Gaye - Teacher of the Year - 2008 Aiken County

By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer
One wouldn't call the annual Aiken County Teacher of the Year banquet overly stuffy by any means, but it is a rather formal event. Then Gaye Pappas was named the new district teacher of the year at the banquet last week. Things got a bit more informal in a hurry, thanks to her hearty laughter and infectious smiles that never seem to go away.

At Paul Knox Middle School the next day, Pappas was still smiling in her special needs classroom as she accepted congratulations from students and faculty members.

"I'm just a hot dog and blue jeans kind of girl," she said cheerfully.

But Pappas is also a serious professional with 34 years of experience, even as she describes herself as an education "gypsy." Her husband Ted is an accountant /troubleshooter, and the couple has moved often.

Pappas has taught in seven South Carolina school districts and three other states. She has worked with special education, including administration, for most of her career, but in recent years taught science in a Dorchester District 2 middle school. When she interviewed with principal Brenda Smith at Paul Knox three years ago, Pappas was ready to return to special education.

"I've been extremely pleased how the faculty has accepted me, and I'm proud to be a part of it," she said. "The kids had a party for me and the faculty did, too, and I was amazed."

Pappas spent the early part of her childhood in the small town of Manchester, Ga. Her military dad was overseas much of that time, and her grandfather, W.G. Herry - a minister and farmer - was a big influence.

"He always let me follow him as he trooped through the woods," she said. "He had such a love of nature, and the Georgia pines still speak to me."

Her mother and other relatives, including those dating back to the 1700s, were teachers. After enrolling at Winthrop University in the early 1970s, Pappas was steered to special education by a professor, Dr. John Gallien.

She felt drawn to that field, recognizing that for many years, special needs children rarely could get an education. Pappas took a course in special education "and yes, this was something I could do," she said. "We have a responsibly to care for one another."

In a professional biography written for the teacher of the year competition, Pappas believes her biggest contribution is the progress that so many of her students made through hard work. Over the years she has received invitations from former students for their high school graduations and weddings.

She helped Carl, an eighth-grader and non-reader, learn to read during lunch every day. Pappas worked with LaKeisha, who in desperation had written "help me" over and over on a test she didn't understand. Hank was a ninth-grader - big and tough-looking and intimidating. But he had no mother and no support and was ready to drop out of school until Pappas took an interest in him. Today he's married with children and operates his own welding business.

"I believe it takes courage to teach," Pappas wrote. "... We teach so many broken children who are in need of more from us than we, as a profession, have ever been asked to give. If a teacher has courage, he or she will take risks necessary to achieve the excellence that is so essential to a child's learning."

Pappas loves her kids at Paul Knox and can't help but smile when she sees them, so full of joy. Previously, she taught most of them all day in self-contained classes, but the district now has inclusion with traditional classes in science and social students. That's a process that's still being worked out, Pappas said.

"But today was a beautiful day," she said Monday, "to see the progress they've made, the 100s they've made on quizzes. The other teachers themselves are so willing for me to help. It's amazing how accepting they have been."

Pappas welcomes the opportunity to serve as an "encourager" for young teachers. But she is still amazed that she has been chosen to represent the district's teachers for the next year.

"I don't think it has sunk in yet," Pappas said. "It's such an honor, but I'm extremely humbled. There are so many master teachers at this school. I'm not the finest teacher you will ever meet, but this year I'll speak for the finest."
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.


It is especially nice to have other people recognize my sweet sister for her hard work. When she was in grade school, she played with a little girl who had serious health issues. I wondered if knowing her contributed to her decision to become a special education teacher.

Gaye has active compassion. She doesn't stop in the classroom. Her love for others is demonstrated daily.

My Matriarchal Line

Me...Jan
Mother - Julia - (1922 living)
G - Mabel BULLOCH (1894-1954)
GG - Julia Cordelia PARKMAN (1853-1936)
2G - Mary Ann GLANTON (1819-1903)
3G - Jane (Jincy) KILCREASE/GILCREASE
(1795-1823)
4G - Mary unknown. (______-1849)

I should find a simple explanation of DNA. It has been a long time since I took biology. Don't laugh if my explanation is flawed.

