FULTON TEACHERS & SCHOOLS
The One Enduring Strength For Black People Is Education
Our Faith:
May have kept us strong but it is, was and always will be education that has moved us forward. Even before we fought to get the vote, we fought for education. Before we fought for employment opportunities we fought for education. Before we fought to be Mayors, Legislators, Judges, Senators or Governors we first fought the battle for education http://www.blackfamilyinitiative.com/index.html
Our Faith:
May have kept us strong but it is, was and always will be education that has moved us forward. Even before we fought to get the vote, we fought for education. Before we fought for employment opportunities we fought for education. Before we fought to be Mayors, Legislators, Judges, Senators or Governors we first fought the battle for education http://www.blackfamilyinitiative.com/index.html
_
Ms. Cassie Maddox - Sondra Horton, Claudette
Stunson, Ponthola Rucker, Patricia Rose (I think), Barbara Cruse, ?, Brenda
Carson, Betty Williams, Robbie Johnson?, ?, Beverly Cummings, Michael Hamilton,
?, ?, ?, Clyde Stunson, Gene Stunson, ? John W. Cross?, Phillip Alexander. (From the collection of Robbie Mae Johnson, Facebook: You're Probably From Fulton, if...: )
_ The
teacher is Professor Bonds - Just a few students I THINK are front row
- ?, Dorothy Misher, ?, Peggy Bransford, ?, ?, ?, second row -
?,?,?, Sylvia or Sonya Vick, Jean Haley (I think), Treva Chambers, ?,?
third row - R.T. Thomas (I think), Harold Hutcherson or Harry, ?, Harry
Hutcherson or Harold, ?, Drew Vanderford, back row - Deno Minor (I
think), ?,?,?,. Names courtsey of Sheryl Thomas on Facebook
Brook’s Chapel School
Brook’s Chapel
1888
Brook’s Chapel School was founded in 1887 to educate African Americans from Fulton County and the surrounding area. It was named after Elder Steven Lee Brooks, the pastor who organized and taught there. In this image are Children from Brook’s Chapel School in 1888. In the late 1020’s, the school was Burned down by the Night Riders, a vigilante band of men associated with the Ku Klux Klan opposed to the education of African American Classes were then held in the chapel until the opening of “colored schools” by the Fulton County School Board.
Fulton KY (Images of America) by Elizabeth R. Jones
1888
Brook’s Chapel School was founded in 1887 to educate African Americans from Fulton County and the surrounding area. It was named after Elder Steven Lee Brooks, the pastor who organized and taught there. In this image are Children from Brook’s Chapel School in 1888. In the late 1020’s, the school was Burned down by the Night Riders, a vigilante band of men associated with the Ku Klux Klan opposed to the education of African American Classes were then held in the chapel until the opening of “colored schools” by the Fulton County School Board.
Fulton KY (Images of America) by Elizabeth R. Jones
MILTON SCHOOL
Milton School had its beginning in a two-story frame building, located in what was then known as “Missionary Bottom.” It was a 12-year school for blacks and was first operated by the county. Later it was reduced to eight grades, with students attending High School at Riverview in Hickman, Ky. Since 1958, Milton’s 8th grade graduates have been attending Fulton High School. (Rosenwald Homecoming Committee)
ROSENWALD SCHOOL
Professor EW Casey, Early Principal
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In addition to Prof . Bills,several other people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.1926-1963
(Rosenwald Homecoming Committee)
"O, Rosenwald, dear Rosenwald, we’ll never forget that it was here, we got our fundamental start in books, in sports, and friendship, dear in honesty and sincere heart."
In addition to Prof . Bills,several other people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.1926-1963
(Rosenwald Homecoming Committee)
"O, Rosenwald, dear Rosenwald, we’ll never forget that it was here, we got our fundamental start in books, in sports, and friendship, dear in honesty and sincere heart."
School Memories
by Janice Hall
5/11
All I can say is wow! How well do I remember Milton and Rosenwald. I spent a few days in both. Mrs. Tucker was Principal in the early 50's. It seemed I always got a "beat down" each morning before going to school because I was not a morning person. So off I would go to Milton crying and always stopping in Mammy's class for consolation. She was my angel. Eighth grade graduation exercises were always held at Antioch Church on Friday evenings before the 30th of May.
Looking at the picture of Rosenwald I see myself in a 7th grade class room located on the right end of the building facing the front of the picture. I received my first paddling ever in that room from a male teacher named George Bonds from Jackson, TN. He had suffered polio as a child and walked with a limp. He was a sharp dresser. He was also weird. He only wanted to paddle girls until my mother took him on after he gave me a paddling. :-) The left side housed the office of Mr. Dumas, principal. When you walked into the building you were facing the gym. Actually, you were standing on the gym floor. We played basketball during the season on that floor and held assemblies during the day. I have a crooked little finger today from getting it stuck in a hole in the wall playing basketball. All of this is too funny. There were two class rooms on each end of the building. The teachers were Mrs. Mason, Cassidy, Dumas and George Bonds. Two Bathrooms and a small library. Twice a year one of the rooms was set up to accommodate a free dental clinic. Every kid in the school had their teeth cleaned and cavities filled. Black history was a required subject.
