Multiple Perspectives
Different groups thought of Stewart's work in different ways. The press, for example, supported her. With their help, she was able to send out announcements and advertisements for volunteers. As stated by historian Willie Nelms, "Moonlight Schools benefited greatly from the general press, especially newspapers, because they were the main method of communication and Stewart was a master of using this to gain advantages for the program. On a more practical level, newspapers supported literacy because if more people are literate, then more people will buy newspapers." The links below will show examples of the positive press enjoyed by Cora Wilson Stewart.
Click image to enlarge and view the August 26, 1914 The Richmond Climax article entitled "Call for Volunteers"
Click image to enlarge and view the March 2, 1915 The Public Ledger article entitled "Mrs. Stewart's Recognition"
Women's clubs were another one of Stewart's supporters. The clubs were known across the country for championing issues such as women's rights and education. The Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs (KFWC) was the most widespread group that helped Stewart. In 1915, they promoted Stewart's cause with the slogan, "No illiteracy after 1920" and each member was instructed to teach one illiterate. The clubs also donated and raised large amounts of money. After all was said and done, the clubs had raised $34,000 for Stewart's cause. (Baldwin, page 59)
On the other hand, many people in higher education thought that adults could simply not be taught to read. They believed that a mind had to be young and impressionable to be taught effectively. Also, some thought that advertisement of the Moonlight Schools would make Kentucky look weak in education and that we would be looked down upon by other states. Finally, Moonlight School volunteers also played a role in the decline of the adult illiteracy movement in Kentucky. Initially enthusiastic, as time went on some of them dropped out of the exhausting schedule. In the words of Dr. Yvonne Honeycutt Baldwin, "Certainly this was at the heart of the issue among various reformers of her day. She believed volunteerism was critical; those who wanted to "professionalize" education thought not. Then as now, volunteers are good in the short term, but longevity can and does weaken commitment."
On the other hand, many people in higher education thought that adults could simply not be taught to read. They believed that a mind had to be young and impressionable to be taught effectively. Also, some thought that advertisement of the Moonlight Schools would make Kentucky look weak in education and that we would be looked down upon by other states. Finally, Moonlight School volunteers also played a role in the decline of the adult illiteracy movement in Kentucky. Initially enthusiastic, as time went on some of them dropped out of the exhausting schedule. In the words of Dr. Yvonne Honeycutt Baldwin, "Certainly this was at the heart of the issue among various reformers of her day. She believed volunteerism was critical; those who wanted to "professionalize" education thought not. Then as now, volunteers are good in the short term, but longevity can and does weaken commitment."
Play audio clip to hear Mary Alice Jayne's recollection of a Kentucky college professor's negative response to a speech made by Cora Wilson Stewart.
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- Audio courtesy of the Cora Wilson Stewart Oral History Project at the University of Kentucky Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History. www.kentuckyoralhistory.org
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