Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

The 9th annual Massey School and Community Reunion was held Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the Massey Volunteer Fire Department.

The reunion was first held in October 2009 as a gathering of former students and staff at the Massey Elementary School, which closed in 1969. As plans for that reunion progressed, it was decided to include students and teachers at the earlier schools in Massey – Windes School and Old Massey.

What started as a simple gathering grew to a collection and display of local history complete with stories, photos and memorabilia.

One of the head organizers of the event, Francis Rowe, said they had yet again another successful Massey Reunion this year.

“It is always so good to have this gathering of people who care about the community and appreciate the history that we share,” Rowe said. “Some have lived here for years, some grew up in the community but moved away for careers and family, and some are new to the community and wish to learn more of the history of Massey. As one person said, ‘the reunion feels exactly like close-knit family time.’ I think many of us feel that way.”

Rowe said this year the Friendship Quilt made by Thursey Inman Penn’s family and friends in 1934 was displayed and drew much attention. It recently came “home” to Massey after being purchased at a yard sale in Lawrence County by Angie Posey. Many reunion attendees were able to examine the quilt and find a square that a family member had created.

Posey bought the quilt at a yard sale in Lawrence County just because she liked it and thought the names of a Hogan family stitched in might have a connection to the Danville area. Posey stopped at her mother’s on the way home, and her mother recognized that the quilt featured many names of families in the Massey Community.

Angie took the quilt to Massey residents Don and Charlotte Morris. They confirmed that it did indeed contain many names they recognized.

After some detective work on the part of several people, the story of the quilt has been confirmed. One of the oldest Massey residents, Hattie Mae Stover Hardin, had pieced and embroidered two of the blocks on the quilt when she was 13 years old. When she saw the quilt, she remembered the dress material she used and that it was given to her by Robert (Rosella) Bailey. Hardin was able to fill in many of the mysteries of the quilt. She remembered when they all met at Thursey Penn’s home to give their completed squares to her. Evidently Penn had a party that day, based on some of the antics of Vera Dobbs and Ruby Morris (Summerford) that Hardin remembered.

The quilt was on display at the reunion this year along with photos of people who stitched the squares.

During the years since the reunion began, the historical collections displayed at the reunion have grown as different parts of the history of Massey have been emphasized – the churches, the businesses and the three historical markers. Last year there was a concerted effort to collect stories and photos of the tornadoes of 1932, 1952, 1955 and 1983 that caused much damage to the community. In hearing these accounts of those days, it became so apparent that the “Spirit of Massey” was ever strong, as it was such a spirit quickened the recovery, with neighbors and strangers helping each other.

Though the reunion started for former students and staff, everyone was invited. It was, according to many, a wonderful time to visit with friends, make connections with other families, learn about the history of the community and make new friends.