Enough has been written about Kate Bailey’s accomplishments and long teaching career in Breckenridge. This is about my impressions and relationship with her.
I learned early that the name Bailey was respected, if not revered, in Breckenridge. My birthday is in mid-September. My Dad consulted John Bailey regarding enrolling me in first grade at age 5 years, 11 ½ months. Mr. Bailey told him that I would “do better” by having an extra year of maturity. His advice was followed without any further questions.
I knew Mrs. Bailey taught senior English and that a passing grade was required in order to graduate. My older sister graduated before I was born. I knew that she had been a good student and got along well with Mrs. Bailey. I have no doubt that Mrs. Bailey gave her guidance in applying for a scholarship to John Tarleton and going to college. My brother entered her class five years later. He complained mildly that Mrs. Bailey expected him to perform as well as our older sister. He was not as studious or committed as our sister, but he got along well with Mrs. Bailey. Some of his classmates did not and felt she was too strict.
Mrs. Bailey ruled her class with an iron hand and fear. When my husband entered her class on the first day of school in 1949, she immediately seated the students alphabetically. This put him in the last row. She walked around the class, pointed to his row, and said, “Get your books, leave, and don’t come back.” He thought she was pointing at him. He was stunned. While he hesitated before reaching for his books, the boy in front of him got his books and left.
By the time my class became seniors, John Bailey had suffered a heart attack. This seemed to mellow Mrs. Bailey. She had a substitute part of that year in order to care for him. It was a rough year for her and for me. She was dealing with her husband’s failing health, and I was dealing with the terminal illness and death of my mother. No one was kinder to me that year than Kate Bailey.
There was a large room used for a study hall in Breckenridge High School. There was a raised platform in the center of the west wall for the teacher’s desk. This allowed the teacher a view of the entire room. I was scheduled for study hall the last period of the school day, and Kate Bailey was the teacher in charge. I immediately became her student assistant. I checked attendance and posted the absentees in the proper place. If she had any errands, I was given instructions and dispatched. She often appeared tired, and my young legs afforded her the opportunity to remain seated. I gradually assumed more tasks. A student desk was often on the platform. I would frequently be given an answer key to help grade papers. Eventually, I even had access to her grade book. This was after a discussion on confidentiality. I was very careful when recording grades and double checked them. I never divulged any of them. I am not sure any of my friends realized that I had that duty. I had an answer ready if anyone ever asked their grade before papers were returned or report cards issued. I was going to say, “I don’t remember.” No one ever asked.
Graduation time arrived. On the eventful evening, our class assembled and was ready to line up when instructed. The faculty was in front of us. I became aware that some of those closest to me were glancing from me to Mrs. Bailey. Then Mrs. Bailey left the front and started in our direction. My friends displayed broad smiles and parted. I looked around and started to step back also. Mrs. Bailey came to a stop directly in front of me. I noticed that she had a small gift wrapped box in her hand. It is an understatement to say that I was surprised when she handed it to me. My friends began to whisper, “Open it.” Inside was a sterling silver lemon fork. Kate Bailey was beaming as were those around me. I learned that they were in on the secret. Mrs. Bailey had carefully explained to them that I had earned the gift for helping her. She wanted to be sure that they did not think she was “playing favorites.”
It is a special treasure.
Note: Both Kate and John Bailey are included in the blog entitled, “Senior Trips,” posted June 17. 2015.