CROSSVILLE —
Franklin and Betty Parker of Pleasant Hill have been and are still extensive researchers and prolific writers. As teachers, librarians, researchers, professors, writers, editors, their combined careers led them to venues around the world and back again. Musing on this journey, they state, “After almost 18 years here, we realize that settling in Pleasant Hill brought us back to the area where we met and received our higher education, a wonderful homecoming. We are four-driving hours from Berea College, Berea, KY, where we met in 1946 (married 1950) and a two-hour drive from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, where we attended graduate school. Those colleges made possible all the opportunities we have enjoyed throughout our lives together.”
Their latest joint venture was their 17th yearly dialogue for the Pleasant Hill Book Review Group, which explored the life and influence of Eleanor Roosevelt following last year’s presentation on Franklin Roosevelt. They wanted to show Eleanor’s accomplishments and influence on FDR. Betty took on the persona of Eleanor as Frank fed her probing questions. Their popularity and acknowledged astuteness were reflected in the largest audience the Review group has ever had. Some of the books they have reviewed in this way were Thomas (Tip) O'Neill, Man of the House; Myles Horton; Abraham Flexner, Karen Armstrong; Arthur Miller, Timebends; Stephen Hawking, A History of Time; The Kennedys; and Albert Einstein (based on biography by Walter Isaacson). In 1991, they presented a dialogue on "Eric Hoffer, the longshoreman philosopher" for the Southwest Philosophy of Education Society in Texas.
Frank wrote and Betty edited his doctoral dissertation on George Peabody in 1956, which was defended, accepted, and later published by Vanderbilt University Press as George Peabody, a Biography, 1971. In 1995 on the 200th anniversary of George Peabody’s birth, Frank’s updated version was republished with 12 illustrations. Their fascination with the largely forgotten founder of modern educational philanthropy, George Peabody, took them to London, changed their lives, and led them to 27 trips abroad.
Betty earned the Berea B.A. degree in 1950, and a M.A. degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in 1956. She taught high school and college English, reading and social studies; was secretary to two college presidents; served on regional and local executive boards of the American Friends Service Committee, League of Women Voters, and United Methodist Women.
A competitive Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society) Fellowship in International Education took them to Africa for eight months during 1957-58. The British south central African colonies of Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (later Malawi) had formed a multiracial federation. Frank's small book about their 1957-58 experience, African Development and Education in Southern Rhodesia, Ohio State University Press, 1960, led to Frank's being asked to contribute articles about Africa to encyclopedia yearbooks: Americana, World Book, Collier's, others, for over a decade. Frank emphasized more and more international education during his 40 years of teaching at the Universities of Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Northern Arizona and Western Carolina. He felt that teachers with intercultural-international understanding could help new student generations build a more peaceful world. s longtime editor of the Comparative and International Education Society Newsletter, Frank learned of and publicized low-cost travel and international study opportunities for students and teachers.
To access 30+ of their recent articles in blog form, go to http://bfparker.hubpages.com/hubs/hot. Do a Google search for Franklin and Betty J. Parker, TN and you will find numerous links to articles about them or written by them. Their list of publications would take many more columns. At ages 82 and 90, the Parkers, participate and lead exercise classes, swim at least 6 times a week, walk all over Pleasant Hill, are the neighborhood confidantes and “go to” people for information and caring concern. Frank recently has become a percussionist with the Pleasant Hill Ensemble, although he cannot read a note of music. They laugh about an incident which happened in early Nov. 2007: “A local, often seeing us walking arm in arm, picnic lunch bags in hand, shouted from his parked pickup: ‘Grandpa, are you holding her up, or is she holding you up?’ ‘We lean on each other’, Frank replied with a grin. Betty added: ‘If one falls, we both fall.’ Sixty-one years of a good idea.”
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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Franklin and Betty Parker (as Eleanor) present their latest dialogue about Eleanor Roosevelt for the Pleasant Hill Book Review Group.
Mrs. Roosevelt pays a visit to Pleasant Hill
- Lifestyles
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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Pow-wow set for May 18-19
Everyone is invited to come attend the educational and cultural event, Pow-Wow on the Plateau "Honoring All Survivors" on May 18 and 19 at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. There will be many Indian tribes and dance styles represented. Bert Cox will be the master of ceremonies.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Therapy gym opens at Uplands
Functional Pathways, Inc. is the Uplands Village therapy provider for physical, occupational and speech therapy. A new therapy gym has been established in the renovated Apartment 4 at 23 Heritage Loop next door to the new home health care office and respite rooms. The Village and Fletcher residents will receive their therapy in the gym. Wharton Homes residents will have therapy in the Wharton therapy rooms.
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FAIR PARK: Crossville’s Got Talent is this Friday
Crossville really has so much talent in this area. Some is home grown, and others have decided to enjoy retiring in the county. The Fair Park Senior Center recently held auditions for the third annual Crossville’s Got Talent Show, and everyone who tried out did a great job, but the show is very limited to only two hours. So not all the people who tried out got to be in the show.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Pruning pines
The time for spring pruning of pines is right now while new growth (commonly called "candles") is still pale green and flexible. Waiting until later in the season or using tools like hand-held or long-handled pruners doesn’t give good results.
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