(From the Abstract of the Census, 1910, page 247.)

To wait for a generation of illiterate men, women, and children to die is a slow and painful process. That there is a shorter way to the reduction and elimination of illiteracy has been proven by some European States, and sporadic efforts in this country indicate that there is a better way here, to wit: To teach these grown-ups, in schools organized especially for them, to read and write, and possibly something more.

One of the most notable recent attempts to do this is that begun in September, 1911, by Mrs. Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of schools in Rowan County, Ky., and her associates.

Having studied carefully the conditions of the county, Mrs. Stewart decided to open night schools for adults on moonlight nights in the public schoolhouses of the county. She outlined her plan to the teachers and called for volunteers. All the teachers of the county responded. On Labor Day, September 4, 1911, these teachers visited the homes of the people throughout the county, explained the plan, and announced that moonlight schools would be opened the next evening. It was expected that the response would be slow, but more than 1,200 men and women from 18 to 86 years old were enrolled the first evening. They came trooping over the hills and out of the hollows, some to add to the meager education received in the inadequate schools of their childhood, some to receive their first lessons in reading and writing. Among these were not only illiterate farmers and their illiterate wives, sons, and daughters, but also illiterate merchants or "storekeepers," illiterate ministers, and illiterate lumbermen. Mothers, bent with age, came that they might learn to read letters from absent sons and daughters, and that they might learn for the first time to write to them.

Almost one-third of the population of the county was enrolled. Says Mrs. Stewart:

They had all the excuses and all the barriers which any people might offer-high hills, bridgeless streams, rugged roads, weariness from the day's hard toil, the shame of beginning study late in life, and all the others; but they were not seeking excuses—— they were sincerely and earnestly seeking knowledge. Their interests, their zeal, and their enthusiasm were wonderful to witness. It was truly an inspiring sight to see these aged pupils bending over the desks which their children and grandchildren had occupied during the day. Their delight in learning and their pride in their achievements exceeded any joy that I have ever witnessed.

In some instances, where shyness prevented some of the adults. from attending at first, lessons were given in their homes until they could read and write a little. They were then willing and eager to enroll in the night schools.

In September, 1912, a "moonlight school" teachers' institute was held in Morehead, Ky.; and the superintendent and teachers who had