CARVER HIGH SCHOOL
Gadsden, Alabama
THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
This is the second of the series to coincide with ‘The TIES That Bind‘ . (NOTE: IF you did not read the first of the series, do so for it sets the tone for the next series!!!
HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
Also, there was Coach McDonald Hughes, associate principal and the first football coach. His teams performed very well considering the limitations that he faced with equipment, but in the
1940’s the late Coach L. V. Johnson developed a powerful house football team which made Carver
High known throughout the region. The lovely wife of Coach Hughes, Mrs. Mary Bowen Hughes, wrote the beautiful words of the “Alma Mater” to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.”
During the 1940’s, under the guidance of the late Mrs. Singleton, Carver produced a National Elks Oratorical winner, Dr. William Joseph King.
Mr. D. B. Hannibal brought with him some dynamic personnel to add to an already excellent faculty when he became principal in 1940. During the 40’s those added included: Mrs. Lucinda Crayton, Mrs. Nellie Bedell, Mrs. Ruth Hightower Brown, Mrs. Beatrice Webb, Mrs. Irene Berry, Mrs. S. M. Johnson, Mrs. Ruth Johnson, Mr. Ruth Dunn, Mrs. Mary Dowdell, the late Joseph Thomas, E. H. Rigby and Frances Johnson.
Dr. Pepper, the “strap”, that helped Mr. Hannibal, the stern disciplinarian, to maintain superb order has a place in history. No student of this era can forget the stress given to scholarship, oratory, correct speech and courtesy.
Through the decades, weekly and special assembly programs enhanced the development of talents. Through these experiences students knew the freedom to move unfettered into the boundless realms of their creative abilities.
Had it not been for such occasions,
“Full many a flower would have been born to blush unseen
To waste its sweetness on the desert’s air.”
Further, these assemblies provided challenges which often moved students toward greatness. Such was the case of a favorite son, Eugene Prater, founder of Gadsden State Technical Institute.
In 1949 Mr. J.T. Williams became principal. Under his administration many changes were made.
In 1951, Carver’s enrollment reached its peak with more than 1500 students in grades 1-12. To relieve the overcrowded conditions, a new elementary school was opened in 1953 to accommodate grades 1-6.
Physical education was housed in the main building with inadequate facilities. In 1957 a new gymnasium with a shop attached and a band room were erected. This alleviated the crowded conditions at that time.
With a large student body and growing population these facilities became inadequate. To alleviate these conditions, a junior high school was opened in 1961 and the Home Economics
Department and lunchroom were built in 1963. At that time the physical plant consisted of a main building, home economics and lunchroom building, a band building and gymnatorium.
Not only were changes made in the physical plant under Mr. Williams, but changes were also made in enrichment activities. During the 1960’s a former Carver student, Dr. J.P. Cochran, brought the Atlanta-Morehouse-Spelman players to the school on an annual basis.
The faculty was energetic an outstanding job in preparing young people to embark upon their chosen fields. Under Mr. Williams’ administration, other additions to the faculty included:
Mrs.Beulah Harrell, Ms. Kathryn Barrett, Mrs. Thelma Alexander, Mrs. Louise Dailey, Mr. Harold Watson, Mr. Bill Harris, Mrs. Georgia Clarke, Mrs. Mildred Donald, Ms. Bettie Williams, Mrs. George Baker, Mrs. Freda McGhee, Mrs. Joyce Veasy, Mr. L.C. Presley and Edward B. Presley, Mr. Ben Winston, Mrs. Laura Jacobs, Ms. B.M. Boyd and B.T. Lindsey.
Next month, we will conclude this series, { HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS} and will began a series of the ACADEMIC TIES: The years’ Valedictorians/Salutatorians’ Miss Carver’/Homecoming Queens; Student Council Presidents, etc.
WHAT A RICH HERITAGE WE HAVE…’LONG LIVE DEAR OLD CARVER HIGH SCHOOL’
Brenda M. Jelks Hutchinson
As a proud alumni of ‘Dear Old Carver High, the way we responded to
God’s challenging assignment reveals on the level of commitment, respect and love
…these are ‘THE TIES THAT BIND’.