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[Identification of item], Pearl Day Bach papers, 1891-1966, 68M103, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington
The community of Hazel Green, located in Wolfe County, Kentucky, was founded around 1850 by J. Taylor Day, Greenberry Swango, and W.O. Mize. In 1880, these founders established the Hazel Green Academy through an initial contribution of $500 each. The school was noted as being one of the first junior colleges in the mountains and of which many of eastern Kentucky's most noted citizens attended. In order to ensure that local needs were met, enrollment was limited to eastern Kentucky children with no more than 10% of outside attendance allowed. At one time, the Academy held the distinction of having the highest percentage of graduates who enter college, as well as the lowest withdrawal rate, of any other accredited school in Kentucky.
Supported by the United Christian Missionary Society of Indianapolis, Ind., Hazel Green Academy emphasized many extra curricular activities including 4-H work, conservation clubs, sports, folk games, music and drama. Academic departments were maintained for music, industrial arts, crafts, and home economics. The Annual Homecoming of former students, faculty, and friends was generally noted as the largest gathering of its kind in the eastern Kentucky region.
Mrs. Pearl (Day) Bach (1887-1968), historian of the Former Students Association of Hazel Green Academy, was born in Hazel Green and graduated from the Academy in 1905. Mrs. Bach was active in numerous organizations, committees, and causes, including membership in the Eastern Star, the United Daughters of Confederacy, President of the Crippled Children's Board of Good Samaritan Hospital, on Advisory Committee of the "Dessie Scott Children's Home" in Wolfe County, charter member and organizer of the "Kentucky Mountain Club" of Lexington, Kentucky, and chairman of the Sick and Hospital Committee from 1945 to 1958. Foremost, she is noted as being an active Kentucky genealogist and clubwoman. Her dedication was responsible for coordinating the activities of the Former Students Association of Hazel Green Academy, serving as president in 1951-1952, and acting as the historian of the association during most of its existence (beginning in 1940).
These papers deal primarily with the activities of the Former Students Association of Hazel Green Academy at Hazel Green, Kentucky. Materials include correspondence representing almost half the collection; historical and biographical sketches of the Academy, the Association, and alumni of the Academy; lists and records of the Association, including memorials, member and alumni lists, records of meetings, committee reports, and financial statements; photographs of the academy and of former students during their academy years; and data on the Kentucky Mountain Club. Also present are clippings on the Academy and the Association.
Volumes relating to the Hazel Green Academy which can be found in the University of Kentucky Special Collections Library include:
This section provides historical background on the town of Hazel Green and the Hazel Green Academy. Biographical sketches of HGA alumni are included here, but can also be found in the correspondence.
The school newsletters: "Hazel Green Academy News Items". "List of Needs at Hazel Green Academy". News from former students. Form newsletters from the Former Students Association of Hazel Green.
Includes an HGA calendar, flyer, brochures, and graduation announcements.
Includes information regarding donations, gifts, scholarships, dues payments, membership rosters, lists of HGA graduates by year, etc.
Includes lists of deaths compiled by Pearl Day Bach and arranged by year.
Folders 6-12 contain original copies of entire sections of newspapers. Photocopies of these have been made for patron use and are filed chronologically with the rest of the newspaper clippings.
Arranged chronologically, most of the correspondence concerns matters of the HGA Former Students Association. Each folder contains letters regarding annual Homecoming arrangements, dates and locations of FSA board meetings, dues payments, and scholarship contributions. There is much communication with HGA alumni, including biographical sketches, reflections on time spent at Hazel Green, and news of illnesses and deaths. Personal notes are also present throughout the correpondence. Where present, specific points of interest have been noted for each folder.
Death of Pearl's Mother. Genealogy research. Funding for hospital on HGA properties. Donation of the
Loss of the Hazel Green Christian Church to fire. The Kentucky Mountain Club. FSA membership campaign to have at least 500 members by the next homecoming. Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) marking of a Revolutionary Soldier's grave. Lists of graduates for 1950-51. Winner of the Declamatory Contest in 1905. Certificates, not diplomas given before 1895. "My favorite Hollywood Pinup Girl" postcard.
Plans for the 50th anniverary of the class of 1902.
"Patriotic Education, Inc." brochure.
Book preparations.
Student biographies and various accounts to be included in Bach's book going to press. Nancy Ringo Student Loan Fund. Myrtle Rion Loan Fund.
The purchase of a Silver Tea Service and presentation in honor of 25 years of service and 25th wedding anniversary of the Stovalls (1928-1953). Membership in the "Daughters of the American Revolution". United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The Nancy Ringo Student Loan Fund. Working with the "Daughters of the American Revolution". Presentation of Professor Cord's portrait. Account of the Homecoming Pageant. Presentation of the new Christian Church of Hazel Green. The Wolfe County Woman's Club.
Presentation of a Scholaship Fund to Jerry Ringo. "Histories of Wolfe County, Kentucky." The Huguenot Society of Kentucky. Order for three historical markers from The Pan American Bronze Company. "Who's Who of American Women (1959)".
Unveiling and dedication of four bronze historical markers (August 13, 1961). The Ed Robinson Fund. "Who's Who in the South and Southwest". Swango reunion. Seventy-fifth aniversary article. Life Memberships to the Former Students Association.
Included here are materials belonging to Mrs. Bach which have little or no relevance to Hazel Green Academy.
Includes calendars, keepsakes, etc.