The women in a line share one identical X chromosome passed from mothers to daughters. My sisters, my nieces, my daughter, my mother's sister and her daughters and grand daughters all share the same matriarchal DNA. It goes back unchanged for many generations, but is difficult to follow because women change their name when they marry and records are limited.

If my matriarchal line contributed to Anna's red hair, it might have been from one of these ladies. That is because she receives an X chromosome from both parents. However, her matriarchal DNA will be from her mom. She will share the same X chromosome as Wendy's girls, but Jon & Michelle's daughter has Michelle's matriarichael DNA.

Sons all receive one X chromosome from mom, but not always the same one. They always have the same Y chromosome..going back generations. So theY DNA of my son's and grandson's DNA is identical with one another, plus their Dad and his father's Y DNA.

I will post my boys Patriarchal Line too.

I would love to have a family member submit our Bennett DNA or Harry DNA. My dad only had sisters and daughters. Uncle Henry had 3 sons; so perhaps they will find it worthwhile.

Living in Warm Springs early 1900's

Lives are so different today it is hard to imagine what it would have been like to live around 1900 in a busy little town like Warm Springs. Spielberg could recreate a visual Warm Springs for a movie, but places like it was no longer exist. It’s unlikely the people who live there today would recognize the town or the life.

Without air conditioners people rock away early evening hours on the veranda.. Often a swing would lazily move back and forth with the hypnotizing creak of the chain rubbing against the hook it hung from. Large trees provided shade around the home. The rustle of leaves plus the clucking of chickens, frogs croaking and crickets chirping provided a quiet background of sounds for conversation or daydreams. Dirt roads, wagons, a stage coach and the train were the transportation. Church or the women’s club were the big social outlets for ladies. The men gathered on benches in front of the large general store to catch up on news while waiting to pick up their supplies. Meals were prepared from scratch with produce picked from the garden. Ice came from an ice house. The fried chicken for Sunday dinner probably had been scurrying around your yard on Saturday.


This photo of a hay ride was in Grandmother's wedding album.


A few years ago I found a small out of print book "The History of Warm Springs, Georgia" on Heritage Quest Online. The book was more about life in Warm Springs than in the history. I thought I would share some of my favorite sections. Mother didn’t like book perhaps because the author’s experiences included less idealized memories. Mother led a very protected life.

Warm Springs was after all named after the very warm waters that people enjoyed for swimming. Public pools were a big attraction. Swim wear was quite different from today’s.

*** *** *** *** ***

“Even Venus, herself, would have attracted little notice in one of the bathing suits of that day. There was nothing romantic about them and the feminine form divine was entirely lost to view.

These alluring garments were voluminous affairs of heavy blue serge. A full blouse of this carpet like fabric was surmounted and adorned by a sailor collar of double thickness trimmed with three rows of white braid and a “shield” of the same guaranteed strict privacy to ones collar bones. Long sleeves completed the dainty upper portion which was attached to a pleated skirt … which reached the knees and beneath it bloomers and stockings – heavy black cotton ones.

“The public pool was surrounded by an unattractive frame building containing the dressing rooms, giving it somewhat the appearance of a stock yard. There was a chute at one end and a spring board at the other and any one who would use either was daring beyond all words.

The private pools were more popular with the rank and file then, for “mixed bathing” was looked upon askance by many, with tolerance by some and completely denounced by others.

Indeed, more than one minister in the village church used to grow red in the face on occasion, drip perspiration all over the ;pulpit and sprain his tongue enumerating the evils of its malign influence and, then, after a protracted meeting, take his converts to that same pool that he had so vilified and baptize them. The amount of sin washed away in that pool, already stained so black, according to the well-meaning pastor’s version, would surely have ruined it for posterity had not its free flow enabled it to empty itself each day.”

Many bathers going into these pools went armed with a goodly cake of soap. Mothers often went down on Saturday afternoon accompanied by their entire broods who were scrubbed and shampooed. It certainly beat getting out the old tin tub, drawing numberless buckets of water and heating it on the kitchen stove."

*** *** *** *** ***

Years later my grandfather built a public swimming pool. A cement pond… well almost. Water spilled from Parkman’s Pond into the very large pool; so there were also fish. Occasionally the pool would empty as a snake swam through. There was a very large sliding board at one side of the pool. A “peninsula went out to the center of the pool.

