To finish my posts sharing about the town of Arthur, I thought I would invite someone in who really knew the town: my stepmom.  Teeyl was born and raised in the community and so I figured she could probably tell you about it better than I.  So please give a warm southern welcome to my lovely mid-western step-mother, Teeyl.

Growing up in a town with a population of 120 in the 70s and 80s was a unique experience. We lived on a ranch raising cattle, chickens and horses. My dad and brother rodeoed both amature and professionally. My sister rodeoed all through high school and college and my mom taught art and decorated Arthur homes with her student’s artwork for 20 years.  We were fairly self sufficient between the beef and my mom’s enormous garden.

We were always busy, whether we were helping mom or dad or the neighbors or participating in school functions. And when we tried to be sneaky behind our parent’s back, a neighbor always set us straight or informed our folks. This amazing village truly raised ALL children.

My kindergarten through 2nd grade years took place in a single wide trailor with one teacher, Mrs. Sizer. My class consisted of myself and a brilliant girl named Marjorie. She even napped better than me! In those days kindergarten lasted a semester and my parents sent me second semester 5 days a week.

I attended the “big white school house” grades 3 – 8. It was divided in half with grades 3-5 in the south room taught by Mrs. Helmer and grades 6-8 in the north room taught by Mrs. Corfield.

When we reached high school everyone participated in everything no matter your talent level. We simply needed numbers.  Arthur County H.S. had football/volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and track in the spring. After sports practice we all were involved in theatrical plays and during the school day we all participated in choir and band.

I graduated with 10 other classmates and we have all moved on to be successful in our own realms because this little village wouldn’t accept anything less.

Even though I would never move back to this small town because I’m too accustomed to the big city comforts, I am very proud to say I grew up in Arthur, Nebraska!