graders. fond memories again
November 18, 2010 at 8:55 am |
I’m so glad this evoked such happy memories for you.
November 18, 2010 at 9:07 am |
Ah the memories those desks bring back.I attended a one room school.Our children today would not think that is possible.
Blessings,Ruth
November 18, 2010 at 9:58 am |
Such a terrific, interesting look back, George! Even though I lived in a small town in west Texas as a child (I don’t confess that too often), there were no schools like these. The one I attended was not that much different from the ones there now — bigger, better desks, more equipment, but not this kind of amazing difference. Really interesting considering I’m a quite a bit older than you. I’ve never seen a one room school. Hope you’re getting ready for a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
November 18, 2010 at 11:45 am |
I’ve not heard of this system, too bad we don’t have one like it now!! But the schools are too big, I guess. I think you were lucky to have this type of education.
November 18, 2010 at 7:24 pm |
So glad you got the much needed rain! We got the beautiful snow – but with it the bitter cold and icy roads. Oh well, only 4-5 months until warmer weather!
Love that old school house – reminds me of little house on the prairie shows!
November 18, 2010 at 9:12 pm |
Sounds like a good system George. Nice memories.
November 19, 2010 at 12:44 am |
I remember we had desks just like that when I went to school. I have never see a 2 room school though.
November 19, 2010 at 10:11 am |
Loved this post, George. I went to a 4 room grade school, 2 graded for one teacher.
November 19, 2010 at 11:48 pm |
I love hearing of you childhood schooling! I cannot even imagine school like that. But then again I bet you can’t imagine graduating with over 900 in my graduation class either LOL
Love this schoolhouse pic & Your memories !!