I forgot to mention the outdoor toilets. How could I forget about those monstrous holes in the ground that stunk so badly. I can't remember when we got inside toilets but I know my first and second grade years we had the outside ones with catalogue pages for toilet paper. Gosh we had it hard. Of course, Mrs. Mason always brought toilet paper for her babies. Thank God.
My 8th grade graduation exercise in 1955 was held in that little gym on a Friday night in may. The girls all wore white dresses and the boys wore black slacks and white shirts or a suit. We thought we had arrived! I will never forget the "Fields Day" activities held at Rosenwald each year. Students from various schools in the region would join us for a fun filled day of outside activities such as softball, tag football, basketball and ring around the flag pole. Everyone brought a picnic lunch to spread and share. My mouth waters even now as I think about the fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and pound cake we indulged in. Sometimes we would have cotton candy and popcorn. We would close the program out with each class performing to a song or dance. It was always good clean fun.
I played my last basketball game in the new Rosenwald before moving on to high school. I too remember the many nights our parents and school mates worked to complete Rosenwald. I felt it brought the community closer together. I have a few pictures of the Miles High Band and Glee Club Choir performing at Rosenwald at the end of my freshman year. I performed with each.
Janice Hall 2011
5/11
All I can say is wow! How well do I remember Milton and Rosenwald. I spent a few days in both. Mrs. Tucker was Principal in the early 50's. It seemed I always got a "beat down" each morning before going to school because I was not a morning person. So off I would go to Milton crying and always stopping in Mammy's class for consolation. She was my angel. Eighth grade graduation exercises were always held at Antioch Church on Friday evenings before the 30th of May.
Looking at the picture of Rosenwald I see myself in a 7th grade class room located on the right end of the building facing the front of the picture. I received my first paddling ever in that room from a male teacher named George Bonds from Jackson, TN. He had suffered polio as a child and walked with a limp. He was a sharp dresser. He was also weird. He only wanted to paddle girls until my mother took him on after he gave me a paddling. :-) The left side housed the office of Mr. Dumas, principal. When you walked into the building you were facing the gym. Actually, you were standing on the gym floor. We played basketball during the season on that floor and held assemblies during the day. I have a crooked little finger today from getting it stuck in a hole in the wall playing basketball. All of this is too funny. There were two class rooms on each end of the building. The teachers were Mrs. Mason, Cassidy, Dumas and George Bonds. Two Bathrooms and a small library. Twice a year one of the rooms was set up to accommodate a free dental clinic. Every kid in the school had their teeth cleaned and cavities filled. Black history was a required subject.
I forgot to mention the outdoor toilets. How could I forget about those monstrous holes in the ground that stunk so badly. I can't remember when we got inside toilets but I know my first and second grade years we had the outside ones with catalogue pages for toilet paper. Gosh we had it hard. Of course, Mrs. Mason always brought toilet paper for her babies. Thank God.
My 8th grade graduation exercise in 1955 was held in that little gym on a Friday night in may. The girls all wore white dresses and the boys wore black slacks and white shirts or a suit. We thought we had arrived! I will never forget the "Fields Day" activities held at Rosenwald each year. Students from various schools in the region would join us for a fun filled day of outside activities such as softball, tag football, basketball and ring around the flag pole. Everyone brought a picnic lunch to spread and share. My mouth waters even now as I think about the fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and pound cake we indulged in. Sometimes we would have cotton candy and popcorn. We would close the program out with each class performing to a song or dance. It was always good clean fun.
I played my last basketball game in the new Rosenwald before moving on to high school. I too remember the many nights our parents and school mates worked to complete Rosenwald. I felt it brought the community closer together. I have a few pictures of the Miles High Band and Glee Club Choir performing at Rosenwald at the end of my freshman year. I performed with each.
Janice Hall 2011
More Memories
MILTON SCHOOL
Milton SchoolIt became a part of the Fulton City School System in 1920. The brick building which replaced the two-story building served the black community for over four decades, until it was destroyed by fire in 1960. A new one-story brick school was constructed in 1962. During the construction period, Milton students attended classes in Antioch Baptist and Bells Chapel Methodist Churches for two years.
When the city elementary schools were integrated in 1965, the Milton School was closed and later razed in the Urban Renewal Project. Its students transferred to Terry-Norman and Carr Elementary.
Faculty members at that time were Ella Mae Hart, Dorothy Vick, Verna Jackson, and Principal Cecil Maddox. Jackson was transferred to Terry-Norman and Hart, Vick and Maddox were transferred to Carr.
