Danville Dig Visitor Log

SCHOOLFIELD MUSEUM

THE NEW SCHOOLFIELD MUSEUM IN THE OLD PERSONNEL AND HEALTH CENTER BULDING HAS A LOT OF OLD ANNUALS AND SCRAPBOOKS CONCERNING SCHOOLFIELD FOLKS. I WAS THERE ON JUNE 30TH AND WISH I COULD HAVE SPENT A COUPLE OF WEEKS THERE. I FOUND A PICTURE OF BOB CASEY IN A 1951 ANNUAL. ME AND MY MOTHER TOOK HIM TO THE TRAIN STATION WHEN HE WAS GOING TO KOREA IN 1953 OR 1954 AND I ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT HIM. I ALSO FOUND THAT HE LIVED ON JACKSON AVENUE. I LIVED AT 105, 74 AND 100 BISHOP AVENUE AND 212 PARK AVENUE. I ATTENDED WEST END ELEMENTARY, SCHOOLFIELD HIGH SCHOOL AND GWHS HIGH SCHOOLS. I JUST RETURNED FROM THE SCHOOLFIELD HIGH SCHOOL REUNION. IT WAS A GREAT TRIP. THE MUSEUM ALSO HAS SOME INFO ON DAN RIVER MILLS. IF YOU CAN VISIT THE MUSEUM I KNOW YOU WILL BE DELIGHTED. IT IS OPEN ON SATURDAY FROM 2 TO 4 PM. THEY ALSO HAVE A WEBSITE YOU CAN VISIT.

Posted by CAROL RICH SOUTHER at 1:48 PM, Jul. 16th 2012

The Green Family in Schoolfield VA

Am researching a family by the last name of Green. They lived in Schoolfield VA on Wood Ave. during 1922. The father was Charles and mother Gladys Green. If anyone has any information on this i would love to hear from you. You can contact me at maemccarley@yahoo.com

Posted by Mae at 4:59 PM, May. 16th 2012

danville,va

i was raised in danville,va. went dan river high school in the 1960s danville is a very special place to me i loved the fall there the trees so pretty i live in pasadena,tx. now now i became a nurse my name in school was louise moss if anybody remembers or went to the same school i would love to hear from you

Posted by anna brown at 9:05 PM, Apr. 18th 2012

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Re: danville,va
Hey Anna,

At Dan River High, did you have Mr. Hathaway, Mr. William Taylor Hathaway?

http://www.williamson-labs.com/westbrook.htm

http://www.lee-street.com/

Thanks,
Glen Williamson
glen.w@comcast.net

Posted by Glen A. Williamson at 3:49 PM, Nov. 8th 2012
Re: danville,va
danville,va.a beautiful place when i grew up so much history there too i remember going swiming at lunna lake,bluepark we played at, welived on leest. in danville i went to robert e.lee school then we moved to ringgold,va where i went to high school my step dad red arnold had a resturant called the surf if anybody would like let me hear from you i now live in pasadena,texas anna brown

Posted by anna brown at 7:37 PM, May. 8th 2012

looking for people

I have in my possession a diary from 1941-1945.most of it is readable and there are a few names. I really would like to locate family members of the writer.her name is Helen Hall,she was born July 15,1924 at the time of her writings she was living on Theodore st. she writes about a Troy Scearce, James Wilson, Lillian Jones etc.she writes about working at a mill???? she had a child born on Jan.2,1944 a son. If anyone out htere can help me,let me know...jsmobileautospecs@yahoo.com thanks,Jeff

Posted by J.Norton at 8:41 PM, Nov. 13th 2011

Schoolfield Elementary School

My father, Chalmers Grover Huff, sisters, Betty, Ruby and I, Frances, all attended Schoolfield Elementary and/or High School in Danville,VA. Mrs. Hancock was my first grade teacher, 1954, classroom in the main building. My second grade class was in the building across the street. I remember my classroom being on the front of the building and in the back were beautiful trees. During recess, my friends and I would gather tree leaves to mark off our play areas, pretending it to be our playhouse. The cafeteria, a separate building, and playground was located on the side of the main building. Our family members would walk from Chatham Ave which is several miles, rain, snow, or shine to attend school. My grandfather, Grover Cleveland Huff built the house on Chatham Ave. There was a playground next to our house which we enjoyed as a child playing in.

My father worked for Dan River Mills, Sheet Metal Division, as Supervior. Several of my mother's brothers, Della P. Huff, worked in the same Division, until it was torn down. My father went to Schoolfield Division and was a Security Guard until retirement.

We lived in severals areas in Danville, therefore;we got to experience many historical areas of the city: Ballou Park, Riverside Dr., Dan River, Chicken Cafe, Wimpy's Hamburger Resturant, People's Drug Store downtown, movie theater downtown and Schoolfield Theater, Coke Plant, Kelly Hamburger, Mary's Diner, our home church - Lee Street Baptist, George Washington High School, Grove Park Elementary School, tobacco warehouses, the Danville Library, and service gas stations where the attendant cleaned windshield and check oil. Many memories of our home town Danville, VA.

