Brainerd Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brainerd Institute |
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The school c. 1910
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| Location | |
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Chester, South Carolina
United States
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| Information | |
| Established | 1868 |
| Closed | 1939 |
Brainerd Institute was a special school for African American students. It was located in Chester, South Carolina, in the United States. The school was started by the Presbyterian Church. It opened its doors in 1868.
Many important people went to Brainerd Institute. These include Vivian Ayers Allen and Daniel Jackson Sanders. The school first taught elementary grades. By 1913, it taught up to 10th grade. Later, in 1934, it added Brainerd Junior College. This college helped train teachers. The school closed in 1939. This happened because more public schools became available.
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What Was Brainerd Institute?
Brainerd Institute was a school that provided education for African American children and young adults. It was very important during a time when educational opportunities were limited for many. The school helped students learn and grow.
How Brainerd Institute Started
The school first received help from the Freedmen's Bureau. This group worked to support newly freed people after the American Civil War. Later, the Presbyterian Church took over supporting the school. They believed in providing education for everyone.
Growing and Changing Over Time
When Brainerd Institute first opened, it was an elementary school. This means it taught younger children. As years passed, the school grew. By 1913, it offered classes up to the 10th grade. This allowed students to get a more complete education.
In 1934, the school expanded even more. It started Brainerd Junior College. This part of the school focused on training teachers. It helped prepare people to teach in other schools. This was a big step for the community.
Why the School Closed
Brainerd Institute closed in 1939. By this time, more public schools were opening. These public schools offered education to many students. Because of this, fewer students needed to attend Brainerd Institute.
What Remains Today?
Today, only one building from the original school campus is still standing. This building is called Kumler Hall. The school used to have a large campus that was 18 acres big.
Kumler Hall is a very important building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special historical site.
The University of South Carolina Libraries has a collection of old photographs. These pictures show what the school was like. They help us remember Brainerd Institute.
Brainerd Institute was not the first school of its kind. Before it, there was Fairfield Institute. That school was run by Willard Richardson. It was located in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
