Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Spencer Bibbs Academy
— Eastside Neighborhood Black History Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 11, 2021
1. Spencer Bibbs Academy Marker (now the Spencer Bibbs Center).
Inscription.
Spencer Bibbs Academy was named for the first African American Supervisor of Colored Schools in Escambia County. Appointed to the position in the early 1900s, Supervisor Bibbs went before the school board in 1919 to ask for an east side school and his request was granted. The school, first named P.S. #44 and then P.S. #102, was temporarily established at Edward's Chapel on Scott Street and 13th Avenue while the school building, a white wooden structure, was being constructed on this site. In 1924, P.S. #102 became Spencer Bibbs Elementary School in honor of Supervisor Bibbs. In those days, students who finished Spencer Bibbs had to walk to the Gibson School on the west side of town in order to continue their education beyond fourth grade. In the afternoons, Mr. Bibbs, who also worked as a hack driver--yesteryear's version of a taxi driver, driving a wagon hitched to mules--used his wagon to transport the students from the east side to Gibson School on the west side. A newer masonry building was constructed on this site in 1962 and the name was later changed to Spencer Bibbs Academy.
Spencer Bibbs Academy was named for the first African
American Supervisor of Colored Schools in Escambia County.
Appointed to the position in the early 1900s, Supervisor Bibbs went
before the school board in 1919 to ask for an east side school and his
request was granted. The school, first named P.S. #44 and then P.S.
#102, was temporarily established at Edward's Chapel on Scott Street
and 13th Avenue while the school building, a white wooden structure,
was being constructed on this site. In 1924, P.S. #102 became Spencer
Bibbs Elementary School in honor of Supervisor Bibbs. In those days,
students who finished Spencer Bibbs had to walk to the Gibson
School on the west side of town in order to continue their education
beyond fourth grade. In the afternoons, Mr. Bibbs, who also worked
as a hack driver--yesteryear's version of a taxi driver, driving a
wagon hitched to mules--used his wagon to transport the students from
the east side to Gibson School on the west side. A newer masonry
building was constructed on this site in 1962 and the name was
later changed to Spencer Bibbs Academy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.
Location. 30° 26.054′ N, 87° 12.74′ W. Marker is
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in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. Marker is on North 6th Avenue north of East Hernandez Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2005 N 6th Ave, Pensacola FL 32503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
