Look Back .. to caring for senior citizens in Ragland, 1999
May 22—May 22, 1949, in The Star: Graduation exercises will be held at Jacksonville State Teachers College Friday afternoon, May 27, on the terrace of Graves Hall. The baccalaureate address will be made by Gordon Palmer, president of the First National Bank of Tuscaloosa. President Houston Cole and Dean C. R. Wood will confer 119 degrees during the ceremonies. But because education is a never-ending process these days, the summer quarter at JSTC will begin June 6 with registration. The enrollment is expected to be the largest in the history of the school and dormitory and town facilities will be used to full capacity.
May 22, 1999, in The Star: Susie and Ronnie Isbell together run Ragland's only home for the aged, a rarity in a place so small. This proud rural community of under 2,000 people takes care of its own: Loyalty and respect for the town's elderly makes it unthinkable to send them away as they become unable to care for themselves. Next month, the Isbells will move their privately operated business 10 miles down the road to Shoal Creek a small town between Ragland and Ashville. Built on 80 acres, the Isbells' new house will have twice as many rooms but will maintain a family-style atmosphere. With the home's population of five residents, the cost of the Isbells' 24-hour care runs about $1,200 a month per person for room and board, according to Mrs. Isbell, who said her business is not state accredited and is not subsidized by Medicaid.
Assistant Metro Editor Bill Edwards: 256-236-1551. On Twitter @bedwards_star.
