It made it almost 100 years, falling just short after closing in 1995. The school was named after one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted generals, John Brown Gordon.
Gordon lived from 1832-1904. "A native of Upson County, Georgia, and a Major General, Confederate States Army, was one of General Lee's most trusted and outstanding officers. He brilliantly led his devoted men in every engagement in which the army of Northern Virginia participated and was severely wounded at the Battle of Sharpsburg. He led the War's last charge and following the Appomattox surrender, returned to Georgia. Idolized by the populace, he served his state three times as U.S. Senator and as Governor 1886-1890. He was Commander-in-Chief of the United Confederate Veterans from its inception until his death- a fitting tribute to a gallant gentleman."
-Historical plaque at Oakland Cemetery placed by the Alfred Holt Colquitt Chapter, U.D.C.
Gordon Elementary flourished in the 1950s, with many posting online concerning their fond memories of running across the street to buy a soda pop. Unfortunately the school began to decline as Atlanta grew, and has been vacant ever since it closed. The shell of the school still stands, more or less to this day.
There has been talk of using the land to build apartments, as recently as 2013, but no progress has been made. The elementary school caught fire in early 2014, and the newest section of the building was destroyed. As of, November 2014, there was a massive cleanup of the school, and in early 2015 demolition started. Gordon Elementary was a beautiful brick building that will be missed.
Until Next Time, -Turtl and Bloody
I have pleasant but not fond memories of J.B. Gordon elem.
ReplyDeleteWe attended Whitefoord Elem. In 1961 the Atlanta powers that be decided to "integrate" the schools by making Whitefoord Elem. all black and making the all white now former Whitefoord students go to all white J.B. Gordon We had double sessions because you can't put two schools in the same building overnight. Fortunately most of our teachers came with us, so we didn't feel too much set adrift. We went one year (sixth grade) then moved to Dekalb County.
We had real neighborhood schools, and I still resent the powers that be ripping apart the neighborhood school for a purely political agenda. The real shame is that blacks and whites all lost.
This is a part of Atlanta history that has been swept under the rug and mostly forgotten about.
I have to note that the Whitefoord/Woodbine community has somehow become part of Kirkwood, which no one "back in the day" would have considered.
I grew up in EA and attended JBG from 1951-1958. School holds a great deal of good time and bad for me but mostly good. It is where I met my first true love Shirley Pair but also Mayjet Freeman, and Nancy Newmon, also Jerry Bowen, Glen Warick, Donnie Cater all of whom made an impression on my life some good and some bad but all that I remember to this day. I also remember going to Charley's for 10c hamburgers the Madison for movies and fun and the Halloween fun at the school. All in all those time made me the person I am now so good or bad who knows.
Deletebrooks.jw@hotmail.com
thanks for the pic and update
Deleteis this place still existing?
ReplyDeleteThis may be my favorite post of yours ever. Her home and gardens are perfection. And you captured it in perfect detail.
ReplyDeleteGrant Park Homes for Sale
Would love to know more about some of the abandoned properties you have shot. I am looking for an abandoned home to shoot some photography. Ideally something that was once a grand home and now is empty and creepy.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Would love to know more about some of the abandoned properties you have shot. I am looking for an abandoned home to shoot some photography. Ideally something that was once a grand home and now is empty and creepy.
ReplyDeleteThanks
This place no longer exists. Tore down and replaced with new apartment buildings
ReplyDeleteI had Mrs. Greenwood for my kindergarten teacher in 1953. I lived on Stokeswood Ave. and would walk to school with my brother and Mom.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I attended John B. Gordon Elementary School from 1944-1948.
ReplyDelete