Photographs Children Playing “Drop the Handkerchief” at Locust Grove School, Claiborne County, Tennessee, 1940

In the heart of Claiborne County, Tennessee, in the year 1940, the Locust Grove School was a lively hub of childhood laughter and simple joys. On a crisp, sunny day, the schoolyard was transformed into a playground of innocent fun as the students enjoyed their recess.

These photographs, captured by Joe Clark and now part of the Clark Family Photo Collection at the University of North Texas, beautifully freezes a moment of pure childhood delight. In the images, a group of children stands in a wide, cheerful circle, their hands linked together in a display of camaraderie. Their faces, glowing with excitement, are turned toward the center where the action unfolds.

At the heart of the circle, a child darts energetically around the group, clutching a handkerchief in one hand. This game, known as “Drop the Handkerchief,” was a popular pastime, a delightful blend of anticipation and strategy. The child running circles around the group is tasked with dropping the handkerchief behind one of the standing classmates without being noticed. When the handkerchief falls, the chosen child must chase the runner and try to tag them before they can take their place in the circle.