Posted by Frances Huff Barr at 5:53 PM, Sep. 1st 2011

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Re: Schoolfield Elementary School
Hi my name is Chuck Ward. I was born in Danville Va in 1961. We moved to Lynchburg in 69. My best friend and next door neighbour was Al,Barr. I think his father was a contractor and he had two older sisters. We lived near Woodberry elementary school. Do you know the family by any chance.

Posted by Chuck Ward at 10:04 PM, Feb. 9th 2013

Schoolfield & Stokesland VA

I was born & raised in Stokesland VA which is in Pitsylvania CO VA. I went 6 years to West End Grammar School in Schoolfield from 1934 to 1941. Then to Schoolfield High from 1941-1945. I loved the area and miss my many childhood friends from there. Thanks for the sweet memories most of you have written and God Bless You.
JT Martin, Chesapeake VA

Posted by J T Martin at 5:24 PM, Jun. 12th 2011

Schoolfield Baptist Church

I just received a copy of My Great Grandmothers Obituary that states my Great Grandfather Charles E. Anderson was a former Pastor of Schoolfield Baptist Church. Her Obit is dated May 24, 1951. Their son Charles H. Anderson was listed as living in Schoolfield at this date.
Can anyone direct me on where I would go to look for these records? And some History on Schoolfield. There isn't really much doing a google search other than it was annexed into Danville in 1951.
I am so looking forward to learning more about my Great Grandparents who I never knew.
Thank you to anyone who can assist me.
you may contact me at kvolante1@aol.com please put Schoolfield or Anderson in the subject line.

Posted by Kathie Volante at 5:50 PM, Jun. 7th 2011

Elizabeth St.reet

My grandparents lived at 37 Elizabeth St in Schoolfield in the early 1920's. Does anyone know if the house numbers were changed on that street in later years?

Posted by Herb L at 8:50 PM, Mar. 12th 2011

Green Street, Danville, VA

My husband and I have bought the R.B. Graham house located at 879 Green Street, Danville, VA. We are looking for pictures of Mr. Graham who was a builder and architect in the City of Danville, from, I believe, the early 1870s until his death in 1935. We would also appreciate receiving any historical information, pictures, on any of the properties and people who lived on Green Street from the 1800s forward.

cowan.bev@hotmail.com

Posted by Bev Fagan at 8:13 AM, Mar. 5th 2011

Family heritage

My family came from Johnson City Tennessee
Arrived in Schoolfield to minister the first church for the mill workers , the Danville mill owners arranged for the trip from Tenn. Set up the church ,and my great grandfather was the pastor. His name was Rev. J.Prather. My grandmother was Ada Anis Payne ,she was Ada Prather . My father was Thomas Payne him and his siblings all grew up in Schoolfield as children.To the best of my knowledge my they came to Va . Danville area late 1800's early 1900 . I'd love to know more about the church and history anyone can offer. I would like to start a family tree. Many of my family are buried in the Schoolfieldd cemetery . (Payne's & Prather's ).

Posted by Brenn Payne at 10:36 PM, Feb. 25th 2011

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Re: Family heritage
Bren I think you have it wrong,our Grand Father was Thomas A Payne who was married to our Grand Mother Ada A Payne she was a Prather.
Her Dad was Rev. Marion Prather and he was married to Martha Latham and they were Ada's parents,and our Great Great grand's.
I have birth & death dates also have photos as I have been working on this for two years or longer and hopeing to get it finished up soon.If you recive this e mail me at>>
margaret3839@att.net

Posted by Margaret at 12:04 AM, Dec. 29th 2011

kingoff jewelery store

When did kingoff jewelry store operate in the Danville Va area? I have possession of an old watch in the box with the store name on it.
Posted byAnn Shepherd bjldk5@verizon.net

Posted by A Shepherd at 12:43 PM, Feb. 6th 2011

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Re: kingoff jewelery store
I remember waiting on the City bus standing in front of Kingoff's Jewelry store in 1935-1936. I wonder if it's still there?!!!!

Posted by Dollene Monteith Mize at 3:04 AM, Aug. 9th 2011
- Re: Re: kingoff jewelery store
  i was born in danville in 1955 and lived there until moving to roanoke, va in 1977. kingoff's jewelery store was there at least till 1975. i had a friend that worked there!
  
  Posted by Rodney Haynes at 11:46 PM, May. 28th 2012

Johnny R Pursley

My father was born in 1918 and the family moved to Schoolfield for work in the late 20's. My father passed away in 2001. My grandparents worked in the cotton mill. They live on Washington Street in Schoolfield. My father worked at Jones Drups store in the late 30's. I was wondering if any one has pictures of the area and of Jones Drug store in the 1930's or early 1940's. My father had a brother named Frank and he married a local girl named Dymple Edwards. Please contact me if you have any memories of my family or picture of that time frame of the High School or Drug Store or of Washington Street.
ylstone1@msn.com Thank you.