Professor Anderson was the first principal. Others who served in this position included Prof. D.G. Rose, Mrs. A.Z. Tucker, Hugh Jackson, Prof. A. Dumas and Cecil Maddox.
Among the early teachers at Milton were Mrs. Mattie Hayes, who was also the music teacher, Sadie Gorman, Lillian Jackson, Irene Davenport, Beulah Dumas, Verna Jackson and Mrs. Ira Armstrong.
MILTON SCHOOL HISTORY
A brief and incomplete history of Milton School: it is thought that Milton School was started by Professor Anderson (first name unknown) and the school was located on property owned by the late John Milton, also a street located in the black section of Fulton which was referred to as Missionary Bottom. This street was known to all as Anderson Street. As far as it is known this was the first and only street named for a black person in Fulton.
According to recent memory, there was two other instructors, both women, Mrs. Hayes from Mayfield, Ky and Mrs. Haynes from Paducah, Ky (both first names were unknown). Dates are unknown because records were not kept for black citizens.
When Prof. Anderson moved on and to where it is not known. But the black students were blessed. Professor Rose entered on the center stage. It is unsure just when Professor Norton came because Prof. Rose had a lasting effect on the black community of Fulton.
Moving on in the time came a black woman that to this day left a lasting and wonderful impression on the people of Fulton, Mrs. Audry Knox Tucker, wife of Dr. A.Z. Tucker. To every student who came through Milton they say to Mrs. Tucker thank you very much.
Also Prof. A. Dumas and Mrs. Dumas who was Miss Utterback before her marriage to Prof. Dumas. Sometimes later Miss Verna Ward came and later she became Mrs. Hugh Jackson. Her husband also was principal of Milton. Next to enter was Miss Ella Mae Hart.
When Milton burned, the Antioch Baptist Church was used until a new school was built. Then came Prof. Cecil Maddox, at present Rev. Cecil Maddox. At this time Milton was destined to become a fond and wonderful memory.
_________________________
Research was completed by Mr. Lynas Cavitt and the memory of his mother, Mrs. Queen E. Cavitt, and other senior citizens. We say thanks and well done and we sincerely wish that it could have been more complete.
Ms. B. Wilcox Sincerely for the Committee
Mr. R. Algee Staff report by Joe Newbern
ROSENWALD SCHOOL HISTORY
1926-1963
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In May 1927 the first eighth grade class graduated. The members of the class were Mary Rose, Doris Vick, V.O. Calloway, Berchie Hicks and Tommy Lee Kennedy. The teachers were Mrs. Mozzell Smith, Rev. Calvert, Mrs. Rhonda Warfield, and Mrs. Emma D. Steel. Several people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.
The school year 1959-1960 brought about a change at Rosenwald. It became known as South Fulton Rosenwald High School. The first senior class graduated in 1960 with only three graduates, Shirley Maddox, Margie Guthrie, and Dorothy Freeman.
During these years, Rosenwald was rich in history and tradition. There were glee clubs, school plays, bus No. 30, the first bell, and of course, the most important academics. In the area of sports there were football teams, basketball and baseball teams.
The highlight of the year was always Fields Day held the first Friday in May for all black schools in Obion County.
The teaching staff was dedicated with deep concern and personal contact with each student. Students were motivated to achieve the highest goals in life.
Then the integration of Obion County schools during the school year 1962-63 saw the doors at Rosenwald closed and a new name was given the institution, South Fulton High School East under the leadership of the last principal, Mrs. H.B. Vanderford. She congratulated the last graduating class in May 1963. Members of the 1963 Senior Class were: Ben Vaughn, Robert Vanderford, Luther Misher, Patricia Stunson, Dorothy Pirtle, Robert Earl Johnson, R. T. Thomas, Lester Hopkins and James D. Olds.
Gone is the physical institution, but deeply embedded in the hearts and memories of those who attended Rosenwald the legacy lives on.
_________________________________
O, Rosenwald, dear Rosenwald, we’ll never forget that it was here, we got our fundamental start in books, in sports, and friendship, dear in honesty and sincere heart.
ROSENWALD SCHOOL
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In addition to Prof . Bills,several other people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.1926-1963 (Rosenwald Homecoming Committee)
Milton SchoolIt became a part of the Fulton City School System in 1920. The brick building which replaced the two-story building served the black community for over four decades, until it was destroyed by fire in 1960. A new one-story brick school was constructed in 1962. During the construction period, Milton students attended classes in Antioch Baptist and Bells Chapel Methodist Churches for two years.
When the city elementary schools were integrated in 1965, the Milton School was closed and later razed in the Urban Renewal Project. Its students transferred to Terry-Norman and Carr Elementary.
Faculty members at that time were Ella Mae Hart, Dorothy Vick, Verna Jackson, and Principal Cecil Maddox. Jackson was transferred to Terry-Norman and Hart, Vick and Maddox were transferred to Carr.
