African American Public Schools, 1880s
Educational Reconstruction, the twenty-five years of African American education, has two distinct periods – Freedmen’s School and State-Funded Public School eras. Before the failed passage of the 1890 Blair Education Bill, Tuscaloosa schools mirror those of Mobile and other urban districts of the state. While the University only allowed African Americans to work at the campus (above image), Henderson Johnson, Cornelius Garland, and others helped to secure a system of schools for the generation of freedom's children. The documents below detail the activities, teachers, expenditures, and major developments of the second period of Educational Reconstruction. Mainstream newspapers increased their coverage of the African American public schools during the 1880s.Overview
Document 1: Opening of Miss Kernan's School, 1881
Published in a mainstream newspaper, this article notes the opening of a school operated by an African American woman.
Miss Kernan has returned and opened her school for colored children. She had a very large school last session, and we hear her prospects are good for the present session.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 3, 1881, 3.
Miss Kernan has returned and opened her school for colored children. She had a very large school last session, and we hear her prospects are good for the present session.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), November 3, 1881, 3.
Document 2: Annual Report of the Superintendent of Education, 1882
his article provides an overview of the city schools for African American and white children.
The annual report of the Superintendent of Education is now given to the public, and shows encouraging results. The total amount expended was $410,690.07; total number of white children enrolled 108,338; total colored 68,951; making a total of both, of 176,289. The average daily attendance as 115, 316. Number of white schools taught during the year was 2,981, and of colored, 1,591; total 4,572. These last on an average of three months in the year. The number of teachers in white male schools was 3,053, of whom 1,873 were males and 1,180 were females. Number of teachers in colored schools, were male, 1,169, female, 476; total colored teachers, 1,645. Total white and colored teachers, 4,688. Average monthly pay of white teachers $22.98; of colored $23.15. The average total paid to each teacher was $85.30. Average number of pupils to each white teacher, 34; to each colored, 41. When the number attending private schools are considered, Alabama presents a respectable educational front.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), March 30, 1882, 3.
The annual report of the Superintendent of Education is now given to the public, and shows encouraging results. The total amount expended was $410,690.07; total number of white children enrolled 108,338; total colored 68,951; making a total of both, of 176,289. The average daily attendance as 115, 316. Number of white schools taught during the year was 2,981, and of colored, 1,591; total 4,572. These last on an average of three months in the year. The number of teachers in white male schools was 3,053, of whom 1,873 were males and 1,180 were females. Number of teachers in colored schools, were male, 1,169, female, 476; total colored teachers, 1,645. Total white and colored teachers, 4,688. Average monthly pay of white teachers $22.98; of colored $23.15. The average total paid to each teacher was $85.30. Average number of pupils to each white teacher, 34; to each colored, 41. When the number attending private schools are considered, Alabama presents a respectable educational front.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), March 30, 1882, 3.
Document 3: Tuscaloosa Gazette Review of Student Performance, 1882
This article notes the educational progress displayed in the end-of-the-academic-year public exhibition.
The pupils of Miss Kernan’s Colored Normal School, had an interesting Concert and Exhibition, by the juveniles, last Tuesday night. The whites, who were present, highly commend, the entire performance. – The larger members of the School had similar exercises at Centennial Hall last night. Miss Kernan has devoted herself to the interests of her scholars with great zeal and apparent success. There is no doubt as the race becomes educated it will become elevated, and better enabled to fill its destiny.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 6, 1882, 3.
The pupils of Miss Kernan’s Colored Normal School, had an interesting Concert and Exhibition, by the juveniles, last Tuesday night. The whites, who were present, highly commend, the entire performance. – The larger members of the School had similar exercises at Centennial Hall last night. Miss Kernan has devoted herself to the interests of her scholars with great zeal and apparent success. There is no doubt as the race becomes educated it will become elevated, and better enabled to fill its destiny.
Source: “Untitled,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 6, 1882, 3.
Document 4: Tuscaloosa News Review of Student Performance, 1882
This article notes the educational progress displayed in the end-of-the-academic-year public exhibition.
