Thomas D. Clayton School - Smyrna DE
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 18.054 W 075° 36.072
18S E 448162 N 4350340
In 1922, the new Smyrna Colored School opened its doors for African-Americans. In 1946 the building was named to honor Smyrna native Dr. Thomas D. Clayton (1905-1995), an African-American physician.
Waymark Code: WM172ZM
Location: Delaware, United States
Date Posted: 11/28/2022
Views: 0
TEXT FROM THE DELAWARE HISTORICAL MARKER MOUNTED ON THE SCHOOL BUILDING:
Thomas D. Clayton School
In 1919, a new era for education in Delaware was initiated when a statewide effort to replace old and outdated facilities was undertaken. In 1922, the new Smyrna Colored School opened its doors for African-Americans and other persons of color residing in Central Delaware. The school was attended by grades one through eight. Funding for the building was provided by the Delaware School Auxiliary Association and through the generosity of Pierre Samuel duPont. In 1946 the building was named to honor Smyrna native Dr. Thomas D. Clayton (1905-1995), an African-American physician who attended local schools and later practiced medicine in Pennsylvania. In 1965, the State Board of Education ordered the desegregation of Delaware schools. Students and faculty members became a part of the state's integrated public school system. Although renovations have altered its appearance, significant elements of the old school still remain. In February 2006, the building was formally renamed the Thomas D. Clayton Education Facility.
Erected 2007 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-103.)
THE PLACE:
From the text of the marker above:
In 1919, a new era for education in Delaware was initiated when a statewide effort to replace old and outdated facilities was undertaken. In 1922, the new Smyrna Colored School opened its doors for African-Americans and other persons of color residing in Central Delaware. The school was attended by grades one through eight. Funding for the building was provided by the Delaware School Auxiliary Association and through the generosity of Pierre Samuel duPont.
THE PERSON:
From the text of the marker above:
In 1946 the building was named to honor Smyrna native Dr. Thomas D. Clayton (1905-1995), an African-American physician who attended local schools and later practiced medicine in Pennsylvania. In 1965, the State Board of Education ordered the desegregation of Delaware schools. Students and faculty members became a part of the state's integrated public school system. Although renovations have altered its appearance, significant elements of the old school still remain. In February 2006, the building was formally renamed the Thomas D. Clayton Education Facility.
Year it was dedicated: 1965
Location of Coordinates: Thomas D. Clayton Education Facility
Type of place/structure you are waymarking: School
Related Web address (if available): Not listed
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