Professor Anderson was the first principal. Others who served in this position included Prof. D.G. Rose, Mrs. A.Z. Tucker, Hugh Jackson, Prof. A. Dumas and Cecil Maddox.
Among the early teachers at Milton were Mrs. Mattie Hayes, who was also the music teacher, Sadie Gorman, Lillian Jackson, Irene Davenport, Beulah Dumas, Verna Jackson and Mrs. Ira Armstrong.
MILTON SCHOOL HISTORY
A brief and incomplete history of Milton School: it is thought that Milton School was started by Professor Anderson (first name unknown) and the school was located on property owned by the late John Milton, also a street located in the black section of Fulton which was referred to as Missionary Bottom. This street was known to all as Anderson Street. As far as it is known this was the first and only street named for a black person in Fulton.
According to recent memory, there was two other instructors, both women, Mrs. Hayes from Mayfield, Ky and Mrs. Haynes from Paducah, Ky (both first names were unknown). Dates are unknown because records were not kept for black citizens.
When Prof. Anderson moved on and to where it is not known. But the black students were blessed. Professor Rose entered on the center stage. It is unsure just when Professor Norton came because Prof. Rose had a lasting effect on the black community of Fulton.
Moving on in the time came a black woman that to this day left a lasting and wonderful impression on the people of Fulton, Mrs. Audry Knox Tucker, wife of Dr. A.Z. Tucker. To every student who came through Milton they say to Mrs. Tucker thank you very much.
Also Prof. A. Dumas and Mrs. Dumas who was Miss Utterback before her marriage to Prof. Dumas. Sometimes later Miss Verna Ward came and later she became Mrs. Hugh Jackson. Her husband also was principal of Milton. Next to enter was Miss Ella Mae Hart.
When Milton burned, the Antioch Baptist Church was used until a new school was built. Then came Prof. Cecil Maddox, at present Rev. Cecil Maddox. At this time Milton was destined to become a fond and wonderful memory.
_________________________
Research was completed by Mr. Lynas Cavitt and the memory of his mother, Mrs. Queen E. Cavitt, and other senior citizens. We say thanks and well done and we sincerely wish that it could have been more complete.
Ms. B. Wilcox Sincerely for the Committee
Mr. R. Algee Staff report by Joe Newbern
ROSENWALD SCHOOL HISTORY
1926-1963
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In May 1927 the first eighth grade class graduated. The members of the class were Mary Rose, Doris Vick, V.O. Calloway, Berchie Hicks and Tommy Lee Kennedy. The teachers were Mrs. Mozzell Smith, Rev. Calvert, Mrs. Rhonda Warfield, and Mrs. Emma D. Steel. Several people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.
The school year 1959-1960 brought about a change at Rosenwald. It became known as South Fulton Rosenwald High School. The first senior class graduated in 1960 with only three graduates, Shirley Maddox, Margie Guthrie, and Dorothy Freeman.
During these years, Rosenwald was rich in history and tradition. There were glee clubs, school plays, bus No. 30, the first bell, and of course, the most important academics. In the area of sports there were football teams, basketball and baseball teams.
The highlight of the year was always Fields Day held the first Friday in May for all black schools in Obion County.
The teaching staff was dedicated with deep concern and personal contact with each student. Students were motivated to achieve the highest goals in life.
Then the integration of Obion County schools during the school year 1962-63 saw the doors at Rosenwald closed and a new name was given the institution, South Fulton High School East under the leadership of the last principal, Mrs. H.B. Vanderford. She congratulated the last graduating class in May 1963. Members of the 1963 Senior Class were: Ben Vaughn, Robert Vanderford, Luther Misher, Patricia Stunson, Dorothy Pirtle, Robert Earl Johnson, R. T. Thomas, Lester Hopkins and James D. Olds.
Gone is the physical institution, but deeply embedded in the hearts and memories of those who attended Rosenwald the legacy lives on.
_________________________________
O, Rosenwald, dear Rosenwald, we’ll never forget that it was here, we got our fundamental start in books, in sports, and friendship, dear in honesty and sincere heart.
ROSENWALD SCHOOL
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In addition to Prof . Bills,several other people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.1926-1963 (Rosenwald Homecoming Committee)
ROSENWALD SCHOOL OF SO FULTON KY
A Final Battalion of Fulton’s African Community
Beacons for Black Education in the American South
From the 1910s into the early 1930s, more that 5300 school buildings were constructed in African American communities throughout 15 southern states. Seed money came from Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Black communities put up cash, and local school boards agreed to operate the facilities.
Few original structures remain standing. Today a new Rosenwald Initiative sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to help preserve these beacons of African American education. http://www.rosenwaldplans.org/index.html
Funding is needed for So. Fulton’s Rosenwald School repairs, maintenance, and operations:So Fulton TN is home to one of the few remaining Rosenwald Schools.