Posted by Cathy at 9:03 PM, Apr. 4th 2010

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Re: Johnny R Pursley
Have you been able to find any information on Schoolfield? My great grandparents lived in Schoolfield, and moved from there in the early 20's.. All I know is that they lived on Dallas St, in Schoolfield, and both worked at the cotton mill.. I would love to find out more about the area if possible.. seeing that your relatives lived on Washington St, I thought it might be somewhat close by.. Their last name was Powell..

Posted by Kate at 9:22 PM, Jan. 13th 2012
Re: Johnny R Pursley
Hello Dollene,
I just signed on to the site not knowing there was a reply to me about Dymple's family,
I called the number and another lady anwsered and said she has had the number since April last year. Do you know if Billie moved or what her new number is?
Thank you Cathy, Johnny's daughter

Posted by Cathy at 6:07 PM, Aug. 31st 2011
Re: Johnny R Pursley
I knew Dymples Edwards in the late 30's. Her sister, Billie Dean, still lives in Danville and is married to Ken Calvert. Her phone number is 434-791-2441. She might be able to help you.

Posted by Dollene Mize at 1:17 AM, Dec. 16th 2010

Trying to build my mother's family tree

I have been looking for my mother's family since 1986. My mother, Barbara Hayes was born in Danville Virginia in February of 1938. She was an only child of her mother Nannie Hayes and Alphonso Jackson. The two were never married. When my mother was five, she and Grandmom Nannie moved to Delaware. The only thing that I do know is that my grandmother was 16 when she had Mommy and Mr. Jackson was approximately 24 years old. At some point and time, my grandmother's last name became White. Other last names that we are related to are Miller and Oliver. Some may have originated out of North Carolina. We would like to know if my mother has any brothers or sisters by Mr. Jackson. My mother is not ill but it would be good for her to know if she has brothers and/or sisters. My grandmother died in 1995. Her sister, my aunt Evelyn whose married name was Motley died approximately eight years ago. Any help that I could get to connect my mother with family would greatly appreciated. I can send pictures or I can be contacted @ ejstevenson43@yahoo.com.

Posted by Evelyn Finney Stevenson at 1:57 PM, Dec. 2nd 2009

My Grandfather

My grandfather worked as a druggist in Jones Drug Store in the early 50's. His name was James Harris. Just wondering if anybody knew him or could tell me more about Jones Drug Store. Thanks jakeaharris@gmail.com

Posted by Jake Harris at 9:50 AM, Oct. 2nd 2009

My Father Freddie Pike

Anyone remember him from Schoolfield, Stokesland Ave. I would like to hear more about him.

Posted by Carolyn Pike at 12:18 AM, Nov. 11th 2008

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Re: My Father Freddie Pike
I do remember Freddie Pike
Vividly. E-mail me for the grisly details.

Posted by dollenemize@att.net at 1:34 AM, Jul. 22nd 2009

Front Street Company Houses

According to census records my father's family all lived at 107 Front Street. Our family name is GEARY. All family members, mother, father and 5 children worked there. Feel free to contact me at cdhouns@aol.com

Posted by Carol Hounsell at 7:16 PM, Jun. 20th 2008

MILL WORKERS

MY GRANDMOTHER WAS MAMIE SUZANA HINTON, BORN 21 JULY 1898. SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF WALTER HINTON AND IDA HORTON HINTON OF SCHOOLFIELD, VA.

MAMIE MARRIED DOCTOR HENDERSON TUCKER OF HENDERSON, NC. HE WAS A COTTON MILL WORKER IN HENDERSON AND I WAS TOLD BY MY GRANDMOTHER THAT HER PARENTS WERE MILLWORKERS AT THE DAN RIVER MILLS NEAR SCHOOLFIELD, VA.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON THE HINTON OR HORTON FAMILY?

I ALSO HAVE SOME "COMPANY STORE POINTS" COINS THAT SHE GAVE ME AND STATED THAT THEY WERE USED TO OBTAIN GOODS FROM THE MILL'S COMPANY STORE, BUT I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS FROM THE DAN RIVER MILL'S STORE OR THE HENDERSON MILL'S.

DEAN RIGGAN
driggan3@nc.rr.com920

Posted by MURPHY D RIGGAN at 9:44 AM, Nov. 14th 2007

Photos or stories class of 1955

I am looking for any photo, class pictures from Mrs Perkins class of 1955 at schoolfield High School Danville Va. My Father was in the class. No photos of him growing up ......thank you

Posted by Sherry at 9:55 PM, Oct. 4th 2007

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Re: Photos or stories class of 1955
I WENT TO SCHOOLFIELD HIGH SCHOOL....I LIVED ON 54 SCHOOLFIELD DRIVE

Posted by ROGER C. PARKER at 1:19 AM, Jul. 29th 2008

106 Front Street

We lived on front street most of my childhood
I could probley write a book on life on front street but I will just say it was a GREAT time.

ken.kreger@islandsoftwareco.com

Posted by Kenneth Kreger at 12:03 AM, Mar. 7th 2007

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Re: 106 Front Street
your dad was Ralph, and you had one of the first tvs on on the street. Your mon was Ruby?

