Always Face in the Right Direction So If We Stumble, We Fall Forward, 1949

From the Wallace Enterprise, Sept. 29, 1949

Thirty-five Wallace Lions, gathered in the basement of the Methodist Church here Monday night for their regular dinner meeting, heard Frank H. Jeter of State College advise, “Let us always have our face in the right direction so if we stumble, we stumble on; if we fall, we fall forward.

Mr. Jeter, Editor of the North Carolina State College of Agriculture, was introduced by Dr. Chas. Dearing, Superintendent of Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Willard. President E.R. Ackerman presided over the meeting.

Speaking of the rural life in this state, Mr. Jeter told the lions that “North Carolina is a land of the native born. Out of every thousand persons, 800 are native Anglo-Saxon blood, homogeneous group.”

Pointing out the potential wealth of the young rural people, he explained that 30 per cent are below 15 years old. He reminded that North Carolina is a land of parents and family life; and people of responsibility. “Our state then has nothing to fear so long as we continue to possess the proud and patriotic citizens of rural North Carolina, third in the nation in agricultural production,” he emphasized.

Mr. Jeter disclosed that among North Carolina’s various crops are the sugar maples of the west and the lemons on Smith Island.

A startling revelation to many was the statement that North Carolina is a land of men. Stating that males are predominant, he declared that we live in one of the few sections of the earth where this is true.

Commenting on his recent travels over the state this summer, he related seeing our “land of beauty.” “Our people love poetry and they live on mountains, by the ocean, on the flatlands, sand, and in the foothills,” he added.

Continuing his interesting address, Mr. Jeter told of how farmers are now seeking a new life. They are talking a new language and ever more dependent upon themselves.

“Science is aiding with such crops as hybrid corn, alfalfa, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and poultry and beef cattle. We can now grow all crops that other sections can grow.

“Plundered section of the country? No, we can rebuild and develop or re-develop any part of our section. Let us always have our face in the right direction,” Mr. Jeter concluded, “so there will always be progress, even on a difficult and sometimes hard road.”

Dinner for the banquet was prepared and served by the ladies of the Methodist Church.

An entertaining highlight of the program was a solo rendered by Lion A.B. Bland. This part of the program was in connection with Lion Earlie Sanderson’s Five Minutes of Fun. Dr. Bland rendered the popular hit of 30 years ago, “Sunshine of Your Smile.”