Dressing rooms were downstairs and upstairs guests could buy snacks, etc.

Yes there were still baptism’s there. I missed the occasion, but once Bobby,my almost cousin, was trying to get a better view by squeezing past someone and caused a lady to fall into the water. I can only imagine the excitement that created.

Years later the poolhouse was remodeled and became a home for my cousin’s family.


Picnics were most popular in pre-automobile days and Warm Springs was the ideal place in which to have them. Churches, schools and societies never thought of trying to go through the summer without one.


*** *** *** *** ***

"Special trains would take Sunday school and Fraternity members and often almost the entire population of some small town there for the great day. Great doings! For instance: the Red Men or Firemen, or Policemen from Atlanta and Columbus would be scheduled for a picnic on a certain day. Grocery store keepers and dispensers of soft drinks would be up betimes, sweeping and dusting, and laying out extra supplies of commodities and often enlisting the services of the entire family to take care of the rush. There would be tension and excitement in the very air at the depot. Often people from the country would drive in with fruits and melons to sell or just to see the sights. The hour would arrive and an expectant hush would hover over most of the establishments. Presently a long drawn out “T-o-o-t, t-o-o-t” in the distance would send everybody in the neighborhood who was not bed-ridden to a window or door or to the very depot itself.

Another toot, a column of black smoke, a huge bulk rushing from around the curve (there was a curve coming from either direction), a whistle, a screeching of air brakes and the monster would come to a panting standstill, every aperture bulging with eager, expectant faces. A deep sigh from the engine, loud shouts from hundreds of throats, a few rat-tats from a drum and men, women and children, laden with boxes, baskets and various and sundry impediments, would pour from every opening like so many mice let loose and make a bee-line for the springs or the woods…. Or the old picnic platform.

On splendid days the latter was the usual center of amusement, especially with the crowds that took along their own bands. This platform, a huge floor containing at least twenty-five hundred square feet of floor space, stood in the beautiful oak and hickory grove that lies like a big slice of mince pie between the roads that divide just below the railroad station, one fork going to the pools and one to the Inn on the “crust” side connecting the two near bath houses. There was a seat all around its outer edge and a flight of steps going up from three sides. On the other was a raised dias for the dance orchestra.

Generally, the day before the outing, an arbor of green boughs would be erected over the platform to give it a sylvan aspect and, more important still, to protect the dancers from the sunlight. Suntan then was shunned along with leprosy.

The high spot of the day would be a plunge in one of the pools, just which one depended upon a number of things. And, although the smaller pools were not exactly neglected, the public pool would come into its own on such occasions and the ticket seller and towel woman have a busy and remunerative day.

The woods and surrounding countryside would be explored for flowers and ferns which have long abounded in them – no more beautiful wild ferns are found anywhere – miles and miles of steps taken, vast quantities of food consumed, barrels of water drunk, dancing and swimming enjoyed the day long – Carefree abandon from the usual things of everyday home life.

Sometimes an adventurous male, determined to get the very most out of his day, would make a surreptitious trip to the “Grocery” and have to be looked up before train time. Once in a while one of these adventurers would resent interference with his “constitutional rights” having attained the bellicose stage, and there would follow a little slicing or target practice.

…But to get back to the picnic. The main objective of each individual was to get the very most out of the allotted number of hours, for they might not have another day like that for another year. After swimming, dancing, eating, tramping, looking for misplaced children, attending to red bug bites, killing snakes and trying to see how much warm water they could drink, a tired, wilted, bedraggled, but happy mob would begin to settle their hats and gather up their debris.

Then, at a series of warning “toots” from their train, they would drag themselves wearily toward the station, leaving a trail of paper, cracker boxes, sardine tins, soda water and beer bottles in their wake, and drop into the first seats available.

Presently, a puff from the engine and a loud “all ‘bord,” from the conductor would send the last dawdler scampering for a seat and, in another minute or two, a cloud of smoke above the little platform and the forementioned trail of debris would be all that remained of that picnic from Atlanta except the nickels, dimes and quarters that were being counted and deposited in many tills. For all concerned, a great day.”