Posted by Jerry Pulliam at 6:49 AM, Feb. 12th 2010
Re: 106 Front Street
I remember you! Your sister was named Barbara, and a brother Jimmy, right?

Posted by Jerry Pulliam at 6:47 AM, Feb. 12th 2010

"Mill Hill" life revisited

I am thoroughly enjoying this website! I used to enjoy spending my summer vacations on Hylton Avenue. I still cannot find the clock in the window that mom supposedly looked at while walking to school each morning in Hylton Hall. I am a "Mill Hiller's" kid - but old enought to remember having the "rec hall", the ball park and Ballou Park that filled our summer days, along with all the stories which seemed just like I was there too. My grandmother, Goldie Patterson, would spend hours telling me of mill life, what they did, what they ate, how they worked. She worked at the mill, of course, as did everyone; my papa, "Pat" Patterson retiring there in the early 70's. I still remember him going to work and my running up the sidewalk after him crying for him to come back home. Everyone knew everyone. I always looked forward to hearing the train come at the top of the hill. One of our favorite past times was visiting the Schoolfield Cemetery to visit all of my relatives, along with their stories. We also walked the neighborhoods, my mom pointing out where she did this and that; I inherited my mother's "metal" skates; trike, etc. and would "race" down the hill (which was scarier than a roller coaster to a nine year old). We lived in North Carolina where my daddy was from, but I always "knew I was going to grow up and move to Danville". Seems really sad that there is no "Mill Culture" alive any more. I miss the hours I spent listening. Anyway, please keep posting because it really takes me back to my childhood!

Posted by Kathryn at 4:34 PM, Feb. 5th 2007

Schoolfield Police Badge

I have a Schoolfield Police Badge. Does anyone know how many policeman there were? Just wondering who It may have come from

Posted by Steve Robinette at 8:32 PM, Dec. 4th 2006

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Re: Schoolfield Police Badge
my granddaddy was a policeman in schoolfield in the 40's and early 50's. his name was William Niles Goins. they called him Will or sam catchmu for fun.
I was his only granddaughter and i moved with my family to Alabama in 1951.

Posted by Ellen Goins Cole at 11:22 PM, Jan. 8th 2007

Mill Kids

I was born in Danville in 1947. My parents were Joe and Freda Dockery. My dad worked in the mill from the time he was a boy until he left for WWII and returned to the mill when he came home from the war.
I had an uncle and two aunts who also worked at Dan River. My uncle was Thurmond Stone and his wife was Dorothy Stone. My other aunt who worked in the mill was named Effie Barbour.
I love my memories of growing up in Danville. Though I was born on Washington Street, we moved from there the year of my birth and spent the rest of our time in Danville living near downtown.
I remember living on Green street and playing in Green Street Park.....I remember going to Luna Lake with my older sister in the summers. I remember the Lea, Capitol and Rialto theaters on main street....and Woolworths where I loved to have lunch on a Saturday before or after the movie.
I recall our barbers were Shorty Hudson and Forrest Scearce.....I used to go "duck pin" bowling at the little bowling alley above the Cat and Fiddle grocery store....so many memories.....we left Danville bound for California when I was 13 years old but Danville never left my heart.....I will be 60-years-old my next birthday and it seems the older I get...the more Danville is on my mind...

Posted by (Anonymous) at 9:21 PM, Nov. 5th 2006

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Re: Mill Kids
Do you have any photos of the cat in the fiddle? I grew up in South Boston & remember seeong it as a child. I now live in Roxboro NC.
Thank you,

Posted by Bill Powell at 7:29 AM, Jan. 5th 2007

remembering my home town

I was raised in the Fitzerald apts in schoolfield until I was 15. my dad worked in the mill as did my grandmother and grandfather. I am 70 years old and i would like to locate some friends. I do not know any more than they would have graduted in 1952 or 1953 from Schoolfield hight school.

Posted by at 9:36 PM, Apr. 23rd 2006

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Re: remembering my home town, I had written a short reply about my growning up in Schoolfield in the 1940-50's. (Reply)
I had written a short note about my growning up in Schoolfield. My name is Ellen Goins Cole and my family lived in Schoolfield in the 1940-50's. I attended West End school and Schoolfield High School. I would really like to locate some old friends. I do not know the last names because I am sure they all married. I lived in the Fitzgerald apts while I was in High School, also on Stuart ave. and Washington ave. and front st. when my dad worked in North Danville mill.

