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Burton at the organ. PMSS Chapel 1992

Burton Brush Rogers dies at the age of 98

Burton Brush Rogers, former Director of the Pine Mountain Settlement School, died quietly in his home in Lexington on Monday, June 18, 2007 at the age of 98.

Burton came to Pine Mountain in 1942, accompanied by his wife and infant son, to teach and serve as counselor in the boarding high school. A native of Sherman, Connecticut, and a graduate of Yale, Burton had spent most of the preceding decade teaching in China. Forced out by war, he and his wife, Mary, came to Pine Mountain, seeking a place where educational work and community service went hand in hand. Except for a brief interlude in India after World War II, they were to spend the remainder of their professional lives here.

In 1949, Pine Mountain joined forces with Berea College and the Harlan County schools to create a new elementary program for the community. Burton was invited to serve as director. His gifts of tact, humor, compassion, and sensitivity to the subtleties of human and institutional behavior would serve him well. His leadership served as a centrifugal force to hold the three partners together while also preserving Pine Mountain's identity as an independent institution. The resulting school stood in contrast to the five one-room schools it replaced. Students went about their work in pleasant, well-equipped classrooms. They had lunch in the refined environment of Laurel House. Their teachers were well-qualified college graduates. They enjoyed a library and playground and numerous enrichment activities ? folk dancing, music, art, woodworking, sewing, basketball... More important was the underlying philosophy of learning by doing; to paraphrase Ethel Zande, the students were not merely preparing for life; they were living.

Burton saw to it that the settlement side of Pine Mountain was not neglected during this period. Working closely with the community, Pine Mountain provided health care, engaged in recreational opportunities for adults, experimented with early childhood education, and cooperated with other agencies seeking to improve Appalachian life.

In 1973, during the second year of Pine Mountain's present environmental education program, Burton stepped aside as director. However, his emeritus status was not an excuse to stand and watch. He ably assisted each of his successors in the way and to the degree that they sought his help, and continued to make friends for Pine Mountain.

After Mary's death in 1993, Burton moved to Lexington, where he enjoyed attending concerts, recitals, and plays. He received frequent visits from his family and many friends.

Burton's love for Pine Mountain was unmistakable as he continued to share of himself until his final days.

A memorial service was held at the Pine Mountain Settlement School Chapel on Sunday, June 24, 2007. Family and friends joined together to remember and to celebrate the life of Burton Brush Rogers.

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