Memories from the Homestead: Another well-loved school teacher, Miss Dulcie Gooding

Thanks everyone for the comments regarding several of the Garber area school teachers that I've recently discussed. Last week was my 150th “Memories from the Homestead” segment here in the Branson Globe! Thanks, Rob and to all the staff, for the opportunity! And now, I bring you number 151.

Dulcie Gooding (Photo courtesy of Julie Taylor)

Today I'd like to remember Miss Dulcie Gooding here at Garber, originally from Crane, who has a connection to my family that needs to be shared. Dulcie's husband, Elmer T. Gold (they married on May 8, 1915), is a nephew to my great grandmother Jane Gold Crumbliss (1884-1958). Elmer's dad, Andy Gold, and my great grandmother Jane were brother and sister, fourteen years apart in age. By the way, a big hello to all my Gold relatives reading this!

Now that I have that straightened out, let's get back to Dulcie. Born in Stone County on May 14, 1894, Dulcie Alice Gooding was the daughter of Basley and Laura (Brown) Gooding, and was one of nine children that made it to adulthood. Living near Crane, Dulcie and her siblings did their schooling there, and in September 1912, Dulcie was one of three teachers at the Crane School.  She was eighteen. 

Dulcie had attended the summer 1914 term at the Springfield Normal School which soon became the Missouri State Normal School. Dulcie would accept the teaching position at Garber and began her term in September 1914, completing the school year in May 1915. While teaching here, she stayed with the H.A. Wilson family who lived on Roark. There are a few newspaper references to Elmer Gold, who was teaching at Hurley, and after the school session wrapped up, Elmer and Dulcie rushed to Marshfield in Webster County, and were married there May 8, 1915.

Dulcie's term that wrapped at Garber was remembered as being quite successful. She had five students in the eighth grade class. This is believed to be the first ever graduating eighth grade class at that time.

She returned for her next Garber term on September 6, 1915. This time, some improvements had been made, where the old desks had been retired and replaced with tables and chairs. 

Dulcie's students at Garber school, 1914-15.  My Uncle Elmer Jones is at the far right, beneath the window. (Photo courtesy of Mark Jones)

Elmer and Dulcie would not remain in teaching for very long. Elmer taught at Hurley through 1917. He turned to farming in the Hurley area and started a family. A total of twelve children were born to Elmer and Dulcie from 1916 through 1937. They would have seven sons and five daughters. Their son Max, born in 1928, lived to age 90 when he passed near Peoria, Illinois, in December 2018.

Remaining lifetime Stone County residents, Dulcie was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after a two-year illness on December 9, 1965 at the age of 71. Elmer remained active in farming until his health declined; he passed on February 11, 1982 at the age of 87. They are laid to rest in the Crane Community Cemetery. 

It's folks like these who were remembered for their hard work, raising a wonderful, large family, but also shared a love for providing educational opportunities for so many in our rural country schools.  

Happy trails, everyone!