Posted by (Anonymous) at 9:56 PM, Jul. 20th 2006

Dan River Life

My Grandfather and Grandmother (Rev.Jesse & Margie Stratton) worked in the Cotton mills in the 40's and 50's,They both retired from there. My father and mother Charles & Eva Mae Stratton worked there also, both retiring from there.
Everybody wanted to work in the weave room, because that's where you made the most money, even though it was the hardest work.
Back in the 50's they had buses to come and get them if they lived far away, but if you lived within 4 or 5 miles they walked to work alot of the time.
We knew that when our parents got paid they's give us 50 cents if there was any money after paying bills to go buy candy or go to the movies.
The recreation center had movies and you could go cheap if your parents worked in the mill.
Everybody also always looked forward to the first week of Autgust when you got your big vacation check. As a child growing up in the 60's, we knew that when mama and daddy got there vacation check that we'd either get to go to Elcorn lake to go swimming or we'd get to go to Salem to Lakeside to ride rides.
In the 70's when they had a big Strike and the workers walked the picket lines, the workers brought there kids with them to the picket lines , and families all brought whatever they could to make stews so everybody had enough to eat while the strike was going on.The kids all played together and families stuck together back then.
My father retired in 1989,with 47 years of service and was proud that he was a loomfixer and had worked at Dan River.
Back then when you went to work there was no doubt in your mind that you'd retire from there. Now is a different story. I have alot of memories from stories that were told to me from my parents and grandparents. It's a shame that Dan River has gone overseas and Dan River's history may be forgotten.

Posted by Cathy Stratton-Kennon at 11:11 AM, Feb. 17th 2006

Growing up in Schoolfield

I cannot think of a better place to have grown up than in Schoolfield. We lived on Bishop Ave. until I was about 14 and we moved to one of the "new" houses on Stokesland Ave. When we got ready to move and were supposed to turn in the keys, we didn't have any. There was never a need to lock the doors! Grammer School was at West End and High School was at dear old SHS....Schoolfield High School...home of the Green Dragons. All the boys called the "Y" their second home, and it was. We spent as much time there as we did our real homes. We playd ball (all kinds) swam in the pool, went to camp at Fairy Stone Park every summer and had a wonderful life. Mr.Benton, the Music Director at SHS always had an outstanding Glee Club and and Band program. Both my brother (Carl) and I have been involved in music all our lives because of his influence. Don't "put down" the mill village.It was a great place to grow up!

Posted by Richard Perry at 9:38 PM, Oct. 20th 2005

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Re: Growing up in Schoolfield

Posted by (Anonymous) at 4:23 PM, Oct. 25th 2008
Re: Growing up in Schoolfield
I feel we grew up in schoolfield about the same time. I went to West End elem. school, Schoolfield High, played for the Lady Dragon in basketball, was in Mr Benton's band and marched for the first time the band ever marched. I went swimming at the Y and also was in the Girl Scouts, Mrs. Vada Perry was my leader, is she any relations to you. I wrote all this but it didn't post. I now live in Alabama, i have been here since we left Va. in 1951. I was 15 years old.

Posted by at 4:43 PM, May. 17th 2006
Re: Growing up in Schoolfield
I have been reading your account of growing up in Schoolfield and it sounds a lot like my time in Schoolfield. I left in 1951 at the age of 15. I played on the Lady Dragons basketball team. I had a Mrs. Vada Perry as my girl scout leader. Any relation. I was in school with a Jean Daniels, June Gwenyt Shirley Johnson. I played in the band for Mr. Benton. I was in the band the first time we ever marched. I live in Alabama since my family left Schoolfield.

