By Wade H. Lucas
Duke, April 14—A $90,000 bond issue for an additional school building in Duke has been proposed and will be voted upon May 14. It has been only two years since the people, by overwhelming majority with only two votes cast against, expressed themselves in favor of a $75,000 issue, which was used in the construction of the splendid building now in use.
It was thought at that time that there would be no further need for an additional school building for years to come. But this was only a matter of conjecture as it is now seen, because the present building is already taxed to its capacity. The people here have always taken the greatest interest in having adequate places for the instruction of their children.
The growth of the school during the past three or four years has been remarkable, both here in town and the surrounding district. Through the generosity of the Erwin Cotton Mills Co., a new elaborate teacherage was recently completed. This adds much to the life of the school faculty, and withal it is a thing of beauty.
The coming of Erwin mill No. 5 here has also been an important factor in the floating of another bond issue as it will practically double the present population. The population at the present time is approximately 2,700, and with the completion of the new mill, now under construction, will bring the population to about 5,000.
The proposed new school building will be planned to meet the needs of a standard high school in every respect. It will have all necessary requirements and other modern requisites, according to Principal Thomas W. Sprinkle. The present school building will be used for a grammar school. In addition to other arrangements, the new building will have an auditorium of sufficient size to meet any demand the town and community might require.
An announcement of interest to pupils and patrons of the local school was made last week concerning the Erwin Declamation and Recitation medals to be given for the first time this year. The medals will take rank with the Webb Scholarship medal, an annual affair here for several years, which was instituted by Thomas. H. Webb, now of Concord, but who was once manager of the Erwin mill here for several years.
The donor of the declamation and recitation medals is William A. Erwin Jr., present manager of the local mill. Mr. Erwin has always taken much interest in school work here and can be counted upon to help at all times.
Rules and regulations for the awards have been drawn up governing the presentation and will become a permanent award. The declamation contest will be open to boys only, while the recitation will be for girls. Only bona fide high school students can compete for these honors.
From the front page of the Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 17, 1924
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