Eleanor Roosevelt School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Eleanor Roosevelt School
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 350 Parham Street, Warm Springs, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1936 |
| Architect | Fletcher B. Dresslar, Samuel L. Smith |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000019 |
| Added to NRHP | May 3, 2010 |
The Eleanor Roosevelt School, also known as the Eleanor Roosevelt Vocational School for Colored Youth, was an important historical school. It was built for Black students in Warm Springs, Georgia. The school operated from March 18, 1937, until 1972. It is located at 350 Parham Street. On May 3, 2010, the school was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a very important historic site.
A Special School's Story
The Eleanor Roosevelt School was built in 1936. It received money from the Julius Rosenwald Fund. Architects Samuel L. Smith and Fletcher B. Dresslar designed the building. It was the 5358th Rosenwald School ever created. This school was especially unique because it was the very last one built. It was dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his strong belief in education for everyone.
The Rosenwald Fund had actually stopped its school building program in 1932. However, President Roosevelt personally made sure this school was built. He worked closely with Samuel L. Smith to make it happen. President Roosevelt visited Georgia many times. He came 41 times between 1924 and 1945. He sought treatment for polio there. Because of these visits, he formed strong connections with the state. In 1927, he even helped start the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. This is now part of the Warm Springs Historic District.
Opening and Purpose
The school officially opened on March 18, 1937. It was created as a community school with five teachers. It served rural Black students during a time of racial segregation. This meant Black and white students went to separate schools. From 1937 until the mid-1960s, the school taught students from 1st to 8th grade. After the mid-1960s, it focused only on elementary school students.
In 1972, the school closed. This happened because schools began to integrate, meaning students of all races could attend the same schools. After closing as a school, the building was used for other purposes. From 1972 to 1975, it was an adult education center. Then, from 1975 to 1977, it became a day care center. In 1977, the building was sold to a private owner.
Why It's Historic
The Eleanor Roosevelt School is considered very important historically. It played a big role in African-American education. Its connection to President Roosevelt also makes it special. The building itself is a great example of a Rosenwald School-style design. Its building plans were even published in a book called Community School Plans.
In 1940, the Eleanor Roosevelt School was honored at the American Negro Exposition in Chicago. Two of the 33 dioramas (small 3D scenes) at the exposition featured the school.
See also
Images for kids
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The Eleanor Roosevelt School plaque, 2020
