Butch Says, “Thank you, Mrs. Surface!”

Ask any former student to recollect their experiences in music and art at Darlington School, and they will undoubtedly mention the name of a teacher…Reggie Daniels Surface. During our school’s 57-year existence, Mrs. Surface was in charge of the music and art departments for 35 of those years! In fact, she taught at DHS more years than any other teacher, and she had a profound impact on the lives of her students.

Teaching music and art appreciation in a rural, smalltown school can be quite a challenge, but Mrs. Surface was determined to bring some culture into the lives of every student. While many teachers can retire to the quietness of their home after the school day ends, Reggie devoted countless hours to her students and various organizations after school hours. The Sunshine Society, the boys’ and girls’ glee clubs, choralaires, class plays, musical concerts, operettas, Jabberwock, church choir practice, and numerous other activities took up what little time Reggie had to herself. Mrs. Surface devoted her life to her students.

Mrs. Surface was never a strict disciplinarian, but she always expected students to put forth the effort to succeed, even if they did not possess the musical or artistic talent that God had given her. She was always there to help and encourage all of her pupils. A few students, particularly the boys, would sometimes try her patience. But, as so many students pointed out, when the chips were down, and the big musical or play was presented to the public, they would always come through with flying colors. Always dressed as the lady she was, Reggie served as a role model for the girls, and she often reminded the boys and girls that they must act like ladies and gentlemen. She stressed manners and set a high standard for those she guided. Here are a few comments from her former students:

“I loved music, and Mrs. Surface knew how to get the most out of us. She was always nice to us and made us feel as though we were part of her life.”

“To know Reggie was to love her. She not only recognized talent and encouraged it in the field of music, she made art classes interesting and educational.”

“She gave so much of herself to the pupils, community, and church, and she found ways to bring out the talents of students.”

“Mrs. Surface shared her warmth, patience, perceptiveness, and exceptional, constant talent with us so generously. She was the best of teachers…and the best of what is human.”

I always loved art class, and Mrs. Surface encouraged me to try different styles to see what I might like best. After I graduated from college, I took up charcoal drawing and painting as a hobby, and I still love art today. In the 8th grade, she played various symphony music on her classroom record player, and on tests we had to identify the symphony and the composer. Because of her, I love listening to symphony and opera music today. Yes, she introduced a little culture into the life of a farm boy.

Thanks, Mrs. Surface. Our lives became richer and more meaningful because of you.

John “Butch” Dale is a retired teacher and County Sheriff. He has also been the librarian at Darlington the past 32 years, and is a well-known artist and author of local history.