A School Man of the Ozarks Being an Autobiography of William Erwin Halbrook

It's hard to imagine a time when American schools lacked essential basics like paper, desks and qualified teachers. Well into the 20th century, however, Arkansas continued to offer its students sporadic education in crowded, inadequate conditions -- something William Halbrook was determined to change. Born in the Ozarks in 1878, Halbrook grew up during a time when self-reliance was key. From early boyhood, Halbrook - the eldest of a hard-working farming family - was accustomed to taking care of his five younger brothers and making the most of himself. After finishing his education at the local one-room school, Halbrook sought to teach school himself. It was then that Halbrook's eyes were opened to just how much Arkansas schools were lacking. Poor roads, poverty, inadequately-educated teachers and residents' fear of "furriners" were just a few of the obstacles faced. After teaching 25 classes a day at a local school, Halbrook secured a full scholarship at the two-year Peabody Normal School in Nashville, where he began to learn how he could best help improve local standards . In addition to curriculum, Halbrook also understood the importance of building a sense of community among students . Growing up, he and his neighbors spent countless hours singing, debating, swimming and playing baseball -- developing a sense of camaraderie missing in so many students he encountered during his adulthood. Much of the high quality opportunities seen in today's Arkansas school system is due to the ideas and work of Halbrook, described in this warm and informative autobiography. - Joanna Mechlinski, New Britain, CT