Category: Education

The History Keepers- Sena Roberts-Ward

November 1, 2025November 1, 2025 Admin No Comments

“The History Keepers” is a special series on our website dedicated to honoring those who have preserved and chronicled the stories of our region. Through their writings, collections, and memories—sometimes shared directly, sometimes lovingly submitted by their families—we celebrate the voices that have safeguarded our local heritage. One such voice belongs to Mrs. Sena Roberts-Ward. If you’re from this area, you likely knew her, heard her name spoken with respect, or admired the graceful mill she restored and tended in Sugar Grove—a quiet sentinel that still reminds us of our heritage. Mrs. Ward lived 94 remarkable years, bridging generations and bearing witness to much of the history we now study and remember. Her life overlapped with elders who themselves had lived through even earlier chapters of our community’s story. Her lineage traces directly to several of the pioneer families who settled the Rye Valley, and her deep knowledge of that legacy was matched by her high academic achievements and meticulous care for detail. We are especially grateful for the writings, photographs and memories she left behind—many of which remain unpublished, yet hold invaluable insights into our shared past. Her work is a gift to all of us, and through this series, we hope to bring it to light, honoring her dedication and the enduring spirit of those who keep history alive. Sena Roberts-Ward was one of many who have posthumously contributed to this research and compilation of the History of the Rye Valley and here is her story transcribed from documents found in her own collection: Sena Narcissus Roberts was born February 26, 1901 in Flat Ridge, the first child of Adam Batey and Laura Elizabeth Jennings-Roberts, and the first grandchild of Charles Lafayette Jennings of Camp. She was joined by two brothers, Wiley Winton and Charles Maurice. The family grew up in Grayson and Smyth Counties. She was a graduate of Berea College in Kentucky, and did graduate work at the University of Virginia. She was one of the early home demonstration agents of Kentucky and taught high school and home economics in Mullens, WV. In 1932 she married Clarence John Ward and they were parents of two daughters, Laura Frances and Elizabeth Lavinia. She was the home economics teacher at William Flemming High School in Roanoke, and then operated the Hamm-Roberts Mill in Sugar Grove. In 1968 she retired from the Southwestern State Hospital as a dietitian and returned to Sugar Grove, where she did substitute teaching. With help from many friends, neighbors and relatives, she ran the family farm for several years. Her interests included a wide range of farming activities, from raising cattle to making molasses. She made a study of genealogy of her own family as well as others. She had a special fondness of country living, and her warm, wonderful friends and neighbors were a source of help and comfort to her during her declining hears. Although she saw several generations, she was always especially delighted with the newest generation. She maintained a joy of living almost until the very end. *We would like to extend a special thank you to Elizabeth Ward-Allison and her family for these contributions. **Photos from the Sena Roberts-Ward collection

Business, Camp, Education, Families, Genaology, History, History Keepers, Mill, Roberts, Ward

