10 one-room schoolhouses competing for students in early Nashville
As early Nashville grew from a little camp into a bustling town, one-room schoolhouses competed for students. Here are ten that tried to separate themselves from the others by touting their proximity to nearby farms where settlers lived and even mini-reviews by current students.
Whistle Creek Academy
Founded in 1812 by Miss Eleanor “Nellie” Thompson, Whistle Creek Academy was known for its focus on arithmetic and early American literature. The school was an average 20-minute walk from most neighboring farms. Young Timothy Jenkins, age 9, claimed, “Miss Nellie gives us maple candies if we get our sums right. Makes learning numbers worth it!”
Piney Woods School
Established in 1820 by Mr. Gilbert “Gil” Williams, Piney Woods School was remarkable for its outdoor classroom where nature studies came alive. The average walk time from nearby farms was 30 minutes. Mary Caldwell, age 11, stated, “Mr. Gil lets us catch frogs for science. Ain’t no better way to learn ’bout the world.”
Harmony Grove Learning Hut
Founded in 1805 by Mrs. Clara Baxter, Harmony Grove Learning Hut was renowned for its music and singing lessons. The school was about a 15-minute walk from neighboring farms. Samuel Lewis, age 10, said, “Mrs. Baxter lets us sing while we work. It’s like church but every day.”
Sunflower Settlement School
Established in 1818 by Miss Beatrice “Bea” Adams, Sunflower Settlement School had an exceptional art program. It was approximately a 25-minute walk from most farms. Emily Turner, age 12, noted, “Miss Bea lets us paint the walls. My ma would whup me if I tried that at home.”
Elm Tree Elementary
Founded in 1809 by Mr. Jacob “Jake” Miller, Elm Tree Elementary was unique for its comprehensive geography lessons. It was a 40-minute walk from most farms. William Fields, age 8, exclaimed, “Mr. Jake lets us make maps. Now I know where France is!”
Winding Brook House of Learning
Established in 1825 by Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Davis, Winding Brook was known for teaching practical skills like sewing and woodworking. It was a 35-minute walk from the local farms. Susannah Evans, age 13, said, “Mrs. Sally taught me how to stitch a quilt. Now I’m useful!”
Lilac Lane Literacy House
Founded in 1815 by Miss Felicity “Fliss” Johnson, Lilac Lane specialized in reading and writing. It was about a 10-minute walk from most farms. George Clark, age 7, stated, “Miss Fliss makes reading fun. I can read a whole book now!”
Pecan Grove Grammar School
Established in 1822 by Mr. Henry “Hank” Morgan, Pecan Grove was remarkable for its focus on history and civics. The average walk time was around 45 minutes from most farms. Rebecca Allen, age 14, declared, “Mr. Hank says knowing the past helps us live better today. Makes me feel big!”
Blueberry Hill Study Shack
Founded in 1810 by Mrs. Agnes “Aggie” Williams, Blueberry Hill had a fantastic cooking and nutrition program. The walk from most farms took about 20 minutes. Daniel Smith, age 9, claimed, “Mrs. Aggie lets us make pies. Learning never tasted so good!”
Meadow View Educational Cabin
Established in 1807 by Mr. Theodore “Ted” Wilson, Meadow View was unique for its stellar mathematics program. The average walking time from neighboring farms was 50 minutes. Abigail Brown, age 11, announced, “Mr. Ted makes math seem like magic. I love going to school!”
