HOLMAN HISTORY

The Holman School was created by a need for black children to get some type of education. It was known as Northside School. The first location was a frame building on North Porter Street with Professors Lucas (the male teachers were then called professors) and Hughes. These two taught all the grades.

As the black community increased in population, there was a need for additional room. A building was rented from Joe Bush (one of the first black citizens to come to Stuttgart). His daughter, Dora Bush, taught the first and second grades.

The town grew, more children were in school, and more space was needed. The school building on Porter Street was moved to Buerkle Street with Professor Holman as a teacher. The name Northside was changed to Stuttgart Elementary.

In 1932, a group of citizens met with the school board and asked the school to be named “Holman” after Professor L. D. Holman, who had dedicated himself to the school and the community. The board granted the request.

Professor L. D. Holman began teaching in the Stuttgart system in 1907 at Odd Fellows Halls. He always taught first grade, and believed in the basics, such as reading, writing and arithmetic. In 1942, Holman first class followed its closure in 1970 with a total of 29 graduating classes (690 graduates) during its history.

The school continued to develop academically which led to the addition of the ninth grade in 1938, followed by the 10th grade the next year.

1942 – The eleventh and twelfth grade was added. The first graduation class consisted of seven girls and boys.

1943 – Ten students graduated. Football had its beginning with a perfect record of 0-5.

1945 – Championship, Triple A (AAA) Championship Basketball Team. Largest graduating class of the 1940’s consisting of 12 members.

During the 1940 Era four administrative heads served the school. A total of 63 students received diplomas. All students-elementary and high school were housed on the same campus. In 1949, A.S. Baxter was named administrator. Under this administration the home economics and band buildings were added. Miss Alexene Johnson was the first high school music teacher.

1951 – A brick building was constructed to house high school and elementary schools. During this time all students were in one building under one administrative head. Mr. C.A. Hicks, Supervisor of Negro Education from the State Department of Education gave the dedication speech.

Holman High School had a total of 29 graduating classes during its history. Grand total number of graduates was 690. Constructive leadership has been given the institution by the following individuals. Their leadership guided many graduates to their fullest potentials.

1952 – First homecoming, a feature event at Holman School each year afterwards. This event was annually sponsored by the school during October or November. Many interesting and exciting things occurred. Each class selected a representative to run for “Miss Holman High.” The class raising the highest amount of money was declared queen. There was a parade downtown on Main Street. There were floats from each department of the school and a queen float, followed by a football game. Many people would return from out of town every year for this gala event.

1953 – Under T.R. Delaney, a championship football team. Eastside Elementary School was formally dedicated for grades 1-3.

1955 – Largest graduation class of the 1950’s: 19 members. Mrs. Marie Ferguson was a sponsor and a new gymnatorium was added.

1956 – Holman Alma Mater was written by Miss Dazzle Mott.

O’ Holman Dear, our love for you, is one that’s rich and pure and true.

A part of us you’ll always be, we’ll love you with sincerity.

1958 – New Era began with G.A. Meekins as principal, who tried to develop a program of interest to all students. Typing was added to the curriculum. Morris and Dickens sponsored the first Student Council of Holman.

1962 – Championship Football Team. Coaches: Willie Boone and Arbort Mitchell.

1963 – First Honor Society; Mrs. Meekins sponsor. First new uniforms for band; purchased from funds received from the Annual Spring Tea. Each class would decorate a table to represent a county. After Baccalaureate Services, people looked forward to visiting a table of their choice. The purpose of the Spring Tea was to raise money to purchase band uniforms, instruments, etc.

1964 – Largest graduating class: A.A. Smith and V. Meekins were sponsors. Guidance counseling was added; Margaret Minor was the first-grade counselor.

1965 – Elementary school was separated. W.B. Moss was the first principal of Holman Elementary School. Charles Birdsong led the Holman Yellowjackets Football Team to a Triple A (AAA) Championship. The school changed through the years. School integration started.

1970 – Total school integration, Holman High School was closed and had their last graduating class.