Douglas School - Winchester, VA
Posted by: slippeddisk
N 39° 11.567 W 078° 09.548
17S E 745347 N 4342015
Douglas School, often referred to as Douglas High School, and now known as Douglas Community
Learning Center, is located on North Kent Street in the northeastern section of the city of Winchester,
Virginia
Waymark Code: WM2AGG
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 10/02/2007
Views: 27
The Kent Street building was designed by R. V. Long, a state architect The building was constructed by
Gardner and Newcome of Stephens City, Virginia The building and furnishings totaled $33,217.65. An
article in The Winchester Star said the school was one of the most complete colored public school edifices
in Virginia The cornerstone was laid on Monday, September 5,1927. The building consisted of six
classrooms, a library, principals office, storeroom, and boys and girls restrooms with shower facilities.
The educational offerings were grades one through nine.
Douglas was expanded three times.'' In 1940, two classrooms were added." A committee was founded on
January 15,1950 to study future needs and decided that a second expansion of the
building was necessary to meet curriculum standards. Additional course offerings in science and shop
were necessary as well as the inclusion of physical education and commercial subjects. The library also
needed to be expanded." L. I. Poe was selected as the architect. This expansion included three
classrooms; a gymnasium, a library, a kitchen, a shop, and two dressing rooms. The cost was $1 56,58514
and the renovation was completed in December of 1951.'~ The architect for the 1962 expansion was
Smithey and Boynton. The estimated cost was $79,000 and the builder was Hamman Construction
Company. This expansion included one classroom and a new home economics room, science room, and a
band and music room.
Street address: 598 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA USA 22603
County / Borough / Parish: City of Winchester
Year listed: 2000
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture, Education,Black
Periods of significance: 1925-1949
Historic function: School for Winchesters African-American children
Current function: School, Recreation Center
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Privately owned?: Not Listed
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 1: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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