Political Conflict in an Olympia Classroom
A student is driven from school after being bullied for his vocal support of the Union.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A correspondent of the date of June 18th, gives the following specimens of petty treason occurring in society here: A teacher in town, asked all the boys who were in favor of Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy to raise their hands. All the boys but one—who was very patriotic—raised their hands. The mistress, who is very strongly imbued with Secesh, complimented them very highly for their good sense. She then called for those in favor of the Union and the Flag, to raise their hands. Only one—a little boy by the name of Cook—dared to raise his. Shortly after she gave the boys a recess. As soon as they were outdoors they began to abuse this boy, until he, unable to stand it any longer, went home and has not been to school since. The mistress then went through the same proceeding with the girls. The father of the boy went to the School Trustees, but they gave him no satisfaction, being on the Secesh side themselves.
“All the boys but one—who was very patriotic—raised their hands. The mistress, who is very strongly imbued with Secesh, complimented them very highly for their good sense.”
This story highlights that the American Civil War was not merely a distant front but an active, polarizing force in Olympia's social life. It reveals the intense local friction between Unionists and Southern sympathizers, illustrating how civil discourse—and the treatment of those with dissenting opinions—has been a struggle in this region for over 160 years.
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