Mayo–Underwood School
| Mayo–Underwood School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
United States | |
| Coordinates | 38°12′10″N 84°52′38″W / 38.202883°N 84.8772°W |
| Information | |
| Former names | Clinton Street High School (1882/1884–1928) |
| Established | 1929 |
| Closed | 1964 |
The Mayo–Underwood School (1929–1964), a successor to the Clinton Street High School (1882/1884–1928),[1] was a segregated public elementary and high school for African American students in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States.[2] There is a historic plaque at the former site of the Mayo–Underwood School.
History
Clinton Street High School
Clinton Street High School was founded in either 1882 or 1884 as both an elementary school and high school, at what was once 168-170 East Clinton Street.[1][2][3] The Clinton Street High School closed in 1928, and many of the students were transferred to the newly opened Mayo–Underwood School, located at the corner of Mero and Wilkinson Streets.[1][2] Former teachers at Clinton Street High School included Charity A. Boyd, Annie L. Fairs, Margaret E. Gray, Bianca Parker, Sadie M. Kirby, Virginia M. Madison, Katie Smith, Julia M. Spencer, Lettye A. Williams, Martha E. Williams, and Winnie A. Scott.[1]
Central High School in Louisville, was the first African American high school in the state.[4] Neighboring Kentucky cities added their own segregated public schools for African American students soon after, including the Clinton Street High School; the Paris Colored High School in Paris; William Grant High School in Covington; Russell School in Lexington; Lincoln High School in Paducah; and Winchester Freedmen School (or Winchester High School) in Winchester.[4][5]
Mayo–Underwood School
The Mayo–Underwood School was also founded as an elementary school and high school.
The school was torn down in the 1960s as part of an urban renewal plan.[9] Many African American Frankfort community members were upset with the decision to remove the school, as it was associated with important local history they wished to share with the younger generations.[2]
In 2019, the Mayo-Underwood Building at 500 Mero Street, a state building in Frankfort was named in honor of the former school (and replaced the Capital Plaza Tower).[10][11]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "African American Schools in Frankfort and Franklin County, KY". Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, University of Kentucky Libraries, University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8131-3409-3.
- ^ a b Bracket, Carolyn; Jones, Robbie D. (August 2022). African American Historic Context Report For The City of Frankfort, Kentucky. City of Frankfort, KY. p. 48.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-1154-2.
- ^ "African American Schools in Clark County, KY". Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, University of Kentucky Libraries, University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ISBN 978-0-9753697-0-8.
- ^ "Williams, Kermit E." Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, University of Kentucky Libraries, University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ "Throwback Thursday - Kentucky's first African American mayor: Luska Twyman". WNKY News 40 Television. 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- The Lexington Herald. 1966-08-31. p. 13. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- The State Journal. August 13, 2019. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ "New state office building in downtown Frankfort officially named". ABC 36 News. 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2023-02-06.