The lives of most families in our area were greatly improved, and, for the first time, a high school education was possible for many local students. The school was built and operated by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, (a conservative denomination) and was the first accredited high school in Polk County. It was a boarding school but was available to all children and young people in our area. This wonderful school not only taught academics, but offered courses in classes like agriculture and home economics that definitely improved the quality of life here for years to come. Two of the Hillcrest buildings are still standing today, and we, who are interested in preserving the history of Polk County, are extremely grateful to the present owners of the Hillcrest property for their interest in preserving part of this beloved school.

Thomas White needs your help. He is now working to form a group called the Sons of Confederate Soldiers in Polk County. This organization already exists in several counties in western North Carolina. He asks that anyone interested in joining, or helping start this group, call him at 828-863-2968.

Special request: Please save the following address and remember to send Christmas cards to one or more soldiers:

A Recovering Soldier

c\o Walter Reed Hospital

6900 Georgia Avenue

NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

Happy birthday to Madelyn Pittman, Jacob Collins, Scott Waddell, Rita Sports, John Blanton, Jane Horne, Sherry Page, Payton Stott, Rhonda Forester, Carole McEntire, Willyene Shields, Kerry Arrowood and Tim Linder.

Among those celebrating wedding anniversaries are John and Edith Edwards, Kenneth and Hazel Horne, Ricky and Regina Pate, Kerry and Sheila Ford, Julie and Jay Ellis. Congratulations to all of you.

If you have news of this area, please call me at 828-863-2437.