Small "country" schools

Harmony

Photo (1945) of "new" Rupert School included: Max Tom Hardie, Roy Rogers, Floyd Brewer, Ann Williamson, Arie Ann McLaughlin, Adrian Downs, Boyette Turner, Jimmy Harvery, Jeanelle Downs, Carlene Bell, Joyce McChargue, Louise Wisham, Marie Rogers, Thomas Carpenter, Robert David Cooper, Agnes Blakely, Barbara McCorkle, Lillie Mae Williamson, Betty Jane Cooper, Neva Wisham, Nita Rogers, Gene Hill, Lisa Hardie, Sonya Riddick, Eva Wisham, Robert Brewer, Jimmy Downs, Bobby Green, James Hinton, Hoyce Cromer, Sammy Locke, Jessie Harris, Wynelle Blakely, Bobby Barrow, Robert Harris, Mozelle Rogers, Leroy Sawyer, Lula Mae Carpenter and teachers, Mrs. Lucille Callahan and Mrs. Ethel Harvey. Mrs. Max Hardie was principal.

Pilkinton School

Alumni 1909-1949

One of the early schools was Professor George Dwight School. Its first floor held the classrooms and the upper floor was a dormitory for boys from nearby towns. Average number of pupils was 60.

In the early 1900's Georgia legislature passed the "McMichael Bill" which allowed local school districts to have elections for school taxes to maintain their schools. Reynolds elected J.H. WHATLEY, C.B. MARSHALL, and R.A. HINTON as the first Board of Trustees.

That same year(1904) Henry Theodore Coleman left a portion of his estate to the Reynolds School and when the new school was dedicated in 1905, it was named for this donor.

This was a two story wooden building. There were four classroom (each holding two grades) on the main floor with an auditorium upstairs. Outdoor privies were used for years. The drinking fountain, located in the back yard, was a single pipe with the faucet turned upside down. There was a bell in the belfry and there is a stroy of a near disaster when the bell once fell.

The first Superintendent was Mr. Roth (a short term) followed by Mr. J.W. BLOODWORTH. Mr. E.H. JOINER was Principal and served for over 40 years.

In a 1909 catalog, Coleman Institute boasted of being "one of the best equipped secondary school in Georiga". With a population of only 1,200 (Reynolds) plans were being made to construct a 50 room dormitory for out-of-town students! The first graduating class (1909): Agnes SEAY, Elam GRIFFITH, Marie BARROW, Wales INGRAM, Clara MUSSELWHITE (all five went to college). Total enrollment for the 1909-1910 was 163 pupils.

Coleman Institute burned in the spring of 1916, just 6 weeks before it was to close for the summer. Arrangements were made for the 7-11 grade to hold classes in the Little Vine (New Hope) Church while the lower grades were in the "Pierce Institute" (named for the family who had lived in the dwelling). Each student brought his own chair!

A temporary structure was created and called "Cow Barn" because of its resemblance to one, but it was used for two years.

In 1918 the new two story brick building was finished and became known as Reynolds High School. That fall a flu epidemic caused the school to close, but it was reopened in time to complete the school year. In the early 1920 smallpox epidemic school stayed open, but a vaccine was mandatory.

School Lunch

Principal Joiner is well remembered for his high expectations. Chapel was held every Friday morning. Students had to give memory verses and answer questions when called upon! His pet subject was Spelling and Reynolds High usually won the Spelling Bees held between county schools. Curriculum requirements were: 4 yrs of math, English/literature, history; 3 yrs of Science, Latin; or 2 yrs Latin and 2 Yrs French. Many going away to college were able to skip Freshman courses in math and English they were so well prepared.

Scholarship Tests

Emory University offered a scholarship to the MALE High School Senior with the highest score on a Test they sent to the school. Mr. Joiner thought all should take the test, so had the girls use "male names"...but when the two highest scorers were girls, he had to confess!

Mrs. John MIMS, drama teacher, and Mrs. PENDERGAST, music directed outstanding student performances each year.

Reynolds students took such pride in their school that an Alumni Association was active and met annually, intiating new gradutes in May each year. Students from all the classes returned from great distances.

1956 era

July 1965, the decision was made to consolidate with Butler High School. This was greatly opposed by some Taylor families who elected to send their children to the neighboring Peach County School.

Integration came in January, 1970. Mrs. Jewel N. McDougald, an outstanding black educator, served as principal for many years. The elementary school in Reynolds were integrated by race but were segregated by sex in those beginning years.

Alma Mater
From the halls of Reynolds High School
We come class by class
See her loyal sons and daughters
They can't be surpassed.
Alma Mater, thee we'll honor
As the years go by.
Ever give thee praise and glory
Hail dear Reynolds High.