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Choccolocco Heritage Society Announces Heritage Fund to Preserve 1876 Elementary School

Chocoloco Heritage Foundation

Anniston, AL – The Choccolocco Heritage Society (CHS) hosted an important meeting on January 28, 2025, unveiling plans for the Choccolocco Heritage Fund. This initiative seeks to raise $125,000 to restore the historic 1876 elementary school, preserving its legacy as a symbol of the community’s rich history.

The meeting was called to order by Kim Boyd, CHS Past President, who expressed gratitude to attendees for their dedication to the cause. Pastor Dennis McKenny of New Prospect Baptist Church opened the meeting with a heartfelt prayer, emphasizing unity, gratitude, and the hope for successful restoration efforts.

Chocoloco Heritage Foundation

The room was filled with history, emotion, and a sense of determination as Georgia Calhoun, 94 years old, stood to speak. Her voice carried the weight of nearly a century of memories, each word steeped in the life she had lived and the resilience she embodied. “Can you imagine a five-year-old, chubby little girl in this window right here?” she began, pointing to the building that had been her kindergarten in 1935. “That was me, before any of you were born.”

Georgia painted vivid scenes from her childhood with both humor and solemnity. She shared how she and her brother would rise at 4 a.m. to make the long trek to County Training School, their only option for education after leaving their small school. “Sometimes the train was on the track,” she said, smiling faintly. “My brother would say, ‘We’ve got to go fast to get on that train before it pulls off.’” Despite the challenges, they persevered. Her brother finished with perfect attendance, as did she. Both were valedictorians—a testament to their determination and the values instilled in them.

Chocoloco Heritage Foundation

She recalled the one-room schoolhouse with a single teacher who managed grades one through six, sitting in the middle of the room with a long switch as her tool for discipline. There was a wood-burning stove to keep the children warm and a water bucket with a communal dipper for drinking. “We had glasses with our names on them,” she laughed. “I don’t know when they were ever washed, but that’s what we used.”

Her memories were not just personal—they were woven into the fabric of the community. She spoke of the origins of the school, built by enslaved carpenters on land donated by a local settler. “This school was like a tree with different branches,” Georgia said, her voice thick with emotion. “It united the community. The roots of this tree provided the foundation for everything we dreamed of becoming.”

Despite the hardships, Georgia never lost her sense of purpose. For decades, she had worked tirelessly to preserve the building, securing donations and enlisting the help of community members to make repairs. “I’m 94 years old,” she said with a smile. “I’m still rocking, still begging, still working. And I’ll do it until the Lord calls me home.”

Her passion was palpable as she outlined her vision for the school—to restore it as a community center and museum, a place to house artifacts and hold meetings. “This building means so much to me,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “And I pray that you’ll stay with us to see this project through.”

As Georgia finished speaking, the room erupted in applause, a testament to the profound impact of her words. County Commissioner Danny Shears, who spoke after her, was visibly moved. “If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose,” he said. “And nobody exemplifies that more than Miss Georgia Calhoun. She’s still got a pulse, and she’s definitely got a purpose.”

Chocoloco Heritage Foundation

He praised the people of Chocolocco and their dedication to preserving their heritage. Quoting Ecclesiastes 3:3, he reflected, “There’s a time to tear down, and there’s a time to build up. Some buildings, it’s time to tear them down. But this one, because of its history and memories, it’s time to restore.”

The passion in the room was undeniable. Georgia’s words had reminded everyone not just of the past but of the responsibility they all shared to honor it. The legacy of the little schoolhouse, and the community it symbolized, would live on—because people like Georgia refused to let it fade.

Georgia Calhoun formally announced the Choccolocco Heritage Fund, detailing plans to restore the historic elementary school. The project aims to preserve its legacy as a vital part of the region’s educational history. Renovations will include:

  • A historically accurate artificial roof
  • Restoration of original wood flooring and damaged support beams
  • Wall repairs to recapture its original design
  • Installation of a handicap-accessible ramp and updated plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation
  • Creation of a small kitchen and restroom in a rear building with sheltered access

Other additions include commemorative signage, historical recordings, and a vintage lighting system. Once restored, the school will serve as a museum and community hub, potentially being added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Civil Rights Trail.

Fred Couch, the project’s fund instigator, shared insights into the current funding position, emphasizing the importance of community contributions. Former student Trudy Munford recounted heartfelt memories from her time at the school in the 1930s, describing the close-knit community, the simplicity of the facilities, and the lasting impact the school had on its students.

The 1876 school was built on land donated by a local settler and constructed by skilled carpenters, including formerly enslaved individuals. Its restoration symbolizes the resilience and unity of the community throughout history.

Chocoloco Heritage Foundation

The project recently received a major boost from Commissioner Danny Shears, who personally donated $250 and made a pledge to match up to $10,000 in Calhoun County Commission funds if the Choccolocco Historical Society (CHS) can raise $10,000 in individual donations. This pledge has inspired renewed vigor in the community’s fundraising efforts.

Commissioner Shears emphasized the importance of preserving heritage. “Some buildings in the county are beyond saving, but others—like this one—carry history, heritage, and memories that deserve restoration. When people are passionate about something, they can accomplish great things,” he said.

The community has already raised $7,180, and with Shears’ pledge, there is hope that the remaining funds can be secured to restore the building. The CHS envisions the space as a museum and community center, providing a home for local artifacts and a gathering space for events and meetings.

Commissioner Danny Shears expressed his admiration for the initiative, encouraging support for this meaningful project. The meeting concluded with a call for donations and continued collaboration to achieve the ambitious goal of fully restoring the historic site. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made to the Choccolocco Heritage Fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama at 1701 Henry Road, Anniston, AL 36207 or online though thier website.

For updates on the project’s progress, visit the Choccolocco Heritage Society’s Facebook page.

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