This final significant structure, of the Twin Cities’ once burgeoning black community, survived fire and Urban Renewal that leveled Missionary Bottom, an entire section of the sister city.
The school was accidentally burned down in the 70’s and only the gymnasium is left standing.
An African American Community group, The Ken-Tenn Homecoming Committee, rallied to keep this final structure from being demolished. As victors to lengthy and vicious political battles, the Ken-Tenn Homecoming Committee bought the structure from the city and have worked diligently over the years to maintain it as a dearly needed community center.
The Center currently has no tenants but a new nonprofit, The Ken-Tenn Community Forum is interested in developing After School and Summer Tutoring Programs, Green Job Training and other critically needed programs for the Center. However before program funding can be pursued, repairs need to be made to the Center and funds secured for utilities as currently the Center can only afford May through October operations, which of course severely affects its ability to secure tenants and program funding. It is hoped that funds can be garnered before Fall 2009 to avoid having to close down for the winter and once again setback for the development of programs.
ROSENWALD SCHOOL HISTORY
1926-1963
Rosenwald School opened its doors in September 1926 as the result of the closing of the Roach Street School. The first principal was Professor J. J. Bills.
In May 1927 the first eighth grade class graduated. The members of the class were Mary Rose, Doris Vick, V.O. Calloway, Berchie Hicks and Tommy Lee Kennedy. The teachers were Mrs. Mozzell Smith, Rev. Calvert, Mrs. Rhonda Warfield, and Mrs. Emma D. Steel. Several people headed this great educational institution as Principal. They were Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas, and Mrs. H.B. Vanderford.
The school year 1959-1960 brought about a change at Rosenwald. It became known as South Fulton Rosenwald High School. The first senior class graduated in 1960 with only three graduates, Shirley Maddox, Margie Guthrie, and Dorothy Freeman.
During these years, Rosenwald was rich in history and tradition. There were glee clubs, school plays, bus No. 30, the first bell, and of course, the most important academics. In the area of sports there were football teams, basketball and baseball teams.
The highlight of the year was always Fields Day held the first Friday in May for all black schools in Obion County.
The teaching staff was dedicated with deep concern and personal contact with each student. Students were motivated to achieve the highest goals in life.
Then the integration of Obion County schools during the school year 1962-63 saw the doors at Rosenwald closed and a new name was given the institution, South Fulton High School East under the leadership of the last principal, Mrs. H.B. Vanderford. She congratulated the last graduating class in May 1963. Members of the 1963 Senior Class were: Ben Vaughn, Robert Vanderford, Luther Misher, Patricia Stunson, Dorothy Pirtle, Robert Earl Johnson, R. T. Thomas, Lester Hopkins and James D. Olds.
Gone is the physical institution, but deeply embedded in the hearts and memories of those who attended Rosenwald the legacy lives on.
_________________________________
O, Rosenwald, dear Rosenwald, we’ll never forget that it was here, we got our fundamental start in books, in sports, and friendship, dear in honesty and sincere heart.
Rosenwald Schools 1
Rosenwald Schools
Kathy Dillon
History of the United States II
Rosenwald Schools 2
Abstract
Emancipation for black slaves in 1863 was intended to open opportunities and equality for them. However, by the early 1900’s, blacks in the South faced restrictions of those opportunities. Because southern states continued to favor slavery, blacks lost their right to vote, economic opportunities were restrained and providing education for black children was not a priority. Education for children was segregated between blacks and whites. Black education, when and if available, was inadequate and unequally funded in comparison to the schools for the white communities in the southern United States. In the early 1900’s, the average school system spent $7.40 per white student compared to $2.30 per black student (Hanchett, T. 2004 pg 2). Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald realized that the black community would never break out from slavery or poverty without being given the tools to succeed. Together, they developed the means and fostered support for blacks to obtain self reliance through successful education. The Rosenwald School system would open opportunities for blacks to receive essential education throughout the South. This paper is intended to share who the men were behind the idea and the funds providing the Rosenwald system, a focus on the Rosenwald School of South Fulton, Tennessee, and the impact this system had on some of those who benefited from it.
Who They Were
Booker T. Washington was born April 5, 1856 on a Virginia plantation to a black slave women and a white father who never claimed him and was freed from slavery as a child. He worked small, menial jobs to earn his education at Hampton Institute founded by Sam Armstrong and Wayland Seminary. Washington also received honorary degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard University. It was Sam Armstrong that recommended Washington’s appointment as the first principal and teacher at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881, which he maintained until his death. The Tuskegee Institute was originally names the Normal School for Colored Teachers and was the training ground for the Tuskegee Airmen, the infamous all-black flying squadron of World War II. Washington believed that education was crucial for black citizens to rise within the social and economic structure of the United States. He became a nationally prominent spokesman and leader for the black community and was successful in building relationships with major philanthropists such as the Rockefeller family and Julius Rosenwald, among others, who contributed millions of dollars for education and helped pay for hundreds of public schools for black children in the South. Washington was also the first black citizen to be a guest of honor invited by the President of the United States at the White House in Washington D.C. and advised both President Theodore Roosevelt and President William Taft on race relations. Dr. Washington is widely recognized as the most powerful African-American for his life as an educator, fundraiser and author in the United States from 1895 until he died November 14, 1915 (Washington, B. T.)
