Staunton History of African American Schools

Staunton History of African American Schools. Effie Ann Johnson Day Nursery and Preschool. For 58 years, African American preschool children of working parents found a safe haven in Staunton at what became known as the Effie Ann Johnson Day Nursery., 1939 , Established by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) and supported by the local hospital auxiliary, the nursery opened in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Annex on North Augusta Street., Although the only playground space was nearby Augusta Street Methodist Church and originally the facility had no indoor plumbing, the staff set high standards in their "school of living." Preschool education, balanced meals, physical activities, spiritual reverence, and good citizenship found a place behind the welcoming front door painted with a red feather where no child was ever turned away., Staunton native and elementary school teacher Mary Lou White Pannell (1896-1953) was the first director. After her death, Edna Tate, Alice Jones, Ellen Defriece, Polly Brumfield, and Judy Hatcher served as directors., 1945 , When the WPA ceased to exist, the hospital circle supported the nursery for six years before reorganizing and licensing through Virginia in 1945. From that point, the Community Chest, now United Way, oversaw operations. , 1947 , The nursery became known as Effie Ann Johnson Day Nursery in memory of a Staunton kindergarten teacher and probation officer. Inspired by Johnson's work with young students, Ruth Washington Waller (1906-1995), a Staunton English and music teacher and president of the nursery board for 26 years, and Kenneth Jones, Staunton businessman and civic leader and long-time member of the nursery board, suggested the name., 1962 , The nursery left the Ebenezer Baptist Church Annex moving temporarily to Reservoir Street before finding a permanent home in a new facility at 1314 West Johnson Street., 1986 , The nursery expanded to provide programs to well over 100 preschoolers and toddlers in the Staunton community., 1997 , Changing times in America affected the need for places like Effie Ann Johnson and facing declining enrollment, the facility closed., (captions) , Mary Lou White Pannell, the first director of the day nursery., Architect's drawing of the Effie Ann Johnson Day Nursery 1986 expansion. (Drawing Patrick M. Lathrop), Effie Ann Johnson, beloved Staunton kindergarten teacher. Painting Ruth Harrison, Photograph from the 1950s of Effie Ann Johnson students on the grounds of nearby Augusta Street Methodist Church. (Courtesy Margery Williams, former nursery assistant director), Mrs. Elaine Crawford accompanies children on the piano at the nursery. Shown with her are Nikki Brown, Casaundra Banks, Eddie Coleman, Carla Smith, and Tynika Munn., This 1962 nursery newsletter photograph shows the children at play in a small area in front of the Ebenezer Church Annex. That building has since been razed.