The exhibition, concert and dialogues by Miss Kernan’s Colored Normal School at Centennial Hall, on the evening of the 6th, is spoken by those present as exceedingly creditable to teachers and pupils. In fact, the performance was represented as approaching in many respects some of the best performances of schools of higher pretensions. Miss Kernan is an indefatigable worker and a most successful teacher of the colored youth. It is said that each pupil knew his part, and the whole performance was conducted with propriety and precision.
Source: “A Creditable Performance,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 13, 1882, 3.
The exhibition, concert and dialogues by Miss Kernan’s Colored Normal School at Centennial Hall, on the evening of the 6th, is spoken by those present as exceedingly creditable to teachers and pupils. In fact, the performance was represented as approaching in many respects some of the best performances of schools of higher pretensions. Miss Kernan is an indefatigable worker and a most successful teacher of the colored youth. It is said that each pupil knew his part, and the whole performance was conducted with propriety and precision.
Source: “A Creditable Performance,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 13, 1882, 3.
Document 5: Seeking Theological Student Boarders, 1884
This local African American boarding house advertises for prospective Stillman Institute boarders for the school year.
I am prepared to accommodate as many as five students of the Colored Theological Institute during the session, with Board and Lodging, at reasonable rates.
Would like to know a month in advance of the opening of the school.
Address Lucy Jordan, Tuskalooa.
Source: “Boarding House,” advertisement, The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), September 4, 1884, 1.
I am prepared to accommodate as many as five students of the Colored Theological Institute during the session, with Board and Lodging, at reasonable rates.
Would like to know a month in advance of the opening of the school.
Address Lucy Jordan, Tuskalooa.
Source: “Boarding House,” advertisement, The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), September 4, 1884, 1.
Document 6: End of the Year Exercises of the Colored Public School, No. 1, 1885
This article notes the educational progress displayed in the end-of-the-academic-year public exhibition.
By invitation from the Principal, Jeremiah Barnes, we attended on last Thursday night, the closing exercises of this school. These were the first exercises of the kind it has been our pleasure to attend in Tuskaloosa, and we were both highly entertained and most agreeably surprised. The entertainment consisted of a “Model Class in Reading,” a “Model Class in Arithmetic,” the Declamations of Extracts and Music. In each department, we could see unmistakable evidences of careful and thorough teaching. The pieces for declamation and recitation were rendered with correct pronunciation and distinct and clear articulation, which showed constant drill in the elementary sounds. Many of the pupils displayed some of the marks of a true orator and delivered their little speeches with an energy and feeling that indicated a true appreciation of what they were saying.
We have always considered our colored friends natural musicians, and yet we, were surprised by the beautiful music, both vocal and instrumental, which they furnished on this occasion. Their voices, in both solos and choruses, guided by the sweet-toned parlor organ, rang out so clearly and sweetly that the whole audience often sat entranced by their melody.
The Principal of this school is one of our most successful colored teachers. He is energetic and progressive. He attends teachers Institutes and Conventions, where he learns many new plans of imparting instruction, and these cannot fail to show forth in his work.
After the entertainment the teacher trusted the children to a bountiful supply of ice-cream, and we left them cooling their lips, after the exciting ordeal through which they had passed.
Visitor.
Source: Visitor, “Colored Public School, No. 1,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 2 1885, 2.
By invitation from the Principal, Jeremiah Barnes, we attended on last Thursday night, the closing exercises of this school. These were the first exercises of the kind it has been our pleasure to attend in Tuskaloosa, and we were both highly entertained and most agreeably surprised. The entertainment consisted of a “Model Class in Reading,” a “Model Class in Arithmetic,” the Declamations of Extracts and Music. In each department, we could see unmistakable evidences of careful and thorough teaching. The pieces for declamation and recitation were rendered with correct pronunciation and distinct and clear articulation, which showed constant drill in the elementary sounds. Many of the pupils displayed some of the marks of a true orator and delivered their little speeches with an energy and feeling that indicated a true appreciation of what they were saying.
We have always considered our colored friends natural musicians, and yet we, were surprised by the beautiful music, both vocal and instrumental, which they furnished on this occasion. Their voices, in both solos and choruses, guided by the sweet-toned parlor organ, rang out so clearly and sweetly that the whole audience often sat entranced by their melody.
