Micah School students congregate in effort to raise funds for schoolhouse’s restoration

Students of the Mica School congregate to celebrate the kickoff of raising funds for the schoolhouse’s restoration. Pictured are (front, l to r) Hancy Hatchett, Gladys Armstead, Marian Wallace, (back, l to r) Lue Spruill, Jacqueline Wallace, Rae Foster, Doris Hollimon, Malinda Brown, and Mary Johnson.

Former students of Mica School, now known as the Mt. Zion School, recently gathered to share experiences, discuss potential uses of the site, and possible funding mechanisms to complete restoration of the building.

The one-room school is one of three remaining Rosenwald schools in Charles City County. The schools were funded by the Rosenwald Foundation. Julius Rosenwald, an Illinois philanthropist and part owner of Sears, established the foundation at the urging of Booker T. Washington, head of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The organization provided funds to schools in rural and isolated communities at a time when it was little or no public money put towards educating black youth. Mt. Zion received a $450 contribution from the local Black community, a $300 contribution from Charles City County, and $250 from the Rosenwald Fund.

Around 1915, students in grades 1-5 began attending the school and continued until 1949 when all of the students transferred to the Ruthville School. The vacated school became a place for adults to learn about voting and other civic matters and a site for church and social gatherings. In later years, it was used as a club house for hunters. However, the building’s deterioration accelerated.

Students are now reaching out to the community to save the priceless, cultural resource. Mt. Zion alum are asking to hear back from the community for possible uses for the restored schoolhouse building. The group is asking that the younger generation contribute to continue the history of Charles City County.

Ideas and suggestions can be provided to Jackie Wallace through the Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History at 804-652-1516 or via email at rmbowmanhistory@co.charles-city.va.us.