Page 22 - MOST RECENT

Kernersville Academy 1906-
Rev. J. W. Pinnix, Principal
First Public School of
Kernersville
1884
Kernersville Academy - 1901
Na mes listed on page 96
1907 teachers: Miss Betha Fulp
Miss Zora Sapp and Professo;
Hauser. Edgar E. Shore Sr.
standing in window. Name~ list~
ed on page 96
Mr. Matthews and Mrs. Johnson were active in
many phases of community life. Mr. Matthews, as a
Justice of the Peace, performed a marriage ceremony
for Mr. and Mrs. Bud Fulton in 1897.
Many students pursued higher education at Bennett
College in Greensboro, N. C. and High Point Normal
in High Point, N. C. where they received high school
diplomas. Upon completion of high school, many grad-
uates became teachers and in later years attended col-
lege in order to continue to be certified teachers.
The Kernersville Elementary School served at least
two generations before it was destroyed by fire in 1934,
and the business of educating the students was con-
tinued in the Odd Fellow's Hall on New Street. A tem-
porary structure was rapidly constructed on the same
Ralph A. Sullivan, Principal site as the original building and teachers and students
Kernersville High School
1921-1927 were able to return home after several months in the
bulky, fascinating, and uncomfortable "hall." The tem-
porary building became just that, for in 1936 it too was
destroyed by fire.
Finally, a brick three-room structure with kitchen fa-
cilities was built on the same site. The entire community,
including the churches, was pleased· to have a building
that could serve many purposes. It was even available
during the summer months for children and teenage
activities. Mr. Carl R. Martin, another Kernersville na-
tive, served as principal during the 1941-42 school year.
He was called to active duty in World War II, which
terminated this position after one year.
The pleasure which this active community received
from its school was short lived because the Negro
schools of Forsyth County were consolidated. This meant
that some schools were closed and the teachers and stu-
dents were sent to other county schools. To the despair
of many parents, our school was one of those closed.
The loss was tremendous and had a lasting effect on the
Negro citizemy. Other Kernersville natives who taught
18