Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School facts for kids

Main building, around 1907. By 1910, this building became the girls' dormitory.

The Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School (often called DIAS) was a special school for African American students. It was located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in an area now known as East Brandywine Township. The school opened in 1905 and closed in 1993. Its main idea was "Self help through self work," meaning students learned skills to help themselves succeed.

History of DIAS

The Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School was started by two important African American men from Philadelphia: John S. Trower and William A. Creditt. John S. Trower was a local businessman. William A. Creditt was a pastor at the First African Baptist Church.

What the School Taught

The school was created to teach useful skills to African American teenagers. It was a non-profit organization, meaning it didn't aim to make money. The main goal was to provide "vocational training." This means students learned practical skills for jobs, like farming, sewing, or carpentry.

By 1907, the school had several buildings. These included a chapel, a barn, a dining room, and a sewing room. An illustrated report about the school was also published that year. In 1910, the school was listed in Philadelphia's directory for African American businesses and organizations.

Notable People and Events

In July 1912, the school was getting ready to send 15 of its graduates to Lincoln University. This shows how well the school prepared its students for higher education.

James H. N. Waring (1890 - 1973) was an important leader at the school. He served as its principal for many years.

In 1931, a woman named Mortelia Womack applied for a job at DIAS. She had worked as a secretary for W. E. B. Du Bois, a very famous civil rights leader and writer. Du Bois even sent a letter to Principal J. H. N. Waring, Jr., recommending her for the job. In 1980, a 36-page book was printed about the school's history and achievements.

Legacy of DIAS

Today, the land where the Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School once stood is still used for education. The Delaware County Community College has its Downingtown campus on this historic site.