Julius Rosenwald was a white northerner born August 12, 1862 across the street from the house of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. His parents, Samuel and Augusta Rosenwald, were a Jewish immigrant family from Germany. When Julius was sixteen, his father, a clothier by trade, sent him to his uncle in New York City to learn the clothing trade as well. From 1885 to 1895 he ran a menswear shop in Chicago. Sears, Roebuck & Co. moved to Chicago in 1893 and Rosenwald became its vice-president in 1895 until 1910, its president from 1910 until 1925, and chairman of the board from 1925 until 1932. He built Sears, Roebuck, & Co. to America's largest retail store, pioneering the mail-order business. He also created one of the first savings and profit-sharing plans for employees. Rosenwald became friends with Paul Sachs, senior partner of Goldman Sachs whom often stayed with Rosenwald during his business trips to Chicago. The two spent much time discussing various social situations in America. As an American Jew, Rosenwald stated in 1911 “The horrors that are due to race prejudice come home to the Jew more forcefully than to others of the white race, on account of the centuries of persecution which they suffered and still suffer” (Hanchett, T., 2004 pg 2). However, both Sachs and Rosenwald agreed the most critical social issues were the troubled times facing African Americans. Paul Sachs introduced Julius Rosenwald to William T. Booker, and was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Tuskegee Institute in 1912 which he held until he died at his home in the Ravinia section of Highland Park, Illinois on January 6, 1932 (Rosenwald, J.)
The Conception of an Idea:
Booker T. Washington believed in a self-help and hands-on approach to education. He referred to this idea as “industrial education” and wanted to share this ideology at the Tuskegee Institute through vocational training for blacks as a means toward self-reliance. He was hopeful that this method would also be useful in transforming the black public school system in the southern United States. In 1913, Dr. Washington approached his new found associate and friend, Julius Rosenwald and encouraged him to assist in his mission to provide accessible and beneficial education for the black communities. Rosenwald responded by providing the funds to build six small schools in rural Alabama. These schools built by and for African Americans, were opened in 1913 and 1914. This project would only be the beginning of a role both Washington and Rosenwald would play in providing education to southern rural black communities. Julius Rosenwald established a fund in 1917 for the "the well-being of mankind”; The Rosenwald Fund. Most other foundations were designed to continue funding themselves in perpetuity; however The Rosenwald Fund was intended to use funds in their entirety for philanthropic purposes. The school building program was one of these projects and was one of the largest educational programs ever available. The plans for these schools were drawn by professors at the Tuskegee Institute (Washington, B. T.) Using state-of-the-art architectural plans, the structures shared a common look among them. The schools came in all sizes from little one-teacher units to seven-teacher facilities that offered full instruction from first grade through high school. The early buildings were mostly the wooden two-teacher and three-teacher structures. However, by the mid 1920’s the newer buildings had improved to the brick larger structures. The floor plans were designed to provide optimum education which included large banks of windows, specified room sizes and height, blackboard and desk placement and even paint colors in order to utilize the best natural light because electricity usually did not reach these rural communities. Each building was also designed to be used as a meeting place, a crucial ingredient envisioned by Booker T. Washington. The smaller buildings were designed with movable partitions that could be arranged as an assembly hall. The larger schools, however, were designed to include auditoriums. The combined vision of Washington and Rosenwald saw these structures not only as a building used for education, but a place to foster community growth by providing a gathering center used for various reasons such as learning new farming techniques, etc. (Hanchett, T., 2004 pg 4). Using matching grants from black communities raising over $4.7 million to aid in the construction projects, the Rosenwald Fund spent over four million dollars to help build 4,977 schools, 217 teachers' homes, and 163 shop buildings in 883 counties in 15 states, from Maryland to Texas. These schools became known as Rosenwald Schools though only a few carried the name as Rosenwald discouraged the tribute of using his name. By 1932, the facilities could accommodate one third of all African American children in Southern U.S. schools (Washington, B. T.) Over the course of his life, Julius Rosenwald and his fund generously donated over 70 million dollars which included $6.6 million to establish the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and $4 million to the University of Chicago as well as to various other public schools, colleges and universities, museums, Jewish charities and black institutions. He also assisted with donation to Jewish groups in Russia and Germany after World War I.
