Williamson High School opened in 1941 as the third post-elementary school for black children in Wilson County. I first visited in 2017. The six-room cinderblock school is still standing, though almost completely hidden from the road by encircling sweet gums and wax myrtles. Inside, the floor of the central hallway has collapsed at the west end of the school, but otherwise the interior seems about the same.
Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, October 2024.
Wow! I spent my 7th grade in the ole’ Williamson Building in 1967. I went by there just a few months ago. It is in bad shape. It is sad to see part of our history forgotten. A lot of beautiful memories and that school was and is a part of me. Thank you cuz for taking pictures.
I am a descendant of Richard Artis.
Hi, cousin! Yes, it — and old Springfield High School (later Middle) — are in bad shape, but better shape in some ways than I anticipated….
Hi Lisa, my name is Rickey Kirby and I am working with the owner of Springfield High school to restore it and turn it into a community arts center. We are in the process of gathering as much historical information as possible to tell our story. I would love to get in touch to see what information you have about the school. Kenneth Cooper happens to be my first cousin, I look forward to hearing from you. My mail is jrasociates12@gmail.com.
Hi Rickey! Unfortunately, I don’t much about Springfield because it opened after the cutoff for Black Wide-Awake, which is 1950. I imagine the alumni association would be a good source of info though. Best wishes, and looking forward to seeing what unfolds!