Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, Inc.
  • Home
  • About
    • Preservation Priorities
    • Black History Walking Tour
    • Scavenger Hunt
    • Preservation Resources
    • Cemetery Preservation
    • Historic Markers
    • News
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Give
  • Staff & Leadership

Historic Lemon Street Grammar School To Be Saved

6/11/2019

1 Comment

 
Lemon Street. For African Americans of a certain age in Marietta, this road holds fond memories of a community rich in tradition and culture. From the Fort Hill Homes, to Cole Street Missionary Baptist Church, the Hattie Wilson Library, and the Lemon Street Grammar and High Schools, generations of Mariettans have lived, learned, played, and prayed in this neighborhood.
​
Picture
Earlier this year, Marietta City Schools announced plans to relocate its Central Office to the site of the old Lemon Street High School near the Marietta Square. The new structure would be designed to replicate the c. 1930 Lemon Street High School building that had been demolished in 1967. Plans for the new building included a museum dedicated to telling the story of Marietta City Schools from 1892 to the present day. The plan was very exciting, but one thing wasn't clear - the future of the c. 1950 Lemon Street Grammar School located directly across the street. The district needed more space, and the old Grammar School building was in need of substantial upgrades and repairs. A rumored demolition plan prompted Trevor Beemon, Executive Director of Cobb Landmarks, to reach out to Marietta City Schools.

"For me it was important for Cobb Landmarks to get in touch with Marietta City Schools early in the planning stages of their project," said Beemon. "I want Cobb Landmarks to be a resource for our partners. I have found that opening up a dialogue and helping walk through different options usually leads to a successful outcome for everyone." When Trevor met with Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools, he was happy to hear that preserving the Lemon Street Grammar School was a priority of his. "We have always known, due to its unique history, that the building is worth saving," said Rivera. Cobb Landmarks expressed the importance of maintaining the historic exterior of the structure at the very least, but hoped for more. "The question was whether we could afford to save the building while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Rivera. "We are pleased to say that, after careful study, we will be able to do both." 

​Currently used as a warehouse for the District, the Lemon Street Grammar School will be returned to its original use: educating Marietta's students. Marietta City Schools plans to preserve the building's exterior and key architectural features while rehabilitating the interior, making it conducive to a modern learning environment. The building is slated to open in 2021 as the new home to the Marietta Performance Learning Center, a division of Marietta High School. A small exhibition inside the school will further tell the story of the once-segregated school system, while outdoor interpretive panels will focus on the history of the surrounding community. "When historic buildings are torn down, a part of the past disappears forever," said Beemon."Preserving buildings like the Lemon Street Grammar School means we care about the places where our community's character was shaped."


The Marietta Board of Education voted unanimously to support the rehabilitation of the Lemon Street Grammar School during their June 11, 2019 meeting. 
1 Comment
Nancy R. Wallace
7/11/2019 06:58:37 pm

Great News indeed !!! so happy to see that more & more people are realizing the importance and historical significance of restoring and preserving these great old buildings of our past. I only wish the city of Kennesaw felt the same and they seem intent on tearing everything down and building new (the old Kennesaw Elementary School) - new is not always better. Thanks to everyone's effort to preserve this bit of Marietta's history !!!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Cobb Landmarks 

    We are committed to empowering our community with an understanding of the events, people, and places that formed our past, so that we may all strive for a brighter future. Won't you join us?

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    August 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    November 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    June 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    September 2016
    July 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014

    Categories

    All
    50Forward
    Black History
    History
    McAfee
    Next Generation
    Preservation
    Press Release
    Root House

    RSS Feed

You must think preserving local history is important or you wouldn't be reading this!
Did you know we're
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? That means we rely 100% on financial support from businesses, foundations, and individuals - people just like you! If you support our mission to share the stories and preserve the places that form our community, please consider getting involved! 

NEWSLETTER

Sign up with your email address to receive discounts, event reminders, and preservation updates. 
Sign Up

MOST Viewed Pages

Membership
Upcoming Events
Volunteer
Preservation Resources
Staff and Leadership

Picture
80 N Marietta Parkway NW
Marietta, GA 30060
678-594-4994

CONTACT US
​
Facebook     Instagram
  • Home
  • About
    • Preservation Priorities
    • Black History Walking Tour
    • Scavenger Hunt
    • Preservation Resources
    • Cemetery Preservation
    • Historic Markers
    • News
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Give
  • Staff & Leadership