Street Manual Training School facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Street Manual Training School
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Alabama Show map of Alabama Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Nearest city	Richmond, Alabama
Area	23.1 acres (9.3 ha)
NRHP reference No.	99000891
Added to NRHP	July 28, 1999

The Street Manual Training School was a special school for Black students in Richmond, Alabama. It was located in Dallas County, Alabama. This school was very important during a time when Black people faced many challenges.

The school's campus was once very large, covering over 200 acres. Most of this land was sold after the school closed in 1971. Today, about 23 acres remain. This area has seven buildings built between 1906 and 1964. There is also an old water tower from around 1943. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 28, 1999. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.

About the School's History

The Street Manual Training School was started in 1904. It was founded by a man named Emmanuel M. Brown. He wanted to help Black people in Dallas County improve their lives. This was during the Jim Crow era, a time when laws kept Black and white people separate. These laws also limited opportunities for Black people.

Who Was Emmanuel M. Brown?

Emmanuel M. Brown was a very smart and dedicated person. He studied at the Snow Hill Normal and Industrial Institute. He also went to the famous Harvard University. Brown believed in the ideas of Booker T. Washington. Washington was a leader who thought that education and learning practical skills were key for Black people to succeed.

What Was the School Like?

Mr. Brown designed his school to be like the Tuskegee Institute. Tuskegee was another famous school that taught Black students many useful trades and skills. The Street Manual Training School focused on teaching students how to work with their hands. This included skills like carpentry, farming, and other trades. These skills helped students find jobs and build better lives.

Emmanuel M. Brown lived at the school from the very beginning. He was the headmaster, or leader, of the school. He continued in this role until he passed away in 1960. His dedication helped many students get a good education.

See also

In Spanish: Street Manual Training School para niños