The 8th Annual Massey School and Community Reunion was held on Sat., Oct.  1, at the Massey Volunteer Fire Department. Traveling the longest distances were Jim and Karen Bryant Walker from DeSoto, Kansas and Randy Nesmith from Lugoff, S. C. Others came from Pinson, Birmingham, Athens, Decatur, Cullman, Vinemont, Arab, Falkville, Danville and many from the Massey Community. Those attending enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new ones.

The Massey Reunion was started in 2009 as a gathering of the former students and staff of the three schools that were once in Massey. Old Massey School and Windes School were closed in 1936 when the new Massey School opened. This school operated until 1969. After that the children from the Massey Community attended elementary school in either Danville or Falkville. As interest in the reunion grew, so did the reach of the reunion. Over the year’s photos and memorabilia from the businesses, churches and the three historical markers in Massey have been added to the displays. At one time, some of the businesses in Massey were two general stores, a gin, three barbers, a Massey Ferguson Tractor dealership, a mill, auto/farm equipment repair shop and very early on a post office. The reunion is still for the former students of the Massey schools but now reaches out to all who have lived in Massey, who live here now, or just have an interest in the history of the Massey community.

For the reunion this year, stories from the tornado victims, memories from residents and newspaper articles about the 1932, 1952, 1955 and 1957 tornadoes that hit Massey were added. There were many tragedies from the tornadoes, but also many wonderful stories of the community coming together to help neighbors recover. This quote from the editorial titled “HAIL, THE SPIRIT OF MASSEY” in the April 28, 1955 edition of The Hartselle Enquirer sums up how the people of Massey and the surrounding areas faced these difficult times:

“There is no doubt about it, times of trouble invariably bring out the best that is in man. Perhaps that is one reason why Morgan Countians have long deferred to the people of Massey, Lebanon, Andrews Chapel and thereabouts as a group of the finest, most admirable, they have ever known. Certainly, these people have known more than their share of trial and ordeal.

For the second time in three years — the third time within the present generation — this peaceful, home-loving, progressive countryside has been visited with sudden death and destruction of a tornado. For the second time this writer has trailed in the wake of that devastation; each time we are struck with the remarkable spirit of forbearance and resilience, which these people have displayed.

What is this remarkable spirit of the people of Massey? Well, it is a combination of attitudes so deeply ingrained into their minds as to become a code of living. It is a code of living, which would be well for all America to take notice of.

First, these people have little time to spend in hysterical hand -wringing. Their “dry-eye” outlook certainly does not evidence that they feel misfortune less; it means that they have learned that priceless ability to roll with the punches.

Second, their sympathy and eagerness to help one another. The lesson taught by the Man of Nazareth, that each man is his brother’s keeper, never had better exemplification. Let all of us take note. When there is any cause — be it Red Cross fund raising, blood giving, or something like community improvement, farm bureau enrollment. Just name any community undertaking and Massey community always sets a model of performance.

Third, their generosity, each to his neighbor. It is this spirit which leads these people to help him who is most sorely in need, even though it means temporary neglect of something as important as crop planting.

These people have had help — from nearby rural communities and towns, from the Red Cross, and from others. Much of the help is inspired directly by wonderful spirit of uncomplaining self-help, which is part of the Spirit of Massey.

So, while we may sympathize with these fine people, let us also recognize that they have a deeply ingrained spirit of forbearance and implacable resilience, which is a priceless gem that is bought at a high price.

Let the prophets of moral and physical decay of our American heritage take witness to the Spirit of Massey.  These people of the moral fiber and physical sinew that does not defy the elements, but bends with them and then comes back. Hail the Spirit of Massey!”

The reunion committee is continuing to collect stories and newspaper clippings from the tornadoes to share at the reunion next year on October 7th. They can be sent to Frances Rowe at 306 Evergreen Road, Falkville, AL 35622 or franvrowe@aol.com.

Region 24 of the American Iris Society met at First Baptist Church in Falkville for their annual fall meeting Sat., Sept. 10. The River Valley Iris Society hosted this meeting. New officers were elected t the business meeting, which was followed by a great meal, which was enjoyed by all. The members obtained many new varieties of Iris in attendance. Members came from Mississippi and Alabama from the local Iris societies. Pat Ramey and Vanessa Johnson, officers in the River Valley Iris Society, beautifully decorated the room in a floral theme. All attendees verbalized that they enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the spring meeting.

Cullman Iris and Daylily society meets the third Thursday each month at Cullman County Extension building at 12 noon. For more information, call Don Nelson (RVP), 256-784-5234 or Donnie Douthit, president, at 256-841-2421.

Visiting with Max and Dana Schrimsher recently were her daughters, Julie Norris of Wetumpka and Jill Joiner of Pike Road, Alabama. Also visiting with them were June Graham and June’s granddaughter, Kabri Graham.

The Falkville Public Library Board meeting was Tues., Sept. 20. They discussed plans for the upcoming open house and their 25 years celebration of the library. Jane Hill was appointed interim secretary to the library board. Sen. Arthur Orr presented the library with a check for $1,500.