*** *** *** *** ***

Mabel's Wedding part 2

When Ashley was married I promised to send her a copy of grandmothers wedding announcement. Yesterday I was looking for info in the Atlanta Constitution - bada bing, bada boom... there it was.

Don't get too excited about the wedding photo. It is not Grandmother. The picture appeared next to her announcement. She saved it in her wedding scrapbook; to I am sharing it with you.

Grandmother wore a charming Wedding Suit... trimmed with Beaver Fur and matching hat. Her bouquet had White Roses with Valley Lillies entwined with streamers. The maid of honor wore a beaded brown satin dress. Grandmother's bridesmaids wore cinnamon brown velvet.

Mabel's father, Cyprian Bulloch, Jr., died when Mabel was young. The writer recognized the family connection. He mistakenly lists Ben Bulloch, her uncle and father's business partner, as her father.

I recognize the name Mrs H.R. Lipscomb as a college friend. Grandmother saved her wedding announcement.

Click on announcement to read the details.



The descriptions of wedding details is fascinating. The Atlanta Journal also had an announcement of Mabel's sister Ira Gene Bulloch's wedding to Henry Bateman Worth. The wedding took place in her mother's home. Mabel sang "Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold". The announcement said, " The house was artistically decorated with goldenrod, and smilax and pink roses filled vases on the mantel, which was banked with ferns."

Today we understand Goldenrod may be beautiful, but causes allergic reactions for many. I would never think of using it in a home. Of course I am not sure folks realised the relationship at the time.

Margaret Bishop Harry's brother.

To give you a little background:

Margaret Bishop was wife of David HARRY and mother of John Bishop HARRY.

David Harry is listed on the muster rolls in Maryland,but I have not found a pension application. His obituary refers to his participation in the Revolutionary War.

The challenges and hardships our female ancestors faced were equally challenging, but seldom documented. Reading between the lines helps to understand a lot of what life must have been like for them. So stretch you mind to imagine the faith and determination these women had to raise families in such times.

After Hans Jakob Bischoff, Margaret's grandfather, died in 1739, Anna Catharina Rauch/Rouch Bischoff, and her sons traveled down the Rhine River to Rotterdam in the south of Holland. Rotterdam was the port they used to leave Germany. They traveled on the ship "Two Brothers". (Remember this is the name of the ship. There are more than two brothers in the family.)

Hans Johannes Bischoff/ John Bishop
Frantz Michael Bischoff
Johann Jacob Bischoff/(Jacob Bishop) Margaret's father. They eventually were naturalized in Philadelphia.

(I accidentally deleted information about a married brother and his family. I will add that info when I dig it out. But we don't know where he moved with his family after arriving in the US.)

Margaret's mother was Margaret Church, who was born in Germany in 1729.

Margaret Bishop grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland. Her family lived next to the Lutheran church they attended. The Harry family also attended the same church. They wanted a better life.

When you hear about George Washington crossing the Delaware river...



.. you will know that Jacob Bishop, Margaret's younger brother was there. Perhaps David was with him.

Jacob enlisted in the Continental Army twice. The first time he was sixteen or seventeen years old. Friends had him released from service because of his youth. But in the summer of 1776, he enlisted again for a three year term. He founght in the engagements of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, White Plains and Monmouth. He help capture the Hessians. In one of his engagements he received a wound in his foot. He and others were compelled during the winter to wrap their feet in rags and wear old shoes and often he with others left traces of blood from their feet upon frozen ground and snow.

Jacob completed his service 26 July 1779 and received an honorable discharge. He had served in Col Haussegger's German Regiment. (This same regiment was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.)

Jacob married Mary Powell at Philadelphia, PA on 25 December 1781. The Minister, Joseph Powell, appears to be her father. He was one of the 69 delegates who attended the PA state convention in 1777, which ratified the Constitution of the United States..

Jacob died 10 April 1813. Mary received a widows pension or $80/year. This information is from her application for the pension and from letters supporting her application. One supporting document attested to a statement by David Harry, who married Margaret Bishop. These documents are stored at the National Archives.

If you are interested in the Battle of Trenton, read David McCullough's "1776". Jacob was a private.

David Harry Obituary 1750 to 1843

Birth: Nov. 13, 1750
Death: Mar. 18, 1843

David Harry seems to have been an accomplished man.

