Nogales in Santa Cruz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Grand Ave - Frank Reed School
1928 - 1952
Photographed By David Jackson, circa about 1995
1. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
Grand Ave. School was founded in 1928 as a grammar school, grades one through eight, for the African American children of Nogales.
In 1943 the school's name was changed to Frank A. Reed in honor of a former student, Frank A. Reed, who died in action during World War II.
Frank A. Reed School was closed in September 1952 due to desegregation of the Arizona school system.
Teachers were: Lena Martin (Principal) 1928-1952, Florence Mills 1928-1942, Willa Hudson 1942-1943 and 1945-1947, Mildred Simpson Bennett 1944-1945 and 1947-1952.
The uniqueness of our school was due to our African and Mexican heritages. Even though segregated, this school turned out some outstanding students that grew up to be the leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Erected 1996 by Primeria Alta Historical Society & City of Nogales, Arizona.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1952.
Location. 31° 20.943′ N, 110° 55.725′ W. Marker is in Nogales, Arizona, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is at the intersection of North Grand Avenue and North Santa Cruz Street, on the right when traveling south on North Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nogales AZ 85621, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers.
this page online
More about this marker. This plaque donated by the Jackson family: Lucius Sr., Angela, Ida, Lucius Jr., David, Arthur, Mary, John, Emma, Eva.
Also note that there is an error in the erecting organizations on the marker. The marker shows the "Primeria Alta Historical Society" as one of the erecting organizations, however it should be the "Pimeria Alta Historical Society."
Additional commentary.
1. Frank Reed
Frank Reed was my 3rd cousin. His father, Chester Reed, had a sister named Millie Reed Harrison. They were from Columbus, GA. Millie was my great-grandmother. I've been researching our family tree and we knew about Frank and the school. I visited Nogales some years back and found the graves of Frank and his parents.
If
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 26, 2010
2. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
— Submitted April 6, 2019, by Melissa Coleman of Chicago, Illinois.
Photographed By DM Benzenhoefer
3. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 26, 2010
4. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 26, 2010
5. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
Photographed By DM Benzenhoefer, circa 1995
6. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
This photo includes former students of the school near the marker.
Photographed By DM Benzenhoefer, circa 1995
7. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
A family of former students.
Photographed By DM Benzenhoefer, circa 1995
8. Grand Ave - Frank Reed School Marker
Members of Jackson, Biggs, Matthews, Jolivet families plus officials from Santa Cruz County.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,458 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 7, 2017, by DM Benzenhoefer of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on February 2, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on March 8, 2017, by DM Benzenhoefer of Tucson, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on February 2, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on March 7, 2017, by DM Benzenhoefer of Tucson, Arizona. 8. submitted on March 8, 2017, by DM Benzenhoefer of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of building if still standing. • Can you help?