South Fulton, Tennessee
One of these Rosenwald school projects, which did bear the name, was located in South Fulton, Tennessee. Built in 1926, the original school educated first through eighth grades. A gymnasium was added in 1952 and later a science building. High school grades were added in 1959. Professor J. Bill served as the first principal, followed by Mr. E.W. Casey, Mr. A. Dumas and Mrs. H. B. Vanderford serving as the last. (Ken-Tenn Memorial Chronicles, 2006 pg 6).In 1962 the school was renamed South Fulton East by the Obion County Board of Education; the white school was South Fulton West. As integration was taking place in South Fulton, some black students began enrolling in the all-white school, South Fulton West. The Obion County Board of Education decided to totally integrate all county schools beginning with the high school students in the fall of 1963. South Fulton East would maintain its elementary school until the 1966 school year when it also integrated with South Fulton West. Three teachers had obtained tenure at South Fulton East, two of which was transferred to South Fulton West and the third transferred to Obion County Central. The last graduating high school class in 1963 consisted of nine students. (Obion County History, pg 495).
Personal Accounts
Harvey Vick graduated in 1928 from Rosenwald (Ken-Tenn Chronicles, pg 2). Following his graduation, Mr. Vick worked full-time as waiter-in-charge on the dining car of the Illinois Central Railroad. However, Mr. Vick gave back to his community by providing tools from home to volunteering to teach two to three classes per day, on his days off, Manual Training/Arts, otherwise referred to as Shop Class to boys “…so they would have marketable skills after finishing high school” (Fishco, V., personal communication, December 7, 2008). He also was instrumental in persuading Obion County to build the gym. “However, the county would not appropriate enough money to complete the building, so my father, the two Mr. Stunsons, William Rucker, Mr. Dumas, and tens of other South Fulton residents donated their time and talents to finish the building so we would have a place for gym classes and to play basketball”. (Fishco, S, personal communication, December 7, 2008). Today, the South Fulton Municipal Complex is home to the Harvey Vick Community Center dedicated to his honor in 2004 for his endless commitments and love for the community.
In personal communication with Sonja Vick Fishco, daughter of Harvey Vick, (personal communication, December 7, 2008), she recalls “When I started 1st grade in 1949, Rosenwald did not have indoor bathrooms. My mother and father were outraged that anyone, but especially little six year olds, would have to go outside to toilets that were little more than wood seats that covered a huge hole; three in the girls' toilet and two or three in the boys'. The toilets were wood, unheated shacks with no running water, so children and teachers had no place to wash their hands after using these primitive facilities. My mother (a teacher at Milton school in Fulton, KY; also substitute taught at Rosenwald) took up the cause, pleaded with the Obion County Board of Education, and exemplified the hazards of outdoor toilets so convincingly that the Board agreed to put indoor bathrooms in the main building of the school. We had running water; cold only for several years, but that was a far cry better than what had existed before. In spite of all of the inequities, South Fulton Black children learned well, were good students and many went on to have impressive and outstanding careers in the USA and abroad. The teachers we had were fantastic, dedicated, motivating, and filled with belief that each of us could do anything we put our minds to. But more important, the parents set high expectations for their children and were involved in their children's education. Mother started the first PTA at Rosenwald, and she took us to most of the meetings because my father was on the road, working on the train. I can remember the meetings being packed with parents who wanted to improve the opportunities for their children.
Mrs. H.B. Vanderford, the last principal to serve at Rosenwald, was also the first Negro woman to serve in that position. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science and majored in Home Economics from the Hampton Institute in 1932. Following her studies, she worked at the Tuskegee Institute and American School in Chicago and completed her graduate work in Education (Ken-Tenn Chronicles, pg 7). Her son, Robert Vanderford, graduated from Rosenwald in 1963 along with eight other students. They would be the last high school class to earn that honor. Mr. Vanderford fondly remembers there was no cafeteria, so students went to Hop’s Café where they were served lunch; a bowl of beans or soup for ten cents and a pop for five. He speaks proudly of the education the students received, sending them onto adult-hood and impressive careers. “The community and churches were major support systems for the students as well.” (Vanderford, R., personal communication, December 6, 2008). Mr. Vanderford went on to work at Good Year in Union City until his retirement and continues to reside in South Fulton.
Reverend Cecil Maddox, also a graduate of Rosenwald, echoes the sentiments of Vanderford. Mr. Maddox states that the teachers at Rosenwald were their friends as well as disciplinarians. “Kids only had three choices after graduation, college, find a job or join the military. The military was strongly encouraged. To do nothing was not an option. And, school was never called off for bad weather and we all walked to school, no matter how far” (Maddox, C., personal communication, December 6, 2008). After Rosenwald, Rev. Maddox earned his teaching degree. He returned to teach at Rosenwald until he was offered the Principal position at Milton School in Fulton, Kentucky. He retired from the Fulton School District and a wing of that school was named in his honor. Rev. Maddox also still lives in South Fulton.