Teas School

January 12, 2025January 13, 2025 Admin

Teas School: A Glimpse into the Past and the Struggles of Rural Education In the early 1900s, the small town of Teas, Virginia, was a thriving community born from the success of the Extract Plant, which had been established around 1910. The plant’s superintendent, Mr. W. H. Teas, lent his name to the town, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the area’s history. As the plant grew, so did the community, and with that came the creation of company housing, a post office, a commissary, and more. One of the most significant establishments was the Teas School, which became a central institution for local children. The school operated through the 1950s, and some say it possibly remained in service into the very early 1960s. During its years of operation, however, it became clear that the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal. A newspaper article published in March of 1954 in the Smyth County News sheds light on the challenges faced by the school and its students during this period. This “tell-all” piece was part of a series focusing on rural schools in the county and aimed to highlight the dire circumstances at Teas School. The article, titled “Bleak Conditions at Teas School,” painted a bleak picture of the school’s state. The article emphasized that the lunch period for students was a “sad time” due to the inadequate equipment available. The kitchen only had running water when the basin in the hall was not in use, and hot water for washing dishes and other equipment had to be heated on a stove. The building itself was in a state of disrepair, with the exterior missing underpinning, a loose gutter that allowed snow and water to drip onto the steps, and railings around the porch completely absent. The lack of proper doors, broken windows, and deteriorating plaster made the school a cold and uncomfortable place for children to learn. The conditions inside the classrooms were equally concerning. Desks were old double seaters requiring students sit two to a seat, and some were seated too close to the stove, while others sat in areas that were too far from it to stay warm. There was only one light in each room, and the overall atmosphere was not conducive to learning. In fact, the article noted that the school’s environment was so challenging that it was hindering the students’ ability to receive a proper education. The author of the article, whose identity remains unknown, clearly intended to bring attention to the serious shortcomings at Teas School and maybe even embellish them a bit. It is unclear why Teas School did not receive funds or repairs over those years it was in service. The article’s detailed descriptions of the physical problems, along with the poor educational conditions, demonstrated just how much the community and its children were suffering by this time. By the 1960s, the inevitable conclusion was reached: Teas School was abandoned, and its students and teacher were transferred to Sugar Grove School, where better conditions awaited them. Looking back on the history of Teas School is a reminder of the resilience of rural communities and the challenges they faced in providing education to their children. While the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal, the spirit of the community and its efforts to keep the school going speaks to the importance of education, even in the most difficult circumstances. Today, Teas School may be a distant memory, but its story is a vital part of the Rye Valley’s history. The building that served for decades as Teas School was finally torn down sometime in the early 2000s. Most who attended Teas School have fond memories of their time there and their teachers and unlike the description of the article, seemed to have very happy memories of school there and then later at Sugar Grove. We do not have a lot of information about the students or teachers at Teas School It was a small two room school. We have several photos shared on this article from Lucille Kinkade’s collection. She taught there for several years before moving to Sugar Grove School along with a Mrs. Slemp during the 50s. If you have additional information or stories about Teas School, please comment on the article. Photos of Teas School Through The years photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School Before it was torn down Mrs. Lucille Kinkade, Teacher at Teas School and Sugar Grove School Lucille Kinkade’s painting of Teas School Teas School Class Photos at Teas School Students at Teas School Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions at Teas School 1952 Ruth Slemp, Teacher

Communities, Education, Teas, Teas School

We Are The Maple Leafs: 70+ years of yearbooks

November 17, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Sugar Grove School yearbooks are more than just annual reflections of school life; they are a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the community, the students, and the evolving culture of the region. Now, thanks to the digital collection available on Archive.org, these yearbooks are preserved and accessible for generations to come. Covering more than seven decades of history, this collection includes the nearly complete Sugar Grove High School yearbooks from 1949 to 1969, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the school, its alumni, or the wider Smyth County area. The digital collection, which spans from 1949 to the present day, is a treasure trove of memories, showcasing not only the changes in the student body but also in the school’s academic and extracurricular activities. Through these yearbooks, you can trace the evolution of Sugar Grove High School, Middle School and Elementary School Grades—how fashion, social dynamics, and even the physical school buildings changed over time. The yearbooks contain candid photos, class portraits, sports team pictures, and more, each telling a story of youth, growth, and the passage of time. But the collection goes beyond the yearbooks themselves. A variety of supplemental materials are also available for browsing, including the “Gathering of the Maple Leafs,” a special publication from the 1990 reunion that brings together the memories and stories of former students, Maple Leaf Murmurs, The Buzzer and more! This reunion publication offers a deeper look into the lives of those who once walked the halls of Sugar Grove, sharing their experiences and reflections as they reconnect with their school days as well as a treasure trove of other data pertaining mostly to the high school. Other related materials, such as Dr. Mauck’s History of Education of Smyth County Schools, also form part of this rich collection, providing context and historical background for those interested in the educational history of the area. The digitization of these materials ensures that the stories and memories contained within them will not be lost to time. Whether you are an alum looking to relive memories of your high school years, a researcher interested in the history of education, or a local history enthusiast, this collection offers a valuable resource. It allows visitors to explore the full breadth of Sugar Grove School’s history, from its earliest days to the present, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past in a way that is both convenient and immersive. You can access the entire digital collection through Archive.org at https://archive.org/details/@regionalgirl. With each yearbook and document available for browsing, it is a fascinating journey through more than 70 years of local history and school tradition. The Sugar Grove School Yearbooks Collection is more than just a series of images; it is a living history of the students, teachers, and community that shaped the school and its legacy. Whether you are revisiting fond memories or discovering the past for the first time, this collection is a vital part of preserving the history of Sugar Grove School and the people who made it what it is today. The Sugar Grove School yearbooks collection is a vibrant testament to the rich history of the school and its community, but it’s far from complete. We’re constantly working to expand this digital archive, and we need your help! If you have old school newsletters, photos, or other memorabilia that hasn’t yet been digitized, we would love to include them in the collection. Your contributions can make a huge difference in preserving the stories, memories, and history of Sugar Grove School for future generations. By sharing your items, you help enrich the archive and ensure that the experiences of past students, teachers, and community members are not forgotten. Whether it’s a snapshot of a long-lost event, a class photo from years ago, or any other piece of school history, we want to hear from you! To contribute, simply visit our Contact page and get in touch. Together, we can make sure that the legacy of Sugar Grove School lives on for years to come. If you are an alumni of Sugar Grove School, please consider joining the group here. All members verified.