Posted by at 8:39 PM, May. 16th 2006

Schoolfield 1931-1939

My first memory of life began on Macon Avenue. My mother, father and I lived in a two roomed house. Macon was a hilly street and I remember when I looked toward "Front" I thought if I could walk there I could descend into Heaven! Our neighbors were Ella Mae Chilton, who lived in a larger house up the street above us.
Her husband was in some kind of hospital in Stanton, Va. She had four children. Her daughter, I think her name was Novalene, became a well known model. She was also my baby sitter since my mother was pregnant with my sister who born March 21,1932. Shorty and Dorsey Meeks lived in the house below us. They were midgets. A lady named Connie Philips lived in the house between us and the Cliftons. She was an older lady and we were not allowed to go into her yard because she had some kind of disease that was "catching." Most of the couples on our end of Macon were young with young children My mother was 23 and daddy 24. I remember everybody being outside talking and laughing watching the children play. Happy neighbors.
We moved from there to a three roomed house on Stokesland after my sister was born. We lived in the last house on Stokesland. 142. The woods from our house to Pumpkin Creek were a wonderland. We built tree houses, play houses and actually had "gang wars" with the boys --Freddy Pike and Ralph and Jimmy Mann Gang. The first Creek Store was at the end of Stokesland then. It was setting right on Pumpkin Creek just at the foot of the tall hill that led up to the Pugh's big house. Mr. Pugh did not work in the mill. He ran C.S Pugh Sheet and Metal Works downtown. {Danville} I remember seeing him coming home from work every afternoon in his with C S Pugh Sheet and Metal works written on the door. I always womdered what sheet and metal work was.
Ah, such happy memories. Seems I remember every minute of every day I lived there. Today I live in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. Affluent? Yes. Happier?? But those were happy days I will never forget. I often wonder where Alan and Myrtle Matkins are now. Their two daughters Margie and Joy. The next door neighbors, the Cliftons? Four daughters, Thelma, Irene, Kathlene and Baby Ruth.
From the years I lived in Schoolfield until the memories I just read on this web sight of later years, there seemed to be no improvement in the living conditions. My daddy always had a car. We got bikes as soon as we were old enough. We always had roller scates and scooters, dolls, games. Daddy was promoted to boss--I guess it was section hand or overseer. We were supposed to move to Park Avenue in the Edwards house. Mr. Edwards had lived there for years and had a beautiful yard. He said if he had to move he would pour salt on the whole yard. His daughters were named Billie Jean and Dimples. The move never happened.
We had a phone by at least 1936. I don't remember my number, but my best friend was Frances Pugh and her number was 3535-J. The operator would actually talk to you.
Many families had pig pens down on Pumpkin Creek..An old man would come by the houses and pick up our slop buckets to take to feed the pigs. Everybody saved the left over food and put it into their slop buckets outside. Actually, we did not have very much garbage in those days. Our milk was delivered and the milk bottles picked up. Our soft drink bottles were carried back to the store for a penny refund. There was no plastic so a few cans is about all we had. We burned the paper and mama used her canning jars over and over.
Our toilets were scrubed down every Saturday with Red Devil Lye water. Daddy also put lye in the hole about once a month. Our's was probably concrete lined since there was concrete extending from the back of the toilet. We made a playhouse on it with the mud furniture we made and dried in the sun.
Our food then was about the same as now. We always had meat from our hog. We had eggs, green beans, and always steamed cabbage, which I hated and,of course, potatos. Mamma grew beautiful green peppers in our garden and she stuffed them with some kind of meat in the summer. We had a big garden every year. I think my diet was healthier then with all the fresh vegetables than it is now. On Saturday mornings a radio show was on called Betty, Patsy, Shir-a lee. They sang their names and then a Cream Of Wheat diddy. So we did have to have the Cream of Wheat. My sister loved it but my favorite was Shreaded Wheat. It came in long blocks with comic cards separating the layers.
My sister and I got an allowance for keeping the front porch clean and NOT making a play house in the front yard. I was nine and she was six. We rode the bus downtown on Saturday alone to shop at Belk-Leggets.(sp) and the dime store. We always got a "plate-lunch" at the counter in the drug store. We only had Jones' Drug Store on the corner of the Main Street in Schoolfield and it had no lunch counter, so this was a treat. We also went to the movies on Saturday mornings to see the Flash Gordon serial and a western a "love story" and cartoon. I was very brave catching the bus going to Danville because there was only one, but I was always a little nervous I would catch the wrong one coming back. All the buses were lined up on the corner where Kingoff's Jewelry Store was. I had to look at all the routes on the front of the bus to make sure it did not say Loop So Main. That one went left at the Baptist Hospital-near Averet College. I never relaxed until we passed Baptist Hospital. My parents would go to Walk-A-Thons. Couples would walk around in circles. The couple that lasted the longest won money. We also could go to the "show" in Schoolfield for seven B.C. Powder empty packages. I can see my daddy now counting out all those saved packages for the whole family.
I must stop rembling through these wonderful years. Seems I can remember everything that happened from 1931 until we moved just before the war.
I am so glad I was a part of that era and that culture. We Mill Hill Kids are a part of a civilation that is gone. We are the last generation who had mothers who were spinners, winders, spoolers, roller pickers. Fathers who were doffers, or worked in the card room. I learned all these jobs listening to mama and her friends talking on the porch in the evenings. They were all spinners and all worked at NO 2. They drank cokes that I think actually were made then with coke added. To add to the buzz they would pour a package of B.C Headache Powder in them. They laughed about "spinning" all day."
If you were not fortunate enough to be a Mill Hiller I am sorry you missed that part of AMERICONO.

Posted by Dollene Mize at 11:23 AM, Jun. 14th 2005

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Posted by Shicielygieli at 5:44 AM, Sep. 12th 2011
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
Does anyone know Robert, Thad or Ted Chilton? My unclr James & Aunt Bessie lived at 9 Dallas Ave. My mother was Minnie, her sisters were Hattie, Maddie. Ella Mae Chilton was married to her brother. We uses to visit when I was young. My first boyfriend was Kenneth Purgason, who lived on same street.

Posted by Becky Matthews at 12:37 PM, Sep. 25th 2009
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  Hi,
  So your madden name would be Hodges?
  
  My grandfather was Walter Chilton,who was
  
  Married to Ella Mae. My days visiting
  
  Danville, 9 Dallas Ave was being lived in by
  
  Walter and Edna Pugh. Best I could tell,
  
  Robert and Ted are still living, Never heard
  
  of Thad Though. happy to tell ya what I know.
  