He and twenty five citizens petitioned the state of Maryland to start "The
Hager's Town Fire Company".

He was the executor of his Father-in-law's will.

His Obituary:

"Another Revolutionary Patriot Gone!

On Saturday last in this town, Mr. David Harry, in the 93rd year of his age. Thus has another link which connected this present generation with their patriot fathers of that glorious revolution been dissolved, and in a few years faithful history will supply the place of the small remnant of living witnesses, in testifying to the chivalrous deeds of our noble sires in the days which tried men's principals in a just but doubtful contest -- The deceased retained his physical powers and mental faculties to an extraordinary extent. Previous to the late winter he was not limited to his house, nor was he confined to his bed or helpless prior to his last indisposition, which was of short duration, and until which he was conversant intelligent and cheerful.Mr Harry was for more than half a century a communicant in the Lutheran Church and possessed those noble traits of moral character and industrious habits which constituted him as one of the most respectable and useful members of religious and civil society. On Monday last his remains were accompanied from his late residence by numerous relatives and friends, by the military companies of the town, the Mechanics Band, a vast concourse of friends and strangers to the Lutheran Church where an appropriate and impressive discourse was delivered from Revelations 7th Chapter from the 14th verse to the end of the Chapter by the Reverend Mr. Winter of Clearspring, the Reverend Mr. Douglas and the Reverend Mr. Startzman. After his remains were committed to their parent dust with military obsequies.






Family links:
Parents:
Johann Martin Harry (1720 - 1788)

Children:
John Bishop Harry (1774 - 1868)*
Mary Harry Dechert (1794 - 1826)*

Spouse:
Margaret Bishop Harry (1755 - 1836)*

*Point here for explanation

Note: Reinterred from St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery . A monument once stood in the Church yard Cemetery for David Harry celebrating his service to his country.

Burial:
Rose Hill Cemetery
Hagerstown
Washington County
Maryland, USA
Plot: Section D lot 16

Times are changing

Despite my best intentions I have not added any articles in months. This article will probably not remain here for long. I found some fascinating information that I want to record. This is purely for my entertainment.

When I was a girl (back when dirt was new) we had a "party line". Several families shared a phone line. Until you lifted the receiver you could not tell if a phone was in use. The only person with a "mobile phone" was Dick Tracy, a cop in the comic strips.

There were times when I was in elementary school I picked up the line and "listened in on someones call", which was very rude. You might listen for a second to determine if a call sounded like it was starting or ending, but no one appreciated an eaves dropper.

Now cell phones place calls, text, surf the internet. Mobile skype can send video calls. Tablets,U-tube, facebook, tweets, digital cameras, GPS and more commonplace. Adding machines zipped from basic calculators to laptops. Real techies are aware of the latest and greatest. Just when I feel comfortable with one technology, it is replaced by something more spectacular. Amazing apps are downloadable. Ebooks are rocking the publishing domain.

The three networks have been dwarfed by cable. Cable is threatened by online services like HULU and netflicks.

Our family subscribed to and read cover to cover "The Atlanta Journal", a local paper, "Saturday Evening Post", "Life","Ladies Home Journal"."Readers Digest", "US News & World Report", and "Time" magazines. Today there are folk who get their news from comedians "pretending to talk about issues" and newscasts are lightened with stories about Oprah retiring and Utube videos.

My mother told me of traveling with hot potatoes to keep your hands warm when traveling in a Model T in winter. Travel by plane was noteable. Today international travel is both a necessity and a nuisance. Friends and family travel the world to Asia, Europe, and Australia. Years ago I insured an astronaut who flew the Space Shuttle. Oh, that phrase "American as Apple pie" might need to be updated because the apples may be imported from China.

Andy's best friend is living with his family in Japan. One of my favorite people is a wonderful Muslim mom from Turkey. Our congregation has wonderful members from Japan, Korea, Germany, India, England and yes the US. Education, shared experiences, and testimony provide a wonderful starting point to build friendships. The differences that seem so significant when isolated without opportunities to know others are non-existent when working together. We can appreciate the talents, gifts and contribution each offers. It really is the "content of soul" that matters.

My feeble imagination has seen fantasy become reality. Technology. Diversity. Globalization. What is next?