Picture of the Day - June 6, 2009

Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse

Photo courtesy of Gordon Brugman.             (Click on the photo for a larger view) In today's world we are blessed to enjoy a number of modern conveniences that most of us would surely miss if they were taken away, but nonetheless there is a lot to be said for the simpler lives people lived in times past. Here is photographer Gordon Brugman to tell us about today's picture, a very moving image that really brings home the way our ancestors lived "back in the old days": "The Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a glimpse into another, simpler time. One can almost hear the ghostly laughter of the early settlers' children as you look at the crude wooden benches where they sat as they learned the "3 R's" of Readin', 'Riting and 'Rithmetic. At the turn of the century the children of the surrounding mountains would walk up to 9 miles each day to attend the one room log schoolhouse. Several grades shared the single classroom, all taught by one devoted teacher. Older children would help their younger classmates with their lessons. Today, park visitors and their children marvel at what they consider the primitive conditions faced by early students. But there is some- thing to be said for the camaraderie and community spirit that this simple way of learning encouraged, a lesson today's large and impersonal schools often seem to have forgotten."       --Gordon Brugman The camera and settings used to capture this image: Camera: Nikon D40 Focal length: 18mm Shutter speed: 1.8 seconds Aperture: f/11 ISO: 200   Visitor Comments... Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA The good old days? Wonderful photo.     Name: Sam Tilmon Town: Lawton, OK One room school...yes Ms. Helton, those were indeed the good old days in a great many ways.     Name: Steve Lambert Town: Halifax, Nova Scotia Superb shot! I love the dark ambiance that is so reminiscent of the time before electric lights.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Excellent photo Gordon!! The composition and exposure are just tops!! It sure reminds me of a much simpler time!! It also reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. I really like it.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"