On Friday, May 30, Franklin Academy had its last day of classes after a 204 year history. It was the first free public school in the state of Mississippi. Pages 4A and 5A in today’s paper feature a selection of memories from former students and teachers. Due to space limitations, we were not able to run all of the submitted memories on those pages. Here is a selection of other memories.
The fantastic aroma of the fresh-baked rolls which the wonderful ladies in the cafeteria made daily is a distinct memory for me.
Duke Snider (of Brooklyn/L.A. Dodger fame) visited our assembly at Franklin in the mid-1950’s.
Only 4th grade and up could play in Magnolia Bowl and the anticipation, then the reality of finally getting to play in the Bowl was exciting.
I remember all my teachers being smart, kind and caring. What a great place to spend in elementary school! Very sad the “powers that be” cannot figure out a way to save Franklin Academy, the first public school in Mississippi.
Kelsey Van Every
Student, 1954-1958
I did odds and ends for librarian Mrs. Mitchell and would read to kids. They were so sweet and dear to my heart.
Marcus Lang
Library assistant, 1995-1996
I appreciate the experience I received and the people I met.
Linda T. Johnson
Teacher, 2008-2023
I loved the huge deep sand playground that had previously been training areas for cadets. First through third grades played there at recess.
The cafeteria was so large to accommodate the cadets, so we had lots of long tables. The kitchen had great cooks who made the best home cooked lunches on the massive stoves, and they always made warm buttered rolls. Sixth graders could work the serving line and earn free lunches, and if you cleaned tables too, you got one or two more free warm rolls too. I always cleaned tables!
Fourth through sixth had recess in the bowl. We played crack the whip, double dutch, chinese jump rope, or watched the boys play football or other sports.
My mother had a 9-passenger station wagon, so she was our neighborhood bus. When school was out, we all gathered at the wood, covered, multi-level pick up area to wait for our ride home. We had races up and down the ramp while we waited.
Teachers that I remember?
1st grade – Ms. Ballard – very nice lady who had mild polio on one side
4th grade – Mrs. Hemby I think
5th grade – Mrs. Arnette – very scary teacher for me, always yanking off her glasses and banging the pointer on the board. She claimed to know Elvis Presley when he was small.
I hate thinking of that beautiful building being decommissioned. It’s such a historical place.
Elaine (Bounds) Meyers
Student, 1960-1966
Cedar Rapids, IA
The following two are continuations of memories shared on pages 4-5A.
I started as a new student in Mrs. Edwards 3rd grade class. I was so shy but happy at the same time. I remember Franklin back then was amazing. I would like to give Mrs. Anne Turnage her flowers. She was my 4th grade teacher. She was absolutely amazing. I haven’t seen her since I left Franklin 24 years ago, but I hope she’s doing well. She made coming to school fun. I also remember our Christmas program “The Nutcracker.” Franklin Academy was an amazing school, and I became a scholar attending there because the teachers were amazing teachers and cared about our education. I have a class picture from Mrs. Edwards 3rd grade class. I’m standing right next to Cordell Lewis. He was the first friend I made in 3rd grade. I miss him dearly. Thank you Franklin Academy for giving me great memories.
Shanderica Thompson
Student, 1999-2001
Library! I can finally say I used to dislike going to library cause Mrs. Mitchell didn’t play at all, but she made learning and reading very much worth it while in library. We used to sit on the little steps as she read a book to us. Shoutout to Mitchell for real though.
I loved going to science lab. Mrs. Purdell was a great lively teacher. Last but not least Coach Gooch. Boyyy, that lady made PE worth it with her attitude, personality and being alive. You could come there and be tired if you wanted to, but she was most definitely going to give some energy.
I also remember when they put the fitness playground out there. I couldn’t climb those two poles to the top to save my life but I bet I can now. Going to the YMCA as kids was fun being that we were able to walk there from the school and do fun educational things like learn about the body. The school is a real deal historic trademark glad I got to step foot in there!
Shelby Scott
Student, K (2005) – 4th grade
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
