Mission

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.

History

Atlanta-Miller Grade School located at 106½ W. Miller Street in Atlanta, Texas is a unique Works Progress Administration (WPA) era school building dating from 1936. It took 120 days to complete construction of the school, and this was ably accomplished by the Hardy Brothers of Texarkana. Included in the original design were six large classrooms, restrooms, teacher’s lounge, an auditorium, and administrative office spaces. Additional classrooms were added later including a section called the first-grade wing, but the latter was ultimately demolished.

Atlanta-Miller Grade School was in use until the mid-1970s. Between 1975 and 1980, it transitioned to become the Atlanta Multi-Purpose Center and was put to good use until 1990. From 1990 to 2000 the school was used for community storage. During this time, the building fell into decline as it received no maintenance. Water damage and neglect threatened the school’s survival.

Saving Atlanta-Miller Grade School

Many Atlanta-Miller Grade School former students and supporters banded together to save the now historic school from destruction. The property was purchased, and both physical maintenance and clean-up by volunteers and financial contributions helped stabilize the school (and the land on which it sits). This was done by the nonprofit organization, Atlanta Grade School Friends. The nonprofit officially received its IRS designation in 2003, but volunteer work began as early as 2001. Atlanta Grade School Friends recently purchased a piece of property adjacent to the building, which will eventually serve as an off-street parking lot.

To read more about the saving of Atlanta-Miller Grade School and the work of Jane Cook Barnhill, our nonprofit’s founding President, follow this link to the August 2025 issue of the Atlanta Grade School Friends newsletter.

In 2006, Atlanta-Miller Grade School received a historical marker from the Texas Historical Commission. The marker is installed next to the front entrance of the school, along with a new flagpole. We are currently working on securing a marker from the National Historic Landmarks Program of the National Parks Service.

In 2023, Atlanta-Miller Grade School was removed from the “most endangered” historic sites list of Preservation Texas, as substantial progress toward restoration has been made. Atlanta Grade School Friends also received the Honor Award from Preservation Texas. Read the press release below.

Did You Know?

The official mascot of Atlanta-Miller Grade School was the rabbit. The rabbit was chosen as recounted by Lee Ellen Benjamin, a member of our Board of Directors, as follows: “The Rabbits were named for Col. Ed Rabb, who was the first coach of the Atlanta football team. Before they became the Rabbits, they were the Wolves, but that went by the wayside when Mr. Rabb came in the early 1920s.”

The school color was maroon, hence the color combination you see on our website. According to Color Meanings, “People tend to feel safe when in the presence of maroon. This gorgeous hue welcomes everyone and doesn’t entertain prejudices. According to maroon, everyone deserves compassion and care. If this is lacking in your life, find comfort in the color maroon. You’ll no doubt benefit from the warmth that this hue radiates.”