The establishment of high schools early in the twentieth century, though an important educational advance, benefited only a small fraction of North Carolina's school-age children who lived in rural settings without access to adequate educational facilities. This fact motivated state superintendent J.Y. Joyner and various farm groups to promote farm-life schools, which the General Assembly authorized in 1911. If a local governmental unit provided facilities (including dormitories for boys and girls) for $25,000 and then pledged $2,500 for operating expenses each year, the state would match the latter amount. Almost immediately, five counties took advantage of the offer, and by 1916, 21 farm-life schools were in operation. These schools were required to offer a standard high school education in addition to classes and practical experience in vocational agriculture and home economics.
The Craven County Farm Life School in Vanceboro, North Carolina marks the first Farm Life School in the state. F.K. Thomson designed plans for a dormitory, main classroom building, and home for the principal. The Craven County Board of Education approved the plans and sent them out in a bid process. They awarded the construction of the dormitory and principal’s home to Blalock Bros. for $16,450.00. After several construction delays, the first Farm Life School opened on November 4, 1913, with an on-site celebration. Thirty students were enrolled as classes began that week. Other applicants were being processed for enrollment, to begin within two weeks. Dr. J.E. Turlington lived on-site with his family and served as school principal. The residence for Dr. Turlington sat on the school property and was located a short distance from the school building.
In Nash County, local farmer Tom Jones donated 25 acres of land, and the community voted for an additional $10,000 in bonds for buildings for the Red Oak Farm-Life High School. Students within walking or horse-riding distances paid no tuition, but boarding students paid $12.50 monthly. The boys cut wood for fires, and the girls cooked and waited on tables. Crop rotation, contour plowing, selection of nutritious foods, and improved homemaking practices were emphasized along with the academic curriculum. A second school Rowan Farm-Life School in China Grove, which opened in 1914-was such a success that in 1921 the regular China Grove High School merged with it and shared the farm campus. Academic standards there were high, and the school distinguished itself in academic and vocational fields as well as in extracurricular activities at state and regional levels.
In the first quarter of the twentieth century, however, with increased urbanization, the introduction of motorized transportation for students, and the passage of the federal Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 appropriating federal funds for vocational education in public high schools, farm-life schools faded into educational history.
References
Primary Sources
“Vanceboro Folk Rejoicing,” New Bern Daily Journal, September 21, 1911
Craven County Board of Education Minutes, May 5, 1913
Craven County Board of Education Minutes, July 4, 1913
“[Craven County Farm Life School],” New Bern Daily Journal, August 1, 1913
“Work on Farm Life School Continues to Progress,” New Berne Weekly Journal, August 19, 1913
“Getting Ready for Opening,” New Bern Daily Journal, October 24, 1913
“The Craven Farm Life School Will Open Today,” New Bern Daily Journal, November 4, 1913
“Thirty Pupils Enrolled,” New Berne Weekly Journal, November 7, 1913