Former Elm Street students attend reunion
Conclusion A reunion for students at the former Elm Street School was held July 2526.
Former classmates attended a picnic from 4 to 6 p.m. July 25 in Seaborn Jones Park in downtown Rockmart, and a banquet at 6 p.m. July 26 in Forrest Place, 436 Broad Street in Rome, Georgia.
The following concludes the history of the school (property now owned by Northwest Georgia Housing Authority) authored and submitted by Jenell Owens.
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 to graduate from the 12th grade. In 195455, Industrial Arts was added to the curriculum. A gym was built and the class of 1954 would be the first to graduate in the new building. In 1959, Elm Street continued to grow with another structure added that included offices for the principal and various department for Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Business, Science and more.
As 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 to accommodate the student population. The first additional teachers 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 began a band/music program building on the work of Miss Winnie Scott, a music teacher. The music teacher was Mr. Loyd Phinizee followed by Mr. Robert Ervin. During Mr. Billingslea’s administration, there was also an extensive building program on campus.
And with new laws and reform mandates other changes occurred in the school. More core and elective classes were added and guidance and counseling services were provided for test programs and preparation for college.
Mr. Robert Ervin came to Elm Street in 1962. When he came he also brought a vision of a marching band with him. Every organization worked to ensure students had a band.
Mr. Major Harris was the first drum major. The majorettes were Meredith Tolbert, Robra Lester, Barbara Goggins, Sylvia Scott, Wanda Harris and Jackie Poteete. The first instrument was a drum and Arnold Alexander played it with skill.
Integration brought about changes to Elm Street High School. The Class of 1967 would be the last to graduate from the school. Ms. Marilyn Dobbs was the final Miss Elm Street High. The school was closed to allow for the changes.
In 1969-1970, the school status and name was changed to Rockmart Junior High and in 19791980 it became known as Rockmart Middle.
In 1983-94 under the leadership of Mr. Odell Owens, the school’s name was changed back to Elm Street Middle along with other black schools recovery of original names.
In 2007, the facility closed and was used by students from Westside Elementary following a fire in the Cedartown school.
No matter the changes, our beloved Elm Street will always remain in our hearts and memory. Our hope is that it may once again – in the future – become a vibrant part of the community.