Homewood in Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Hall-Kent School
1. Hall-Kent School Marker
Raleigh B. and Edna Mae Kent donated this land to help provide an education for the families of the Oak Grove, Green Springs, and Shades Mountain communities. The wood-frame schoolhouse was completed in 1928 and named in honor of the Kent family and Dr. James Hugh Blair Hall, founder of Oak Groves Zelosophian Academy, which was established in 1887.
In 1935, the Hall-Kent Improvement Association, which later became the Parent Teacher Organization, held its first fall festival to raise funds for lunchroom equipment. In 1950, 93 students were enrolled at Hall-Kent. By 1970, enrollment reached 365 students. The first two brick additions were added in 1955 and 1960. An April 1966 fire destroyed the old wooden section.
In 1970, Hall-Kent School became part of the newly established Homewood City Schools system. Since that time, the vibrant West Homewood community has grown larger still, requiring construction of additional wings in 1990 and 2020.
Erected 2025 by Alabama Historical Commission and Hall-Kent Parent Teacher Organization.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 33° 27.45′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Edgewood (approx. 1½ miles away); Edgewood Lake (Drained 1940's) Birmingham Motor & Country Club / Edgewood Country Club (approx. 1.9 miles away); Samford University (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sibyl Temple (approx. 2.3 miles away); Shades Crest Road Historical District (approx. 2.3 miles away); A History Of Vestavia Hills (approx. 2.3 miles away); Oxmoor Iron Furnaces (approx. 2.3 miles away); United Confederate Veterans (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2026. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on January 16, 2026. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?
