Page 25 - MOST RECENT

night when fire destroyed the entire front part of the
building and part of the new addition, which was com-
pleted about three years ago." About $25,500 insurance
was carried on the building and equipment.
The origin of the fire was unknown. It was believed
to have started in the roof, but definite authority as to
this was not made. According to the Kernersville News
of February 5, 1970, Ned Stuart stated, "Although the
fire almost completely gutted the inside of the building,
the firemen did manage to save a twelve room structure
a short distance away."
At the January 2, 1926, meeting of the Forsyth
County Board of Education it was reported that the
Kernersville representatives approved the plan suggested
by the Board to have their high school taken to Walker-
town, two grades to Sedge Garden, and the remainder
of the grades to be handled in their present temporary
Kernersville High School Championship
buildings, the Junior Order Hall and the Methodist Epis- Soccer Team 1929
Names listed on page 96
copal Church South. Plans had already been made for
the county to take over the Kernersville grade and high
school system.
Mr. J. R. Blackwell, Jr., a former teacher at this
school, said that he taught in the "shell" of the old build-
KHS Basketball Team 1930
ing after the fire. The shell of the building was reno- First Row : Ralph Edwards, Glenn Holt, Stanford Phipps, John Hendrix,
Clifton H arrison. Second Row : W ebster Pope, Mr. Thompson, Coach -
vated and shacks were built. In the fall of 1926 Mr. Cletus Dean.
Blackwell taught English and science at this site. There
were about 15 teachers and probably 400 students. The
first commencement was held at the new school (now
Kernersville Elementary School) in the spring of 1927
even though the building was not formally opened. The
school moved in during the fall of 1927.
In his annual report to the State Department of
Public Instruction, Principal R. A. Sullivan stated, "We
have been in temporary quarters this year. Had com-
mencement in new auditorium. Purchased one piano and
a mimeograph machine."

KH S Spotlight Staff 1932
Names listed on page 96

Mr. J. R. Blackwell, Jr.
Principal: Kernersville High School
1930-1948
Mrs. J. R. Blackwell, Jr.
Public School Music Teacher
Director of Choir Main Street United Methodist Church
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