By Amy Schumacher
William J. Hair grew up in the White Oak community with a father that taught him the value of hard work. Hair’s father worked on the project to construct the first bridge that brought White Oak and neighboring communities into connection with the growing town of Elizabethtown.
Hair, along with two brothers and three sisters grew up in a time when purchases were bartered for and traveling to school was a journey made on mule drawn carriages. Purchases of land and homes were made with simple agreements, often not involving a bank or interest to be paid but a partnership between the buyer and the seller where profits were shared, according to Hair.
Hair was educated in a two room school house by one of his sisters. He learned along side his neighbors with one teacher educating grades 1st through 6th. At the time schools were located in each rural community.
Education ended for the majority at the 6th grade but a few exceptional people had the advantage of attending what was referred to as “Academy” which allowed students to continue their education and to graduate having completed a total of 12 grades. Hair said, at the time, teacher certifications were achieved after one year at a University and completing follow up courses over the summer months. Today, a teaching degree takes four years or more to complete.
Hair joined the US Navy as soon as he was able and the government was offering sufficient incentives and over the next few years he trained and traveled. Upon returning home, he chose to attend NC State University paid for by the GI Bill but found that he could not attend due to limited housing. A friend suggested Louisburg College and upon meeting with the Registrar for the college William found that he was given many additional credits toward his degree for his travels with the Navy. “Had the conversation lasted a few more minutes I would have graduated with my degree without ever attending a day at college,” said William.
Hair raised his family — two sons and a daughter — in Elizabethtown after his father purchased their family’s land there.
Hair also spent many years serving as Superintendent of Bladen County Schools. During his time as Superintendent he was engaged in the struggles of education such as desegregation. He has continued to look on as many changes have taken place in the educational system over the years. When asked about what he felt was the most beneficial change he had seen over the years William said, “The consolidation of the high schools, that was a good move.”
Hair wanted to leave a piece of advice for the children growing up in Bladen County. He said his advice for our future generations is this: “When you make a decision always take time to consider what your Mama would want you to do, your Mama will always have your best interest in mind.”
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