Coffee High School

Coffee High School was located at this site from 1951 to 2004. From 1917 to 1950 it was located three blocks southwest, on the north side of Hermitage Drive at the intersection of North Walnut Street. Growth of the school over the years at that location dictated new facilities. In 1940, the Florence City Board of Education purchased a 25-acre tract of land at this location, bordered by Cherry Street. Old Military Road/Jackson Highway (now Hermitage Drive and Royal Avenue. The Olmsted Brothers, the premier landscape design firm in America at that time, was commissioned to create an overall design for the property, including a football stadium. The stadium opened for play in 1941, ten years ahead of relocation of the school. It was named Braly Stadium, and later, Braly Municipal Stadium, in honor of longtime coach and principal Tom Braly, Jr. Coffee High School welcomed its first group of students, grades 9 through 12, in the fall of 1951. The new facilities, in the International Style, consisted of a complex of three separate buildings: an academic building with 28 classrooms, library, and cafeteria, an auditorium noted for its near perfect acoustics with a band room, and a gymnasium building with additional classrooms. Later, more classrooms, a choral room and a large gymnasium were added. , (Continued on other side), Reverse Side , During the 53 years that Coffee High School existed at this location, it was under the leadership of five principals: Tom Braly Jr., Joe Grant (Interim), E.W. Wadsworth, Ralph Smith, James (Buddy) Moore, and Gerald Johnson. Coffee High School maintained a high level of academic excellence. The students were provided excellent educational opportunities under the watchful eyes of a highly qualified faculty. Also, the school upheld an outstanding athletic tradition which received recognition in local, regional, and state competitions. Many players went on to compete at the college and professional levels. Upon graduating, the students possessed the educational background needed for the pursuit of higher education and career goals. as well as contributing to our community, state, nation, and the world., Alma Mater , On our city's northern border, reared against the sky, , Proudly stands our Alma Mater, as the years roll by. , Cherished by her sons and daughters, sweet the memories throng. , Round our hearts, our Alma Mater, as we sing this song. , Chorus - "Forward Ever" be our watchword; Conquer and prevail. , Hail to thee, our Alma Mater, Coffee High, all hail!.