“For The Purpose of Building a Schoolhouse…”
Four Men, Two Rooms, One Vision
For the Purposes of Building a schoolhouse for the education of colored Children…
In 1868 this was an ambitious - even dangerous goal.
But the 14th amendment had just passed Congress and with it came the promise of freedom that potended equality. The amendment had not yet been ratified, but for four men, Alexander Fain, Jordan Netherland, Albert Jones, and Nathaniel Mitchell – there was no wisdom in waiting another moment. These men had a vision – a center of learning for Black children in their rural community. They pooled their money together and purchased a plot of land on which they’d build a school.
That school was Price Public.
Steeped in Purpose.
Since 1863, The structure at 203 Spring Street has always been a building that stood with a purpose.
It Started With A Plot
It takes vision to look at a few acres of land and see a future of Black children achieving. But that’s exactly what Alexander Fain, Jordan Netherland, Albert Jones, and Nathaniel Mitchell saw when they purchased a small plot of land “for the purpose of building a schoolhouse”
Served Faithfully
In the 90 years that Price Public School stood in service at 203 Spring Street, the school served scores of children from grades K-8, In 1958, under the direction of Hawkins County, Price Public closed its doors and transferred the last class of students to Swift High School .
Rally the Community
The local African American community led the charge to preserve this important piece of Rogersville’s Black History. With help from partners like the local American Legion auxiliary, and The Chamber of Commerce, the community raised over $70,000 toward the massive renovation.
Why ‘Price’ Public
After Fain, Netherland, Jones & Mitchell purchased the land they still needed to build a school. The first structure to house that school was a two-room log cabin. The logs that were used to build it were donated by H. L. Price, and the school has borne his name ever since.
Recognize the Legacy
For over two decades the historic edifice stood in use as a general purpose bulding. It served as a cannery and even a storage facility. Finally, in 1988 The Price Public School building was recognized as added to the National Registry and recognized as historically significant.
Reaching the Goal
The USDA awarded Price Public a Rural Development Community Facility Grant for $84,000. Later, $86,000 in funds were contributed from the State and Historical Commision. These funds plus the $70K in seed money raised by the community allowed for the completion of the ambitious $240K renovation in 2003!
A New House of Bricks
The original two-room cabin served the school for 55 years . In 1923 the now historic brick building was built on 203 Spring Street and dedicated by Mayor Gayle P. Kyle and the Rogersville Board of Aldermen. Doors opened for the first day of class soon after.
Restore the Building
In the mid-1990’s plans were made to restore the faithful brick building to its purpose. The plans included – a new heating and cooling system, a new kitchen, all new roofing and windows, and a wing dedicated to honoring the legacy of Swift Memorial College.
Renew the Purpose
In 2003 Price Public School took on a new life as Price Public Community Center– a host facility for local citizens; a facility for the local arts council and cultural programs; a meeting place for workshops, seminars or luncheons; and a place for hands-on historical educational.
Students in front of Price Public School (Date Unknown)