The Evolution of Schools in Greenbank, West Virginia

 

From Session Rooms to Modern High School

The sources trace a fascinating history of education in the Greenbank District, highlighting the transformation from rudimentary session room schools to the establishment of a modern high school.

• Early Beginnings (1780-1842): Education in the Greenbank vicinity began with a typical pay school in 1780. As the community grew, a new school was built in 1820 on the John A. Gum property, referred to as Cartmill Creek. During this period, session rooms of churches served as makeshift schoolhouses, often led by pastors or visiting teachers.

• The Greenbank Academy (1842-1916): A pivotal moment arrived in 1842 with the establishment of the Greenbank Academy, the first free school in the district. Professor Benjamin Arbogast, instrumental in the academy's founding, became its first instructor. The academy played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of Greenbank and surrounding communities. It was part of a county-wide academy program, with similar institutions established in Huntersville and Hillsboro. The academy building was later remodeled and renamed the "Advanced School" after the Civil War, reflecting an upgraded standard of education. It continued to serve the community until 1916.

• The Rise of Greenbank High School (1916-Present): A new era began in 1916 with the founding of Greenbank High School, marking a significant step towards modern education in the district. John W. Goodsell, the President of the Board of Education, played a key role in this initiative, along with Dr. Leland Moomau. The high school was initially housed in the same building as the graded school. Grace Curry, who had previously attended Marlinton High School, became the first graduate of Greenbank High in 1919.

  • Growth and Expansion: The high school witnessed substantial growth over the years, necessitating expansions to accommodate increasing enrollment. The building was extended to include a gymnasium, which was completed in 1926.

    • Curriculum and Extracurriculars: The school's curriculum and extracurricular activities also expanded. Basketball was established early on, followed by football in 1926. Home Economics was introduced in 1921, leading to the formation of the Future Homemakers Club in 1930, one of the oldest such clubs in the state. A separate Vocational Agricultural building was constructed in 1930, and a bus garage was added the following year. Other milestones include the introduction of the hot lunch program in 1935, the addition of a new wing and steam heat in 1936, the formation of the Greenbank High School Band in 1944 under the direction of Miss Anna Margaret Johnson, and the installation of a new gym floor and heating system in 1946.

The sources provide a wealth of information about the specific individuals who served as principals and teachers at Greenbank schools over the years. They also offer glimpses into student life, extracurricular activities, sporting events, and community involvement, further enriching our understanding of the school's history.