Palmyra in Fluvanna County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

S.C. Abrams High School

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

1. S. C. Abrams High School Marker

Inscription. Fluvanna County dedicated its only African American High School on 21 Nov. 1936 and named it the S.C. Abrams High School to honor the Rev. Samuel Christopher Abrams, who served as the county supervisor for the black schools and also as minister in several Baptist churches. Before 1934 black students had to leave the county to attend high school, but in 1934 a temporary high school opened in a wood-frame building adjacent to New Fork Baptist Church. By 1936 money raised by the black community and the county provided black students with Abrams High School, which became a junior high school following the integration of the schools in the 1960s. The Abrams building, located one mile west, has housed administrative offices since 1991.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number F-48.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 21, 1936.

Location. 37° 49.71′ N, 78° 16.344′ W. Marker is in Palmyra, Virginia, in Fluvanna County. Marker is at the intersection of James Madison Highway (U.S. 15)

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and Central Plains Road (Virginia Route 649), on the right when traveling south on James Madison Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Palmyra VA 22963, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. “Texas Jack” Omohundro Birthplace (approx. 1.7 miles away); John Jasper (approx. 2.1 miles away); Millstones (approx. 2.2 miles away); Fluvanna County Confederate Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Old Stone Jail (approx. 2.2 miles away); Commemorating (approx. 2.2 miles away); Site of L.O. Haden Office Building (approx. 2.3 miles away); Former Palmyra General Store (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palmyra.

Additional commentary.
1. School Administration
Wilbert Edward Friend of Chesterfield, Virginia served as principal of this school for 22 years alongside his wife, Mrs. Ellen Cooley Friend who served as librarian. Both were graduates of Virginia State University. When Mr. Friend graduated VSU the institution was called Virginia State Normal Institute for Negroes. When Mr. Friend received his Master's Degree it was renamed Virginia State College. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted May 16, 2023, by Michael W Friend
Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

2. S. C. Abrams High School Marker
of Henrico, Virginia.

The Abrams Building Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

3. The Abrams Building Sign

The S. C. Abrams Building--now a county school administrative building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, August 29, 2008

4. The S. C. Abrams Building--now a county school administrative building.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 2,526 times since then and 166 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 23, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.