The Principal of this school is one of our most successful colored teachers. He is energetic and progressive. He attends teachers Institutes and Conventions, where he learns many new plans of imparting instruction, and these cannot fail to show forth in his work.
After the entertainment the teacher trusted the children to a bountiful supply of ice-cream, and we left them cooling their lips, after the exciting ordeal through which they had passed.
Visitor.
Source: Visitor, “Colored Public School, No. 1,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), July 2 1885, 2.
Document 7: Superintendent's Report of the City Public Schools, 1889
This article provides an overview of the city schools for African American and white children.
The public school of the city, under the able and efficient management of the Superintendent, Prof. Carleton Mitchell, are progressing most satisfactorily. The enrollment of the white school for the present term reached 360, and of the colored school 236. An efficient corps of nine experienced and accomplished teachers preside over the different grades in the white school under the superintendence of Prof. Mitchell. Everything moves with system and precision, and the progress of the children generally is very gratifying to both teachers and patrons. The large and well arranged school building is still unfinished, but it is hoped and expected that before another term opens the city fathers will have it completed. The grounds also will, we understand, receive much needed attention, being leveled and neatly fenced. Water fixtures have been or will be placed throughout the building supplied with all the modern comforts and conveniences for pupils and teachers necessary, and to add yearly to the efficiency of the schools.
They have labored under difficulties and disadvantages but nevertheless have moved steadily onward, and the prospect now is that next term will find them in better shape for successful work that at any previous term. The colored school has five teachers and is also progressing smoothly. Our city is proud of its public schools, and indeed it has a right to be.
Source: “The Public Schools,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), May 21, 1889, 4.
The public school of the city, under the able and efficient management of the Superintendent, Prof. Carleton Mitchell, are progressing most satisfactorily. The enrollment of the white school for the present term reached 360, and of the colored school 236. An efficient corps of nine experienced and accomplished teachers preside over the different grades in the white school under the superintendence of Prof. Mitchell. Everything moves with system and precision, and the progress of the children generally is very gratifying to both teachers and patrons. The large and well arranged school building is still unfinished, but it is hoped and expected that before another term opens the city fathers will have it completed. The grounds also will, we understand, receive much needed attention, being leveled and neatly fenced. Water fixtures have been or will be placed throughout the building supplied with all the modern comforts and conveniences for pupils and teachers necessary, and to add yearly to the efficiency of the schools.
They have labored under difficulties and disadvantages but nevertheless have moved steadily onward, and the prospect now is that next term will find them in better shape for successful work that at any previous term. The colored school has five teachers and is also progressing smoothly. Our city is proud of its public schools, and indeed it has a right to be.
Source: “The Public Schools,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), May 21, 1889, 4.
Document 8: Planning the New African American School Building, 1889
The article notes the city plans for the construction of a new African American schoolhouse.
The board of education of the city public schools has had several plans for a new building for the colored school, submitted to it recently. From among these, the board on Tuesday last selected the plan submitted by Maj. Smith, of Birmingham, and closed a contract with him to prepare specifications of said plan, let the contract and superintend the work of erecting the building.
Source: “New Colored School Building,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 24, 1889, 1.
The board of education of the city public schools has had several plans for a new building for the colored school, submitted to it recently. From among these, the board on Tuesday last selected the plan submitted by Maj. Smith, of Birmingham, and closed a contract with him to prepare specifications of said plan, let the contract and superintend the work of erecting the building.
Source: “New Colored School Building,” The Tuskaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa, AL), October 24, 1889, 1.
Document 9: Contract Awarded for New African American Public School, 1889
The article notes the company hired for the construction of a new city African American schoolhouse.
The school board has given to W. W. Thompson the contract for building the colored public school which is to be erected west of the old graveyard. Work is to begun at once and the building will be finished by April. The school house will be two stories high, containing five rooms and a hall and will be complete in every detail.
Source: “Colored School,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times (Tuscaloosa, AL), December 11, 1889, 4.
