In years past, there were a number of small communities
throughout our counties. Each as to some extent individual
in nature, but they all had a few things
in common. A school, a store, a cemetery and in most instances a church
characterized these small communities. The schools and churches
were the binding elements
of these communities. When these elements started to disappear the communities
gradually faded away. Such was the case with Baileytown.
Baileytown was located in the north-central section of Dyer County. Today
if you drive to the intersection of Butler Road and Dan Willis Road you will
be in the approximate vicinity of Baileytown School. The old cemetery lies
in an overgrown cow pasture and many of the stones are no longer in existence.
Due to the loss of these small communities we have seen the demise of what
was once the backbone of rural America. I know that changes must come but
these types of changes sadden me.
We would like to thank Larry Walker for providing A PAGE IN TIME with this
1911 photograph of Baileytown School. Mr. Walker is able to identify two
of these students. On the back row, fourth from the left is Elvert N. Walker,
Larry’s father, and the third from the left is Alvie Walker, Larry’s
uncle. We have made cutouts and enlargements of the fi rst two rows with
the hopes that someone might be able to identify these students for Mr. Walker.
If you are able to identify any of these students please write or call us.
 A PAGE IN TIME
P. O. Box 25
Finley, TN 38030
731-285-2671
Apageintime2@aol.com
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