Light In The Hills

Originally Aired: November 27, 1940 Cavalcade of America #202, "Light In The Hills," tells the inspiring story of Martha Berry, who battles poverty and skepticism to bring education to the forgotten children of the Georgia mountains. In 1890, young Martha discovers mountain boys Floyd and Sandy Luke listening outside an abandoned log cabin as she plays the harmonium. Moved by their lack of education, she begins teaching them Bible stories and realizes the desperate need for a school. Despite warnings from her father and Judge Wright that one woman cannot tackle such an overwhelming problem, Martha remains determined to establish Berry School, where poor mountain children can earn their keep while learning to read and write. Martha personally travels through the hills to recruit students, facing the suspicion and pride of impoverished families. When she visits one household where a father initially refuses to let his son David attend, the mother's longing for her child to read the Bible ultimately wins out. As opening day arrives in the rain, Martha waits anxiously to see if the boys will actually come, her faith tested as she prepares to fulfill her promise to these families who dared to hope for something better.