Atlanta Grade School Friends
Restoring the historic Atlanta-Miller Grade School in Atlanta, Texas.
Atlanta Grade School Friends
Restoring the historic Atlanta-Miller Grade School in Atlanta, Texas.
The mission of Atlanta Grade School Friends is to restore the historic Atlanta-Miller Grade School located on Miller Street in Atlanta, Texas. From 1936 to 1974 the school provided a safe and welcoming environment for Atlanta's children and their dedicated teachers. In addition to renovation of the building and the continued maintenance thereof, Atlanta Grade School Friends oversees the development and management of educational programs and related activities for all ages that enhance the building's usefulness.
Atlanta Grade School Friends is ramping-up its work in 2022 by strengthening its infrastructure, upgrading its website, and launching an e-communication platform. These tasks also include the creation of a formal case for support document that will in turn be used to solicit donations for restoration of the historic Atlanta-Miller Grade School. Architectural drawings are being prepared. We envision the historic school as a place for community education, meetings and potentially for workforce training. If you have questions, reach out to us by email.
Atlanta-Miller Grade School was a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project taking 120 days to complete. Hardy Brothers of Texarkana began construction of the one-story, six-room building of locally made brick in 1936.
As the community grew, rooms were added over the years. Between 1975 and 1980, Atlanta-Miller Grade School became the Atlanta Multi-Purpose Center and was put to good use until 1990. From 1990 to 2000, the school was used as a storehouse, receiving no maintenance. Water damage and neglect to regular maintenance threatens this school building, like many in small rural Texas towns.
Many Atlanta-Miller Grade School former students and supporters have joined together to launch a fundraising campaign to fully restore the historic building. Emergency repairs have been made to prevent additional water infiltration and damage. See Preservation Notes for more detailed information about where we stand today!
In 2006, Atlanta-Miller Grade School received an historical marker from the Texas Historical Commission. We are now working on securing a marker from the National Historic Landmarks Program of the National Parks Service. The volunteers of Atlanta Grade School Friends maintain strong ties with the Texas Historical Commission. And, we are working to build new partnerships with organizations like the Texas Forest Trail Region in order to more fully engage visitors and people interested in history and historic preservation.
Atlanta Grade School Friends is pleased to have a profile on GuideStar.
The Atlanta-Miller Grade School was constructed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This is, incidentally, 100 years after Texas became a state. The original building project was completed in 120 days and consisted of six large classrooms, restrooms, teacher's lounge, and administrative offices. An addition designed to add four classrooms was completed a couple of years later, commonly called the first-grade wing. Two more classrooms were added about 20 years later.
The WPA had the intent to finish buildings and move on to the next project and paid little heed to drainage. This caused the building to endure years of water draining into the crawl space and, consequently, damaging the substructure of the building. When the nonprofit Atlanta Grade School Friends was established over 20 years ago, the City of Atlanta had condemned the building because of the unsafe nature of the floors and supporting walls. We began our efforts by stabilizing the structure with cables and support materials. The effort was somewhat successful, but the natural flow of water continued to undermine our efforts. Many years passed with only limited efforts made to move the project forward.
In 2017, Kevin Stingley, a retired educator whose father was a past principal at the school, took it upon himself to begin clearing the debris from the school and stripping out added walls not original to the building. Mr. Stingley re-energized the project and the AGSF began to assist him by lending their time and raising funds. We found a contractor familiar with historical restoration, Addrei Moore, who began working on the project in earnest. The first-grade wing was a total loss and had to be deconstructed. The salvaged materials are being utilized elsewhere in the building. This includes around 7,000 bricks manufactured locally as well as original pine flooring.
We had the topography graded to move the flow of water away from the structure which dried the space under the building for the first time since 1936. Mr. Moore was able to completely refurbish the substructure which turned out to be a major task. Many areas required piers, floor joists, and sub-flooring to bring it back to code. We had a new roof installed on the building as well as electrical service sufficient to meet our future needs. The walls were repaired, plastered, and primed. The windows have been temporarily repaired and the front door has been restored. We have ordered the remaining exterior doors and will soon have them in place. Our next efforts include restoration of restrooms, electrical wiring, and the addition of a HVAC system. A parking lot and sidewalk will be included soon to increase accessibility to the building.
The Atlanta Grade School Friends are at a crossroads to decide which section to finish out for the next phase of the project. We would like to be able to utilize this next phase as an ongoing fundraising source to complete the entire project by renting out office or event space. The community has shown great interest in what we are accomplishing and expressed gratitude regarding this part of their history being preserved.
- Danny Stanley, T. D. Stanley LLC, Treasurer of Atlanta Grade School Friends and Project Manager
As our fundraising plans have developed over the years, we have deeply appreciated the endorsement and support of the following:
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Atlanta Grade School Friends?
Stay tuned as we add photos to this section of our website!
Stay tuned as we add testimonials to this page of our website! If you would like to add your own testimonial, email it to: atlantagradNOTTHISPARTeschoolfriends@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name as you wish to appear online.
Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 851
Atlanta, Texas 75551
Our physical address is:
200 W. Miller Street
Atlanta, Texas 75551
Tours of Atlanta-Miller Grade School may be made by appointment. Kindly use our contact form to reach us.
There are several ways you can support Atlanta Grade School friends: donate online, mail a check, planned giving, or Amazon Smile.
We also accept donations through Donor Advised Funds.
Alternatively, you may send your check to Atlanta Grade School Friends at:
P.O. Box 851
Atlanta, Texas 75551
You can make a lasting gift to Atlanta Grade School Friends through your Will and/or estate plan. We urge you to consult your professional advisor for the best planned giving option for you and your family. For quick reference:
I herby give, devise and bequeath [insert amount in dollars or percentage of estate] to Atlanta Grade School Friends, a qualified charitable organization at the following address: P.O. Box 851, Atlanta, Texas 75551, Federal Tax ID #46-0492043, for the benefit of Atlanta Grade School Friends.
Questions? Use the contact form on this website to reach us. We deeply appreciate your considering Atlanta Grade School Friends.
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Atlanta Grade School Friends banks at Red River Credit Union in Atlanta, Texas.
Atlanta Grade School Friends appreciated the trustworthy support of:
Atlanta Grade School Friends wishes to thank the following for donating during 2019, 2021 and 2022. Our sincere thanks go to Jane Cook Barnhill for the beautiful and inspiring letter she wrote, and to the following contributors:
