Restored Rosenwald School opens soon
Members of the Isaac Chapel Rosenwald School family, representatives with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and others gathered for a walk through of the facility March 31.
Following the tour all gathered at the nearby community center for a meal and some words of gratitude.
Gwen Nichols is making a list of all the men and women who taught at the Rosenwald School which operated from 1922 to 1963.
“My mom taught school here,” she said proudly.
Her mother, the late Euretha King, could be said to be at the top of the list who both taught and served as principal.
“She was one of the last teachers here,” Nichols said.
At that time two teachers held classes, with one also serving as principal.
Others included the late Laverne and Marshall Jones, who both taught and Marshall also served as principal.
The late Parker Bell, father of circuit clerk Monet Autry, the late Susie Matthews and the late Loutoliver Jones also taught at the school.
Mingo Tingle, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, said the building at 3752 Highway 309 South is one of about 12 Rosenwald Schools left in the state.
“We’re excited to be a part of this project and to be able to return it to its original appearance,” he said.
The most recent restored school is located in Bay Springs in Walthall County, he said.
In comments during the noon meal, prepared by sheriff Kenny Dickerson and his crew, District 4 supervisor George Zinn III expressed appreciation for the restoration of the school on behalf of the Marshall County Board of Supervisors. He was thankful for interest in the community that led to restoring the structure for future use as an educational center and museum.
One of the students from Rosenwald School, Sidney Payne Jr., born less than a mile from the Isaac Chapel School, spoke of how his interest in the project more or less drew him out of a 15-year retirement from the United Parcel Service.
“I got pulled into this,” he said. “It’s a huge project. Once I learned we were to restore the whole building, a vision started coming together.
“I am right back where I started.”
He said a committee was formed and obtained a 501 c3 in order to raise funds for the project.
“I knew nothing about the original plans for this,” Payne said. “We do have this great building and we want y’all to help with that.
“We have ideas about things to be placed here but we want your ideas and your criticism.”
The classroom will have Internet service through Northcentral Connect. Eventually, STEM classes, coding and engineering will be taught at the center.
May 7 is set as the projected opening date, which falls on the 100th anniversary the Rosenwald School.