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2 Entries
Dr. Lemuel Patterson
December 16, 2022
As children of teachers, I remember both Mr. George and Hazel Harkness. At Branch Street Elementary School, a school that sat upon a hill across a branch in Abbeville, SC there was a fast furious sleet and snow storm hitting the town circa 1961-62. As teachers, our parents worked bus duties ensuring that all students had left the school prior to the emergency school closing due to weather. Perhaps it was the last day before Winter break like today. With an accumulation of snow and ice it made the roads hazardous for travel. So, our parents decided not to cross the branch due to ice on the bridge and for fear of slipping the cars into the branch. Yet both roads away from the school were dangerous. As each of our cars tried to go up the hill, tires were spinning and bringing each vehicle back to the starting line to try repeatedly. My mom, Essie Strother Patterson was following in the tracks of George Harkness' car. We approached Cambridge Street and a hill challenged each driver's skill even more so. After several attempts, mom pulled the hill and the Harkness vehicle did as well. I was glad we all made it. As an elementary student I did not think of the lessons being shared that day. As a retired educator, now, I see that planning, taking turns to lead, and team work make the dream work. This is one of my most fond memories of being a teacher's child at Branch Street Elementary School and shared success with the Harkness Family.
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Lemuel Patterson
January 8, 2021
We knew each others families as children of teachers in Abbeville SC. Mr. and Mrs. Harkness and my mother Essie Strother Patterson were teaching colleagues. As children of teachers, we bonded thru learning and play. My condolences. Lemuel Patterson
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Dec
22
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Palmer Memorial Chapel - Columbia1200 Fontaine Place P.O. Box 586, Columbia, SC 29202
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Palmer Memorial Chapel - Columbia1200 Fontaine Place P.O. Box 586, Columbia, SC 29202

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