Dry Bridge School facts for kids
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Dry Bridge Elementary School
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Front and eastern end
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1005 Jordan St., Martinsville, Virginia |
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| Area | 1.4 acres (0.57 ha) |
| Built | 1928-1930 |
| Built by | Moore Lumber Co.; Finley, McCoy & Hinskey |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Rosenwald Schools in Virginia MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000065 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 25, 2009 |
Dry Bridge Elementary School, also known as East Martinsville Grammar School, is a special historic building in Martinsville, Virginia. It was built a long time ago, between 1928 and 1930. This school is important because it was a "Rosenwald school". These schools were built to help provide education for African American children in the Southern United States during a time when schools were separated by race.
The building itself is a one-story, rectangular brick structure. It has a strong concrete foundation and a unique "deck-on-hip" roof. Inside, the school had four classrooms.
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A School's Journey
Dry Bridge School became part of the Martinsville School District in 1948. This happened because the city expanded its boundaries. Later, in 1958, a new building was added right next to Dry Bridge School. Together, these two buildings were known as the East Martinsville Grammar School.
Changes in Education
The school closed its doors at the end of the 1967–1968 school year. This was due to school desegregation happening in Martinsville. Desegregation meant that schools were no longer allowed to be separated by race. All students, no matter their background, could attend the same schools.
After the school closed, a group called MARC Workshop, Inc. started using the building in 1969. This organization helps people with disabilities.
What is a Rosenwald School?
Rosenwald schools were very important in American history. They were schools built for African American children in the early 20th century. This was a time when many states had laws that kept schools separate for different races.
The Man Behind the Schools
The idea for these schools came from Booker T. Washington, a famous educator. He worked with Julius Rosenwald, who was the head of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Rosenwald was a kind person who used his money to help build over 5,000 schools, shops, and teacher homes across 15 Southern states. These schools gave many children a chance to get an education they might not have had otherwise.
A Historic Landmark
Dry Bridge Elementary School was recognized for its historical importance in 2008. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the building and reminds us of its past.
