Pennington High School - Yearbook (Blountsville, AL)

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The History O J. B. Pennington High School In this year of our Lord, 1970, J. B. Pennington High School stands proudly as a monument to the dreams of past citizens and to their visions of a good life desired for oncoming generations. It is a symbol of hope and promise for the future. As we pay tribute to inspired leaders of the past, the torch must be borne by the brave and valiant of each generation if the dreams and ideals of our forefathers are to be realized. Pennington High has survived many tragic hardships, but her successes have been many. The influences mirrored in the dedication of the faculty, the achievments and worldwide contribu- tions of the alumni are a source of pride and inspiration. The record of these attainments are detailed and pictured, as far as possible, in the pages of this volume. Time, fires and other un- avoidable losses account for any omissions. It must be remembered that in this year, 1970, the school's staus and program are milestones only in a living dynamic institution. History proves that the roots of the present lie deep in the past. So, to see how the present came about there must be a look backward. As a be- ginning, the progress forward will start with Caleb Fryley and John Jones in 1816 as they rode into Bear Meat Cabin, later called Blountsville, and established the first white settlement in Blount County. The early settlers brought with them a yearning for education. George Powell states in his HISTORY OF BLOUNT COUNTY that He went from house to house teaching since there were no schools in Blount County. As far as the record goes, Mr. Powell was the first teacher in Blount County. In 1821 an act was passed by the Alabama Legislature establishing an academy in Blountsville. It named James Hendrick and Samuel Foust as trustees. This was the first mod- est step toward providing free public education in Blount County. This law removed the responsi- bility of education from the home and placed it upon the community along with the responsibility to support it. So, the seeds of the present-day institution were planted early in the community's history. There were indications of a growing recognition that education was increasingly vital 152 to the area's way of life. In present day vernac- ular an education explosion was making head- way. The next epochal stage in this cultural concern was the interest of influential men in establishing a private college in Blountsville. The burgeoning interest in education was about to bear fruit. A group of citizens met in the Masonic Hall to dis- cuss a proposed railroad project to connect Blountsville and Bangor. But the thoughts of a college, and its superior advantages were stirring in the hearts and minds of several of the men. The time and some overwhelming factors were urging action. The county seat had been moved to Oneonta leaving the new court house vacant. The building, planned and built by Otto Puls, a German architect, was eminently suited for col- lege purposes. The long felt need for a school strongly motivated the group's leaders. But there was not full agreement on the project. However, E. O. McCord was authorized to explore the county to determine the attitude and probable support of the populace. Whether money would be made available to purchase the building was a para- mount consideration. But it appeared that Blount College, the ideal of years was about to be realized! The task was terrific but obstacles were not un- known to these people. They were rugged and determined men, tempered by the aftermath of wars, the hardships of pioneer life, and often by deprivations that had driven them from their homes to seek a better life. Nothing could turn them from a chosen course. Mr. McCord rode in his buggy for two months campaigning for money to buy the building, and to see the ideals of a better educated people. He succeeded in his goals. Another meeting was held and a stock company was organized. On April 23, 1890, Probate Judge Jesse W. Ellis commissioned Edgar O. McCord, Albert A. Murphree and Milton H. Collins as a board of corporators. He authorized and empowered them to sell stock. Each share was worth 350.00 and an opportunity was given throughout the county to purchase them. Blount College was on the way!

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