Know Your School : Washington Elementary celebrates 120 years
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Ishare with parents and communities members that I am honored to be the current Washington Elementary School principal. This school has continued to be a cornerstone in the district and the Fayetteville community. While I reflect on the exciting times happening in our building with the teachers and students, P. T. O., and curriculum, it’s also important to celebrate the rich history of this school in the community. I would like to share some historical information about the school. Unfortunately, there is not enough space to print it all so I have chose items that are, in my opinion," fun to know."If you know of history regarding Washington School or have pictures that we could copy, please call me at the school office, 444-3073.
The Hostess Reference Book, PTA of Washington Elementary, circa 1928, relates the following information: "The History of our school started about 43 years ago, 1885, when Washington School was built. The new building was rented to private teachers the first year, because of lack of funds. But in 1886, the school opened with the following corps of officers, and teachers paid with public funds; Superintendent, Colonel O. C. Gray; assistants, Miss Ella Carnall, Mrs. J. F. Sutton, Miss Anna Putman, Miss Jessie Cravens, Mrs. Alice Adams, and Mrs. M. W. Alex. In 1888 the first graduation exercises were held. There were three graduates. At that time the school curriculum was of such grade as to admit its graduates to the University Preparatory Department.
"Since the formal organization of the school system, the following men have served at the head of the city schools: O. C. Gray, N. P. Gates, J. C. Mitchell, L. Campbell, and the present superintendent, Mr. F. S. Root. Mr. Root has had the present system in hand for 25 years and has molded the schools into harmonious efficiency and is a power in the educational circles. "The Washington School has had a long list of distinguished principals. It was for a long time the only white public school. Among these have been: Col. O. C. Gray, W. E. Simpson, E. L. Nettleship, J. C. Massie, H. M. Hooper, W. F. Buck, Oscar E. Williams, T. L. Bates, and the present principal, J. Fred Lawson."
In a recent e-mail message, the grandnephew of Col. Gray, William "Bill"Boggess of Naples, Fla. writes: "Col. Gray and his wife Virginia were two great unselfish pioneer school teachers who were once appreciated with two buildings built in his name: the Arkansas School for the Blind in 1869 at Little Rock, and the [University of Arkansas] in 1906 with its Gray Hall.
"(Col. Gray) was a Mason who with Col. Lafayette Gregg worked hard to get the first public school building for the city, Washington School before 1885, then he was superintendent, and Ella Carnall [of Carnall Hall fame] his assistant."
Fayetteville School Board minutes referring to Washington school report that in March 25, 1882, the Board moved to have warrants drawn in the sum of $350 for Mrs. Sarah Dickson for property of a school site. Mrs. Dickson donated 20 feet of right of way and agreed to sell 20 feet to the city, if the city pays for a street by the school site. On May 31, 1884, the board moved to let bids for the rock work on the new school. This rock wall on Lafayette still remains today.
Lastly, here are some moments in time researched by Vern Farque, then president of Washington P. T. O., for "A History of Washington School."
• In 1888, it was necessary to limit class size to 60 pupils. That year teachers got a full 15 minutes for lunch and school dismissed at 4:45 p.m.
• In 1887, $200 was expended for the hauling of water. A committee was formed to determine the cost of a cistern for the school. In 1890 a well was drilled at the cost of $75. A pump was purchased for $38.30.
• Washington was first fenced in 1900 with oak planks and locust posts. A large wagon gate was placed on the east side. A new well house was also built that year.
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