And those of later times, of course, don’t know
What they without these sports sadly forego.
Those spelling schools did more in their plain ways
For all young folks, than now is done for few,
In costly schools, in these progressive days—
And they were common once. West of the Blue,
There were five districts that were wont to meet
In contest in this most delightful feat.
Blue Valley and Deer Creek lay to the north;
Each one a ready, lusty vanquisher;