The former Lemon Street Elementary School in Marietta, Georgia, a historic institution that once served Black students during the era of segregation, was honored with a plaque unveiling on Oct. 5, recognizing its addition to the National Register of Historic Places. The ceremony marked a moment of reflection and celebration for the school, which played a crucial role in educating Black children under the “separate but equal” policies of the time.
The school’s addition to the National Register earlier in 2024 acknowledges its significance in Marietta’s educational history. As reported by WSBTV, the recognition underscores the school’s role during a period when segregation shaped the educational landscape. For many in Marietta, including the city’s education leaders, Lemon Street School represents not just a relic of the past, but a symbol of progress and resilience.
Marietta City Schools Board Member Angela Orange highlighted the importance of this historical recognition during the ceremony. “The history of the Lemon Street School reflects the history of Marietta itself. It’s a story of progress, resilience, and hope,” Orange remarked. She emphasized that the plaque is “more than a symbol of the past—it’s a call to action for the future, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to succeed.”
Former students and members of the community gathered for the unveiling of a replica plaque that will be displayed at the school. Many of those in attendance, including Lemon Street alumni, saw the moment as a powerful way to honor the legacy of those who were educated there and the teachers who guided them. The school, which officially closed its doors in 1971, has served various functions over the years, including as a community center and a public library.
Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera spoke at the event, recalling his early days in the role when he received numerous offers from developers to purchase the site. He firmly rejected those proposals, stating, “This place is special. This place stands today to honor your legacy, to tell your story so it is never forgotten.” Rivera’s commitment to preserving the school’s history was pivotal in ensuring the building remained intact.
In 2020, the Marietta City Schools Board of Education voted to invest $5.3 million to renovate the school and return it to its original purpose: education. By 2021, the renovated building was re-opened as the Woods-Wilkins Campus, now home to three of Marietta High School’s nontraditional education programs. Alumna Fleeca Wilson Taylor expressed the community’s collective effort to preserve the school’s legacy, saying, “We all came together and focused on one goal, one common goal: preserve this building and the history it represents.”
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