22 Dec 2016 Edward Shock: Living a legacy

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling

Edward Shock has spent a lot of time in the Enola area. In fact, he has not moved from his home since he was born 78 years ago.

Shock lives on the land that his great-grandfather acquired approximately 150 years ago, through the Homestead Act of 1862. “I was born on this land on Sept. 22, 1938,” he said. “I have lived here my whole life.”

Shock is now the sole owner of the 150 acres of the Shock family property. “Before the land was split up, there was 172 total acres,” he said. “I bought a portion of the land from my siblings. I am the youngest of seven children.”

Shock continues to live in the home built by his parents, Noah and Olzie Shock. The home was built atop a hill in 1958 and has a view that allows Edward to see for miles. The Shock family land is complete with four ponds.

“I love living here because it is home to me. I don’t know anything else,” Shock said. “It can’t get much better than living on top of this hill; I have a beautiful view. I can see three water towers from here, and there are a lot of good people out here in Enola.”

Edward Shock’s parents were farmers and worked the land that Shock has called home for decades. “They raised cattle, hogs and chickens. They also grew corn, cotton and other crops. My mother and daddy were survivors; they lived through the Depression. I have followed in their footsteps and I still raise cattle myself. I currently have 34 cows and 15 calves. I sell them each fall once they reach a certain weight.”  

In addition to raising cattle, Shock has worked part-time for 21 years for the Conway School District. “I work five hours each day at Carl Stuart Middle School,” Edward said. “I have been there for 21 years. I help them with maintenance and cleaning. I also serve breakfast to the kids sometimes. I love the teachers there. They are all really nice and so good to me.”

It may surprise some to find that Edward, even at 78, is a devoted dancer. He can be found dancing on the weekends and described dancing as his favorite hobby. “Sometimes I go dancing at the senior citizens center in Conway. Occasionally, I drive to Ward Country Dance in Ward. I could dance all night.”

When he isn’t dancing the night away with friends, Edward can often be found on his front porch. “I love drinking coffee on my front porch. I love to just watch the cars go by,” he said. “It is wonderful just sitting here and looking at the wide open spaces.”