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WCU - Highlights from Western Carolina University

A Last Look - many memories

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  • Arnold James Hyde (1914-2010) handwrites two brief essays, “A Last Look” and “Judge Sam Cathey.” “A Last Look” commends Graham County for recognizing the importance of history and preserving the Old Rock School Building. He shares a couple of stories from his time teaching at Old Rock School including coaching the girls’ basketball team to a conference win. “Judge Sam Cathey” is about Judge Sam W. Cathey of Asheville who was the first blind man to receive a law degree in North Carolina. Cathey sought the help of Representative James Penland who successfully received funding to start what became the first Rehabilitation Program for the Blind in North Carolina. Judge Cathey additionally participated in the organization of the N.C. Lions Association for the Blind and became the first chairman of the N.C. Commission for the Blind.
  • page 1 Many memories your editorial of March 13th, 1996 in the photo of the Old Rock High School Bldg. brought back many memories and left me with a sinking feeling of nostalgia. We lived in the old Walker house located on the hill near the High School Building. I played as a 5 year old under the big oaks and remember many things that transpired before moving back to the farm on Atoah Creek. I listened my first “talking machine” In the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Mahaffey and took my first ride in a “horseless carriage” driven by and owned by Eller. I understand that sentiment cannot block progress but the look of unexpressed understanding of the importance of history in the educational process is or should be disturbing to the citizens of Graham County. The Stecoah Community is to be commended by the preservation of the Old School Bldg. and putting it to good use in promoting community activities. I taught my first year of school at Stecoah and met and over the years have remained friends with some of the best people I have ever known. I taught my last year in the Old Rock Bldg. and something coached the girl's basketball team winning the conference without defeat. That will be lost in the record as the highest scoring team in the history of Asheville school. page 2 Judge Sam Cathey Clk of N. C. Commission for the Blind 1935 - 1968 Many of the Lions of Dist. 31-A are not aware of the impact his life had in promoting Lionism in N. C. and in building a service program for the Blind of our state unequalled in U.S. Judge Sam was employed by his father on a contract job near Deep Gap N.C, when injured by a dynamite explosion leading to total blindness. At 18 years old Judge entered the State School for the Blind. Four years later he made application to enter the University of N. C. and study law. He broke for the first time the barrier which had prevented Blind people from attending the University. He was the first Blind man to receive a law degree from U.N.C. Judge Sam had difficulty preparing his lesson and reading for class preparation. At that time James Penland, a totally blind man from Clay County, was serving in the N. C. General Assembly. Sam contacted Rep. Penland and suggested that the General Assembly appropriate funds to pay for reader services for Blind students attending college. Rep. Penland was successful in getting a small sum appropriated which in fact was the first Rehabilitation Program for the handicap in N.C. Judge Sam participated in the organization of the N.C. Lions Association for the Blind and became the first chairman of the N.C. Comm. for the Blind, a state agency.

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Highlights from Western Carolina University

Highlights from WCU showcases some of the most unique and interesting items held by Hunter Library’s Special Collections department, the Mountain Heritage Center, and others on...

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