History of Elm Street High compiled by former student
Many Rockmart residents have fond memories of Elm Street High School where they were students.
Jenell Owens is an individual that recalls those years. Therefore, she has written a history of the school that will never be forgotten by those who walked its halls.
The school system began as two schools located in Rockmart and Van Wert. The Rockmart School System was located in Zion Hill First Baptist Church in the 1800s. In the early 1900s, the church was destroyed by a storm. Thereafter, a small 4room school was constructed on the same site on Euharlee Street, which is now Martin Luther King Street. Later, the schools were consolidated into one system in Rockmart. Following discussion, a site was selected on the west side of town in an area called Newtown.
The first trustees were Mr. Cornelius Sprattling and Mr. James Adrine. The first principal was Mr. Howard. Mrs. Lula Jackson replaced Mr. Howard from 1921 to 1922. Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of Peter and Lucy Patterson. Three teachers also served as principal and taught grades 1 through 7. Mrs. Jackson also secured Rosenwald funds to aid in construc- tion of a new building. Mr. Haines replaced her as principal and Mr. H. E. Rutland replaced him. Mr. Rutland was principal for about 25 years. Mr. B. J. Dennis replaced him.
Mrs. Louise Roper Hicklen provided the interest in athletics. She also carried a group to Marietta for a statewide basketball tournament. The next principal was Mr. A. T. Berryhill. He began the basketball and track teams. Mr. J. B. King who remained for 2 terms and was followed by Mr. Fred Harris; succeeded Mr. Berryhill. He served more than 5 years as principal before his demise. Mr. B. J. Dennis succeeded him until the next principal Mr. L. C. Baylor arrived. Between 194043 the school name was changed to Elm Street High School. Miss Clara Lee Hall wrote the school song, “Dear Elm Street High.” She was the first Miss Elm Street High.
During Mr. Dennis’ administration the high school was begun with official diplomas for seniors and traditional use of the cap and gown ceremony. Under Mr. L. C. Baylor’s leadership the class of 1953 was the first class to graduate from 12th grade. In 1954-55 Industrial Arts was added to the curriculum. A gym was built and the class of 1954 was the first to gradu- ate in the new building. In 1959, Elm Street continued to grow with another building, which included offices for the principal and various departments: Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Business Science and more.
As the enrollment increased, so did the need for supplementary classrooms. Through the efforts of Mr. J. A. Scoggin and Miss Annie Brumby construction was completed and additional teachers were employed. The first additional teach- ers were Miss Martha Martin and Miss Ethel Moore, who began planning for a homemaking unit. After Mr. Baylor left, Mr. E.D. Billingslea became the principal. He supported efforts to begin a band/music program building on Miss Winnie Scott’s work as a music teacher. Music teachers were Mr. Loyd Phinizee followed by Mr. Robert Ervin. During Mr. Billingslea’s administration, there was also an extensive building program on campus.