Conclusion
The Rosenwald School accidently burned some years after 1966 by three mentally challenged children, one boy and two girls. The exact year was not recalled. When repeatedly asked the names of the children, no references herein were willing to disclose that information; to protect their privacy. Though additional research would have quenched my curiosity, I respected the choice and decided, in the end, it does not matter. The Science Building later became the location of the Municipal Public Works Department until 2004. The City of South Fulton sold the building and property to the neighboring property owner David Peeples. The Gymnasium still stands. Having been renovated, it was deeded by the City of South Fulton the Ken-Tenn Homecoming and Reunion Association. The Association, an inclusion of two groups of alumni from the Rosenwald School in South Fulton and the Milton School in Fulton, Kentucky, operates the building as a community center whose goal is to foster community relations.
Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald would be proud to know how their commitment to education for black communities resulted in the shaping of lives for so many; that commitment continues today. Beginning with the passion of Washington and Rosenwald in 1913, black communities throughout many southern states were afforded an education and a means to be self-sufficiency through transforming the public school system with the Rosenwald Program. This passion has been handed down through the years and the results are timeless through those that continue to give back to their communities as intended starting in 1913. Rosenwald Schools 11
Pictures provided by Sonja Vick Fishco
Rosenwald Schools 12
Rosenwald Schools 13
References
Hanchett, T. (2004). History of the Rosenwald School Program. Retrieved December 6, 2008 from http://www.rosenwaldplans.org/history.html
Ken-Tenn Memorial Chronicles, A Publication of Ken-Tenn Homecoming & Reunion Association; Volume I, Issue I, May 2006.
Obion County History – Union City, Tennessee Volume One 1981 pg. 495, Published by
Obion County Historical Society, Printed by Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas Texas.
Rosenwald, J. – Early Life, Philanthropy (n.d.) Cambridge Encyclopedia, Vol. 42.
Retrieved December 7, 2008 from http://encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com/pages/12579/Julius-
Rosenwald.html.
Washington, B. T. (n.d.) Who2Biography. Retrieved December 5, 2008
from http://www.answers.com/topic/booker-t-washington.
Shool Segregation and Integration
In 1904, Kentucky passed the Day Law, which mandated racial segregation in both public and private schools. Segregated education was legal until the 1954 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that the “separate but equal” doctrine was unconstitutional. Kentucky officials announced that they would live by the decision, but actual implementation was left to the localities.
Progress toward desegregation came slowly. By fall 1956, 75 percent of Kentucky school districts had devised desegregation plans, but only 50 percent of Kentucky schoolchildren attended desegregated schools—most of them under token “freedom of choice” plans. Large-scale desegregation would only be achieved with the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Acts.
In 1956, eight black students (including James Howard) enrolled at the previously all-white Sturgis High School. About 200 members of the National Guard and 20 state police troopers were called into the two small Western Kentucky towns of Sturgis and Clay to help quell the resulting disturbances by hostile whites. The black students were removed from the white school and sent back to the black schools for another year. Integration finally took place in 1957.
In many Kentucky communities, integration was a gradual process, with black schools remaining open until the mid-1960s. Between 1955 and 1966, 17 school districts were ordered to desegregate their schools after the NAACP filed suits in federal court. Integration meant that blacks would no longer have hand-me-down books and equipment and would have access to more courses. But it came at a high cost. Many black teachers were demoted or lost their jobs, and many schools in black neighborhoods were closed so that whites would not be forced to attend them.
By 1970, a process of re-segregation, based on residential patterns, was well under way. As a result, the American Civil Liberties Union filed lawsuits challenging racial discrimination in several locales, winning three major school cases: Hopkinsville, Lexington-Fayette County, and Louisville-Jefferson County. The Jefferson County case, a joint effort with other organizations, was one of the few nationwide where the court ordered cross-district busing to achieve racial balance.
In higher education, the Kentucky General Assembly voted in 1886 to create a normal school to train black teachers. Eventually it became a small liberal arts college with the name Kentucky State College, but it was always plagued by neglect, underfunding, and political intrigue, despite the official policy of “separate but equal.”
Meanwhile, other Kentucky professional schools were still segregated. And for degrees not offered at Kentucky State, the legislature voted to use state funds to help black students go to graduate school out of state rather than integrate other Kentucky institutions. That policy remained in place until 1949. One year later, new legislation allowed individual colleges to choose whether to desegregate at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, nullifying the Day Law.
THE CIVIL IRGHTS MOVEMENT IN ky
TEACHING LIFE, a poem by Jamie Lynn Ball from USA
Hi there! How have you been?
My favorite school teacher and good friend.
It's been awhile since we've talked,
Yet you're still close in my thoughts.
How could I possibly forget
The one who wouldn't let me quit?
Offering encouragment day after day
With your smiles or something you'd say.
And even now after school is long gone,
My admiration for you still goes on.
You're in my heart always, never letting go,
And I just thought that you'd like to know!
http://www.voicesnet.org/displayonepoem.aspx?poemid=135591 Jamie Lynn Ball, USA