Parkin in Cross County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Struggle for Education

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

1. Struggle for Education Marker

Inscription. Rural education in the Delta was no easy task for students or teachers. There were many obstacles to overcome, such as weather, walking distances, and family responsibilities. Plus, being an African-American school, students and teachers were often given used, worn, and substandard materials. This made getting an education and graduating difficult.

Times were tough, but things worsened during the Flood of 1927 and the Great Depression that soon followed. In spite of these hardships, the school was rewarded with a new cook stove in 1936, and the Parent-Teacher Association worked with the Works Progress Administration to provide a hot lunch program, making it possible for many underprivileged children of Sawdust Hill to grow into healthy and productive citizens.

[Caption] Children in the Delta outside Parkin, Arkansas, ca. 1915. Photo courtesy Library of Congress

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 35° 16.788′ N, 90° 33.475′ W. Marker is in Parkin, Arkansas, in Cross County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 184, 0.6 miles north of U.S. 64, on the left when traveling north. Marker is at Northern Ohio School

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in Parkin Archeological State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Hwy 184, Parkin AR 72373, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Northern Ohio School (here, next to this marker); Student Life (here, next to this marker); River, Rail, and Timber Bring Sawmills to Parkin (here, next to this marker); Timber Shaped the Delta (here, next to this marker); The Sawdust Hill Community is Born (here, next to this marker); A Hidden School Discovered (here, next to this marker); Conducting the Research (here, next to this marker); Class Is In Session (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkin.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

2. Struggle for Education Marker

Featured marker is center on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.