Florence C. Benson Elementary School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Florence C. Benson Elementary School
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 226 Bull St. Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1953-1955 |
| Architect | Urquhart, James B. |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement |
| MPS | Historic Resources of Segregation in Columbia, South Carolina, 1880-1960 and Equalization Schools in South Carolina, 1951-1960 |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000819 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 2009 |
The Florence C. Benson Elementary School is a very old school building in Columbia, South Carolina. It is also known as Wheeler Hill School or the Benson Building. This school was built between 1953 and 1955. It was made for African-American students during a time when schools were separated by race.
The school is located in a neighborhood called Wheeler Hill. This area was set aside for African-American families. The Florence C. Benson Elementary School was built as an "equalization school."
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What is Florence C. Benson Elementary School?
Florence C. Benson Elementary School was a special school built for African-American students. It opened in 1955. The school was designed to have 18 classrooms. It served students in the Columbia area for many years. The school closed its doors in 1975.
A School for Change
During the 1950s, many parts of the United States had laws that separated people by race. This was called segregation. Schools for African-American students often had fewer resources. They were usually not as good as schools for white students.
After some important court decisions, states like South Carolina started building "equalization schools." These new schools were meant to look more equal to the schools for white students. They often had newer buildings and better facilities. The idea was to make things seem fair, even though the system of segregation was still in place. Florence C. Benson Elementary School was one of these schools.
Building Style and Design
The school building has a unique design. It is a one-story building made of concrete blocks. The outside is covered with red bricks. The building's shape is like a "three-finger plan." This means it has three main sections that stick out.
The design of the school shows influences from the Modern Movement and International Style of architecture. These styles were popular in the mid-20th century. They often featured clean lines, simple shapes, and practical designs.
A Historic Landmark
The Florence C. Benson Elementary School is an important part of history. It reminds us of a time when schools were segregated. It also shows how communities tried to improve education for all students.
Because of its history and unique design, the school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the building for future generations.