Communities, Education, Resources, Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove School, Teas, Uncategorized

Biography Of William Dickey

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 Admin No Comments

William Dickey was born on October 18, 1823. He was the son of Col. James Dickey and his first wife, Elizabeth Bourne Dickey. In the late 1840s, he married Martha Hale, with whom he had at least two daughters and one son. Dickey owned nearly 300 acres of land near the courthouse in Independence and was recognized as a farmer both before and after the Civil War. In 1851, he also worked as the clerk of court at the Grayson county courthouse. It is believed that he stayed at home to manage his farm during the Civil War. In July 1866, Dickey petitioned the governor to commute the death sentence of an African American to life imprisonment, arguing that the trial was unfair due to the prejudices of some civil officers in the county court. On October 22, 1867, Dickey was elected, along with one other individual, to represent Carroll, Floyd, and Grayson counties at the state constitutional convention held from December 3, 1867, to April 17, 1868. Preliminary election returns suggest he garnered significant support from African American voters, who were casting ballots for the first time. Dickey served as the ranking member of the Committee on Taxation and Finance, but there are no recorded debates that feature his speeches. Although he was sympathetic to the new Republican Party, he often aligned with Conservative positions during roll-call votes. In 1868, Dickey sold land to establish an African American school in Independence and received $30 for repairs in the following year. He also served on the county board of education during the early years of the school system. Dickey was an active member of the Grayson County Republican Party during the 1870s and 1880s. He helped establish the Grayson Journal, a Republican newspaper in Independence, and, with several partners, acquired and transformed the Grayson Clipper into another Republican Party publication. He served as deputy collector of internal revenue under President Ulysses S. Grant and as postmaster of Independence from July 1889 to April 1893, during President Benjamin Harrison’s administration. During the 1880s, In early 1876, he formed a partnership to open a mine in the county, but his business and financial records, as well as his personal history, remain inadequately documented. William Dickey owned massive amounts of land and this extended into Smyth County where Dickey’s Knob is named after him. Dickey’s Knob holds some of our community history as well and has been the home to a Fire Tower in the 1930s and presently provides a recreational hiking trail that rises to 2750-3650 feet where you can overlook Sugar Grove and enjoy the views. By the end of the century, Dickey and his wife had moved into the home of one of their married daughters in Independence. Dickey passed away on January 28, 1903, and was buried in the Independence town cemetery. *Note: We currently do not have a photo of William Dickey–if you have one, we would love to include it with this article.

Black History, Communities, Dickey, Education, Families, Sugar Grove