About Clara B. Farlow

Clara Barton Farlow was born April 1, 1900 near the town of High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina. Her parents were Enoch Edgar Farlow and Fannie Maria Reich. She graduated from Jamestown High School, Guilford County, North Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Guilford College in 1921. She was employed by the Guilford County School system for 23 years, beginning at Bessemer High School in 1921. In 1923, she relocated to McLeansville High School, where she taught until 1928. She moved to Guilford High School in 1929. She remained at Guilford until her retirement from teaching in 1944.

While teaching at Guilford High School, she quickly earned a reputation for showing concern and personal interest in the lives of her students. She became the favorite ‘confidante’ for many students and was always willing to listen to their problems and offer whatever assistance she could.

The first published yearbook at Guilford High School—School Daze—was jointly dedicated to Clara and school principal, C.R. Bird. The yearbook was published in 1942. The dedication read, “To the two whose faithful, whole-hearted and efficient work in devoted services to the class of 1942 for the past four years has played an important part in its success, and whose interests in the students have helped to promote better citizenship in our school, we do hereby, with deepest appreciation and gratitude, dedicate the School Daze.”

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Clara began writing letters to former students who had entered the armed forces. She felt it was important for the local community to ‘stay in touch’ with those serving in the military, and equally important to keep former students up to date about hometown happenings.

Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, her letter-writing efforts intensified. Enlistments and the miliary draft resulted in more and more students and friends leaving for military service. She soon was writing to more than 250 students, friends and relatives. She sent Christmas and Easter cards, candy and chewing gum, and answered hundreds of letters about families, girlfriends and schoolmates. A frequent request made to her was for school transcripts necessary for military placements and school opportunities. Apparently, Clara was the one person who could be trusted to do the job willingly and thoroughly.

By the end of the War—and for years afterward—she was still writing letters to those who had not returned home. She saved more than 600 letters sent to her by students, friends and relatives. She probably wrote three-to-four times that number herself. Not all students were prolific writers, but she never waivered in writing to everyone, whether or not they answered.

It is clear from the dozens of messages in these letters and cards—thanking Clara for her unselfish and tireless letter-writing—that she was held in very high regard and their appreciation was heartfelt.

— Charles Hunt Farlow