North View High School - Southside Echoes Yearbook (North View, VA)

Page 84 text:

“Hunt” ikltna “Aunt” Selina is one of the few links left to connect the present with antebellum slavery days. She is a typical, old Southern “mammy,” who did not think slavery an unmixed evil. Though now about 90 years old, her mind goes back to those old days, and many are the stories she is fond of telling about “de good ole times.” For several years “Aunt” Selina has been janitress of the North View High School, and she takes pride in her position. She has become a fix- ture of the school. Every morning “Aunt” Selina may be seen wending her way from her cabin on the hill, to the spring, or through the woodland to the school to begin her duties. Bent with years, carrying a heavy hickory stick, wear- ing heavy brogan shoes, her appear- ance is known to all in the neighbor- hood. And yet she has still a keen eye and is noted for her strength. Even her name is almost unknown; she is “Aunt” Selina to everybody. When asked about her age she replied, “ ’Deed, marse, I doan know ; folks didn’t tell niggers dere ages in dem days. I done belong to Marse Bragg.” But by circumstances she related it is known that she is nearly 90 years old. Her passing will be regretted by many who have known her long and well. AUNT SELINA

Page 86 text:

Hast ® HtU anti Testament of tfje Class of 1908 Profoundly sensible that we are soon to depart from the realm of school life, and enter upon the duties which may await us, we make this, our last will and testament, for the benefit of those whom we leave behind. First, we give and bequeath unto our successors, the Ninth Grade, and their heirs forever, our serenity of mind, which has enabled us to keep an even temper and disposition, when they assailed us with stony silence and bitter reproaches be- cause of secrets we would not disclose. Second, we give to them the same pleasure and companion- ship we have maintained during our years of school work. May they be blessed with happy thoughts and kindly feelings towards one another and towards us. Third, we bequeath to the Eighth Grade, a power handed down to us, — never to say or do anything against the Ninth Grade unless it be in accordance with the highest degree of love and honor. This power we bequeath enjoins them to be strictly faithful to their schoolmates, always speaking a kind word and answering all calls of duty. Fourth, we bequeath, in fee simple, share and share alike, to all that may come after us, our experience with Chemistry, namely, “Beware of acids, for they leave, if not a shining mark, at least a noticeable and destructive one. Fifth, we devise to all schoolmates this advice. It will cheer them in adversity and help them in prosperity : Let our successors never slacken or “give under” in their fight with temptations and difficulties. Let them improve every oppor- tunity that may present itself, so that they may become great