Charles & Eula Peavyhouse

Class year: 1948 (Eula) & 1949 (Charles)

Major: Music (Eula) & Pre-law (Charles)

Fun fact: In 1948, Charles and Eula met at try-outs for the play "You Can't Take it With You." He was given the part of DiPenna and she was assigned the part of Alice Sycamore.

 

He's a retired school principal and she's a retired teacher and the road that led them to their current places in life began at Tennessee Wesleyan College.

Charles '49 and Eula '48 Peavyhouse share a love for many things, including TWC. Their story is similar to one you would find in a 1950s war movie – there's courtship, military service, romance, marriage, war and a happily ever after.

In 1948, Charles and Eula met at try-outs for the play "You Can't Take it With You." He was given the part of DiPenna and she was assigned the part of Alice Sycamore.

"That was the beginning of our friendship, which developed into romance after we left TWC," said Eula.

The couple went out on a few dates before Eula graduated from TWC and began teaching school. After Charles graduated he went on to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to work toward his bachelor's degree, but left in 1951 due to the Korean War and impending draft.

Charles enlisted in the army in 1951 and was stationed in Breckenridge, Kentucky. He and Eula continued their relationship during this time. Charles would save up money from working weekends and when he was granted a weekend pass, he would hitch hike from Kentucky to Athens with no more than $30 in his pocket. They had a standing date Saturday nights. He'd pick her up promptly at 6 p.m. from her aunt's house in Athens, where she stayed on the weekends.

After completing basic training, Charles learned that he would be deployed overseas. He was then given a two-week leave. He called Eula on Friday, the beginning of his leave, and told her of his deployment. The couple married the following Sunday and spent the last 12 days of Charles' leave together. While he was gone overseas, she completed her degree in education at ETSU and took a job teaching in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Charles returned to Tennessee after 18 months overseas and the couple began their happily ever after.

Below Charles and Eula share a few of their memories of how their love for each other and the college began.

Why did you choose to attend TWC?

Charles: I had friends who attended and spoke highly of Wesleyan. Also, my minister, Reverend Wallace Fowler, helped me get a job and a scholarship. If it hadn't been for that I wouldn't have been able to come.

Eula: It was close to my home, and I had friends that were going there. Also, my sister-in-law, Frances Buttram Wade, was a graduate, and influenced my decision.

What was your first impression of campus?

Even though TWC was a small school, the campus seemed large to us, and we were also impressed by the Arches.

Can you describe what the campus looked like when you first came to TWC?

To us, the campus was beautiful. Many of the buildings were old, but they were impressive.

What are the biggest changes on campus that you see today?

There are several new buildings, and old ones have been renovated. The grounds have been greatly improved.

What was your major and what were your plans once you completed college?

Charles: My major was pre-law. I had planned to go to law school, but didn't have the money, so I went to ETSU. In my senior year, knowing that I would be drafted in February, I joined the Army on January 30, 1951, so I did not get my degree until 1954, a year after I came back from service. My first teaching assignment was at Midway School, Johnson City, where I was a teaching principal. I then went on to enroll in Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. I received my master's degree in school administration with a minor in history.

Eula: Music was my major and I planned to be a public school music teacher. However, since I was not able to continue college at the time, and due to the influence of TWC President James L. Robb, I became a classroom teacher. This was a good choice because I enjoyed my teaching very much. Most of it was spent in the first grade. My first teaching position was at Tranquility School, grades 1-3. I continued my education in summer school, and took time off to get my degree while Charles was overseas in the Army. I taught school for 30 years before retiring.

What are your fondest memories of your time at TWC?

Charles: Fraternity initiation and activities, working in the cafeteria, graduation, assembly programs and friendships with students.

Eula: I have fond memories of our chapel programs, which were provided by the students, faculty and other speakers. Sometimes the programs were entertaining, and sometimes inspirational. They were impressive to me. Also, being in the play was a memorable time for me. Other events include my graduate piano recital and playing the piano solo at my graduation.

Why do you give so much of yourself to TWC and why do you think it is important for others to give to TWC?

Charles: TWC helped us and we like to help make it possible for other students to enjoy their time at TWC. If it had not been for the help I received, I would not have been able to attend college. There may be other prospective students in the same situation who need assistance.

What does TWC mean to your family?

Eula: We have many fond memories of TWC and are happy that one of our grandchildren, Travis Jolley, has chosen to attend TWC and is a freshman this year.

What role did TWC play in making you who you are today?

Charles: I met several individuals at TWC who helped me open doors so that I was able to participate in political activities.

Eula: Besides an education, TWC provided a Christian influence through both the faculty and students that has helped me in my daily living.