Hornbine School Museum

Last month, this writer discussed how the original Hornbine School Association would hold events at the school during the cold months of the year. They would use the wood burning stove to warm the building. In the early 70s, there were a number of local residents from the Hornbine Neighborhood who were involved in the Hornbine School Association.

This month’s picture shows Florence Pierce at one such event in December of 1971. She was a devoted member of the Hornbine Baptist Church which is a cross the street from the school. (The Hornbine Baptist Church is now owned by the Holy Cross Catholic Church) The following are some memories that MaryLou Jones, the daughter of Frances Magan Jones, has of Florence and the church:

“She was a very straight forward lady - prim and proper. She was a good singer and played the organ well. I remember the Christmas programs well. Old fashioned and it was a close - knit family group at the Hornbine Church. I attended the Bible School. I think it was in August for a week. Florence was there to open and close the church and she’d play the organ. I remember when my grandmother took me to the church and the ladies were discussing who would do what and how for the clam bake. I was sitting in the pew at the Church swinging my short legs back and forth and Florence whispered to my grandmother to tell me to stop. I also listened to the ladies gossip too.”

Over the years, there have been many volunteers like Florence who have devoted much time and effort to the Hornbine School. We recently lost two “old time” members - Pat Cleaveland and Sue Withers. I’ll write about them and their contributions in a future Rehoboth Reporter article.