The school board has given to W. W. Thompson the contract for building the colored public school which is to be erected west of the old graveyard. Work is to begun at once and the building will be finished by April. The school house will be two stories high, containing five rooms and a hall and will be complete in every detail.
Source: “Colored School,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times (Tuscaloosa, AL), December 11, 1889, 4.
Document 10: Obituary of the Colored Normal School Founder, 1891
Though using the shortened name of Claiborne Garland, this death notice highlights his role as a founder of a city African American school.
Clabe Garland, one of the best known and most highly respected of Tuscaloosa’s colored citizens, died at his home near the University last night, of heart disease.
He had been quite unwell for several months and during the most of that time was unable to attend to his duties at the University, of which institution he had been a faithful employee for many years, his connection with it dating back before the war.
In recognition of his faithful services, the officials of the University granted him many privileges during his long sickness.
Clabe did much for the cause of education among his race in Tuscaloosa.
He was the founder of the colored normal school here and always contributed very liberally to its support.
He was much thought of by the whites of this city who always regarded him with the kindliest feelings.
Source: “Clabe Garland, A Respected Colored Citizen, Departed for that Undiscovered Country,” Tuscaloosa Times Weekly, July 9, 1891, 1.
Clabe Garland, one of the best known and most highly respected of Tuscaloosa’s colored citizens, died at his home near the University last night, of heart disease.
He had been quite unwell for several months and during the most of that time was unable to attend to his duties at the University, of which institution he had been a faithful employee for many years, his connection with it dating back before the war.
In recognition of his faithful services, the officials of the University granted him many privileges during his long sickness.
Clabe did much for the cause of education among his race in Tuscaloosa.
He was the founder of the colored normal school here and always contributed very liberally to its support.
He was much thought of by the whites of this city who always regarded him with the kindliest feelings.
Source: “Clabe Garland, A Respected Colored Citizen, Departed for that Undiscovered Country,” Tuscaloosa Times Weekly, July 9, 1891, 1.
Document 11: Sale of the Colored Normal School, 1892
The death of Claiborne Garland, a former enslaved campus laborer, resulted in the closure and sale of private school designed in training qualified teachers.
Under the power of sale contained in the mortgage executed to Claiborn Garland by the Colored Normal School of Tuscaloosa, a body corporate, said mortgage being recorded in Mortgage Book No. 40, page 201, in the Probate office of Tuscaloosa county, the undersigned as the executor of the last will of Claiborn Garland, deceased, will sell to the highest bidder, for cash, at the Court House door in the city of Tuscaloosa, between the hours of legal sale, on
Wednesday, May 4th, 1892,
That certain tract or parcel of land taken off the East end of the Lot numbered Eleven in the University survey, in Section 23, 21 R. 10 W. in Tuscaloosa county, which contains the buildings and improvements formerly known as the Pratt Place, and now called the Colored Normal School Building – being a parallelogram running 317feet North and South 209 ½ feet East and West, and the same conveyed to said corporation by Samuel F. Alston, on March 4th, 1884.
W. C. Jemison, Executor of Claiborn Garland, dec’d.
Source: “Mortgage Sale,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, April 27, 1892, 3.
Under the power of sale contained in the mortgage executed to Claiborn Garland by the Colored Normal School of Tuscaloosa, a body corporate, said mortgage being recorded in Mortgage Book No. 40, page 201, in the Probate office of Tuscaloosa county, the undersigned as the executor of the last will of Claiborn Garland, deceased, will sell to the highest bidder, for cash, at the Court House door in the city of Tuscaloosa, between the hours of legal sale, on
Wednesday, May 4th, 1892,
That certain tract or parcel of land taken off the East end of the Lot numbered Eleven in the University survey, in Section 23, 21 R. 10 W. in Tuscaloosa county, which contains the buildings and improvements formerly known as the Pratt Place, and now called the Colored Normal School Building – being a parallelogram running 317feet North and South 209 ½ feet East and West, and the same conveyed to said corporation by Samuel F. Alston, on March 4th, 1884.
W. C. Jemison, Executor of Claiborn Garland, dec’d.
Source: “Mortgage Sale,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, April 27, 1892, 3.