  Some how we're cousins!
  
  bye now.
  
  Bob
  
  Posted by Bob Chilton at 6:28 PM, Dec. 27th 2009
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
Posted by (Anonymous) at 2:51 PM, Aug. 26th 2009
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1960
  My Uncle James & Aunt Bessie Chilton lived at 9 Dallas Ave. in Danville, VA. My daddy & mother were Vadie & Minnie Hodges. Uncle James was my mother's brother. My daddy died when I was 10 and we often spent several weeks in the summer in Danville. It was referred to as Schoolfield. Uncle James had a little jeep stationwagon & I loved to ride in it. He had a great sense of humor & Aunt Bessie was an angel. Happy Memories.
  
  Posted by Becky Hodges Matthews at 3:07 PM, Aug. 26th 2009
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  My Uncle James & Aunt Bessie Chilton lived at 9 Dallas Ave. in Danville, VA. My daddy & mother were Vadie & Minnie Hodges. Uncle James was my mother's brother. My daddy died when I was 10 and we often spent several weeks in the summer in Danville. It was referred to as Schoolfield. Uncle James had a little jeep stationwagon & I loved to ride in it. He had a great sense of humor & Aunt Bessie was an angel. Happy Memories.
  
  Posted by Becky Hodges matthews at 3:01 PM, Aug. 26th 2009
  - Re: Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
    My great grandparents lived on Dallas Ave in schoolfield.. I've never gotten to hear much about it.. only a few things my grandfather remembers.. they moved to NC when he was about 4 or 5.. which would have been in the mid 1920's.. he doesn't remember the house # on Dallas St, only that there was a HUGE rock in the back yard..which he swears must still be there because he says it was far too big for anyone to have moved... I would love any more information you might have.. I don't know if the timing would have overlapped at all.. but their last name was Powell.. Tom and Kate Powell. (kcraighead@live.com)
    
    Posted by Kate at 9:32 PM, Jan. 13th 2012
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
You can remember my daddy Freddie Pike, please can you tell me more about him and his the gang. I remember some rotten stories he told me.

Posted by Carolyn Pike at 12:25 AM, Nov. 11th 2008
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  Well, Carolyn---you said if anyone could verify your dad was a mean Kid you'd like to hear from them. Yep, he was about the worst kid in the neighborhood. He spent his days thinking up ways to torment me. !!! He made my life miserable. He was baaad. !!!!
  
  Posted by Dollene Mize at 3:27 AM, Aug. 9th 2011
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  I just checked my Danville Digs article for the first time in a year. I had given up on ever getting anymore responses.
  Yes, Carolyn, I knew your dad Freddie Pike. I am sure I could add to his tales of growing up on Stokesland. I only knew him through the third or fourth grade, but I was the target of some of his mischief. Yes, he was the leder of the "mean" gang. Jimmy and Ralph Mann were also in the gang but I did't fear them like I did Freddie. He made my live miserable---especially when it snowed. !!! He would freeze a piece of coal into a snowball and snowball me all the way to West End School. My E-mail dollenemize@att.net.
  
  Posted by Dollene Mize at 12:25 PM, Mar. 20th 2009
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
Hi Big Dollene...Little Dollene here! You should write a book! That is a great article! Now I know where my love for playing in the woods and BC Powders comes from! Love always, your niece...little Dollene

Posted by Little Dollene at 2:43 PM, Sep. 9th 2008
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
I was amazed I got a reply too!
Well my dad Tommy died in 1992, My gramma Ella Mae died in 1984, my aunt Novllene died in 2002 and my aunt Lee died last February.
My aunt Trudy is the only one left and she lives in Ringold, Va. which should be very close to you, her last name is Ferguson if you feel the urge to find her. I must admit, I'm ashamed we haven't spoken in over 30 years, she was my favorite. Aunt Lee was the model and moved to New York City, aunt Novllene married a real estate developer and moved to Seattle, Washington. It's funny, after all these years, I miss my gramma and I still miss my dad.
bye for now
Bob Chilton

Posted by Bob Chilton at 3:10 PM, Aug. 15th 2008
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  Hello Bob. I just checked my computer and am happy to hear again from you. I would love to know if Lee, Novelene and Gertrude have grandchildren. I remember your fanily so vividely. I remember so many stories about Lee. I don't guess you would remember when she was called Glorious, do you? She played with me, (baby sat) when I was three and I still remember some of our adventures.. I live in Memphis, TN.
  My E-mail address is dollenemize@att.net. I would love to get an E-mail from you. Do you have Trudy's phone number? Is there any way you might be able to contact her? I would love to see if she remembers me.
  Thank you for your responses. I would love to hear about your life and your fanily.
  
