Claymont in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Claymont High School
In January 1951, eight black students applied for admission. Due to the “separate but equal” education system in place at that time, the Claymont Board of Education was unable to permit their entry. In July 1951, noted civil rights attorney Louis L. Redding of Wilmington filed a civil action suit seeking the students’ admission. On April 1, 1952, Delaware Chancellor Collins J. Seitz rendered his landmark decision, declaring that opportunities for black students in local schools were not equal to those of whites, and that the situation should be remedied immediately. This decision was upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court. On September 3, 1952, the Claymont Board voted to admit 12 students, who with their parents, the board, and Redding, swiftly made legal preparation for their admission September 4. When school administrators were ordered September 5 by the State Board of Education and Delaware Attorney General to send the students home to await a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Claymont Superintendent H.E. Stahl and the local Board refused, successfully insisting that the students stay enrolled. Mrs. Pauline Dyson, a long-time teacher of Claymont’s black students, worked closely with school district officials and the community to ensure success of the effort. The Delaware case was later included for argument in the famous Brown vs. Board of Education suit. Claymont’s first integrated class graduated in 1954.
Erected 1997 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-99.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1951.
Location. 39° 48.134′ N, 75° 27.887′ W. Marker is in Claymont, Delaware, in New Castle County. Marker is at the intersection of Green Street and Lawson Street, on the right when traveling south on Green Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Claymont DE 19703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Honor of All Veterans (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grubb / Worth Mansion (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mother Catherine Rosarii (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Guardian of Defenders Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Archmere (approx. half a mile away); Claymont Stone School (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Darley House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Church of the Ascension (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claymont.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,231 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.