Childhood memories from multiple generations will be front and center as alumni and teachers of the former J. Minnie Smith Elementary School gather Oct. 16 for an all-school reunion and lunch.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church, 549 S. C St. Parents of former students and anyone with a connection to the school also are welcome.
Author and reunion organizer Betty Frizzell will have copies of her newly published book, “If You Can’t Quit Cryin’, You Can’t Come Here No More,” available for sale for $16, and will be autographing them.
The book draws from her family’s real-life experiences and the poverty and circumstances that produced murder and other crimes in every generation, including her own.
“This book was inspired by the events of my life because growing up on the East Side granted me the strength to endure,” said Frizzell, formerly Betty Pickard.
Organized every other year, the reunion celebrates the colorful history and people of the city’s East Side and its iconic school, established in 1897 as the East Ward School, said co-organizer Dolores Shearon.
“JMS educated several generations of kids in many families and was the one institution that tied our neighborhood together for decades,” she said. “The teachers and parents were devoted to nurturing the potential of every student who wanted to make something of themselves and grow up to be a good citizen.
“By having these reunions, we continue to remember and celebrate that bond.”
Destroyed by the May 9, 1927, tornado, the school was rebuilt and named for its beloved principal and teacher, “Miss Minnie” Smith, who spent her 43-year career on its staff.
A newspaper article from November 1927 reads: “The new building will bear the name of ‘Minnie Smith school’ in honor of the principal who has for so long guided the interests of the East Side school. This came in response to a very general request from East Side patrons asking that it be named after Miss Minnie Smith.”
The Poplar Bluff School District decided to close the school’s doors in 1987. What children and teachers referred to as the “big building” was demolished, but former students recall their school years fondly and continue to take pride in the education and upbringing they received, Shearon said.
Barbecue will be provided at the luncheon. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish, dessert or beverages. Mask wearing is encouraged, but not required.
Facebook users are invited to join the group’s page to keep up with reunions and other interesting posts. For more information, email dmshearon@gmail.com or tay2500@hotmail.com, or call 573-207-9460.