  Posted by Dollene Mize at 12:43 AM, Sep. 9th 2008
Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
Ella Mae Chilton was my gramma and in the 1960's we used to visit her for two weeks every summer. My father was her son, Arthur "tommy" Chilton. Then she was living at 26 Dallas Ave., and few blocks from 114 Macon Ave. My grampa I never knew and the hospital in Staunton City was the state hospital for the insane where died in 1976.
There's a story there where nobody in the family knows.
I do have fond memories of going to the recreation center a few blocks away. the greek coney island on main street and yes,
gramma sittin' on the porch drinkin s cocs cola and pouring a B.C. in it when she had headache.
God bless ya for bringing back the memory!
Bob Chilton
Billings,Mo.

Posted by Bob Chilton at 10:10 PM, Dec. 14th 2007
- Re: Re: Schoolfield 1931-1939
  Wonderful receiving your reply to my Danville Digs article. I mentioned as many names of the neighbors I remembbered hoping I would find someone.!!!! Thank you so much.
  I was only three years old when we moved from that little two room cottage on Macon. However, the memory of our neighboes there are so vivid in my mind. I have tried to find out about your aunts but have had no luck. Gertrude was the baby girl, then Glorious. I understand changed her name to Leigh when she became a model. Glorious is just a few years older than I, but my mother had her watch after me when I went out to play. Novalene was the oldest faughter. I do remember Thommy, but he was not as vivid in my mind as the girls. Your grand mother and my mother were best friends. I would sit on the porch and listen to them "gossip" for hours.
  When I first wrote the article I checked daily for a reply. Never got one. You can imagine my delight with the news from you.
  Locking forward to hearing from you again.
  Dollenemize@aol.com
  
  Posted by Dollene Mize at 7:36 PM, Jun. 28th 2008

Poplin's at 100 Front Street

Thank You so much for this wonderful website and for the work you have done.
I have been searching for info on my grandmother Susie Poplin for many years, also her first husband Noah. I knew that they had lived in Danville and had worked at the mills. I had almost given up hope of ever finding any info on them. I was just messing around on the internet one day and decided to look for mills in Danville and wow! I found this wonder site. I even found Noah and Susie's name in your report. Also a picture of the house at 100 Front Street. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Sincerely Rita Barnes

Posted by Rita Barnes at 10:26 AM, Aug. 6th 2004

Graveyard of historical items

I firmly believe that the whole city of Danville is sitting on a virtual graveyard of historical items! My parents and many of their relatives worked for Dan River Mills and lived in and around the community of Schoolfield. I would love to see an exhibit of all of these treasures one day. My parents and many relatives are buried in the Schoolfield Cementry and when the grave for my Mother was dug, they brought up a whole collection of small medicine bottles. People complain about Danville but they forget what a place in the history of our country and state we occupy and have occupied for many years.

Posted by Bobbi B. Hudson at 8:35 PM, May. 25th 2004

Textile Heritage Preservation

Dear Danville folks,
I am delighted and heartened to read about your wonderful archaeological project focused on uncovering more about the life of the cotton mill people in Danville.
My grandmother's people {Law, Ford, McLaurin] resided in Keelings and I have often wondered if any of them ended up in the Danville textile mills. My grandfather's mother went to work at age 9 in the Battersy Cotton Mill in Petersburg, Virginia and I just recently visited its ruins. Guess this is what got me started on all this cotton mill business...
I work for the Textile Heritage Center at Cooleemee in Davie Co., North Carolina. For the last fifteen years we've been preserving and teaching our mill hill heritage.
We opeate the Mill Village Museum, have recently preserved 80 acres of the spot on our river where everyone fished, courted, "sparked" and was Baptized. By the end of this year we will also have a Mill Family Life Museum in a mill house, telling the story of how an average mill hand lived here in 1934.
Most important, we have begun building a Southwide network of mill village lay historians, scholars and others to launch a major regional push to collect & preserve as much of this history as possible before those who lived it are gone.
Our concern is that the cotton mill people get a voice in telling their own story and was so glad to see that you, too, are collecting this history in "their own words."
There will be another planning meeting to work on a major conference [tentatively scheduled for April, 2005.] The planning meeting will be held in Kannapolis, NC in mid-July. It will be held around the 1st anniversary of the massive plant closings there.
Anyone in Danville (or elsewhere) wishing to represent their mill village, mill town, mill hill or a related history project, please contact me at blinky1@yadtel.net. We don't want this to be a "North Carolina" endeavor but want it to include every Southern textile state.
In the end, we feel there should be a single "Textile Heritage Week" declared in every Southern state. What do y'all think?
You can also visit a little website with some more info: TextileHeritage.org. On that site there are also a number of other websites about textile heritage listed

God Bless Your Work.

Lynn Rumley
Textile Heritage Center at Cooleemee
PO Box 667, Cooleemee NC 27014
(336) 284-6040
blinky1@yadtel.net
TextileHeritage.org also
http://members.tripod.com/~cooleemee/

Posted by Lynn Rumley at 8:35 PM, May. 25th 2004