Bainbridge in Decatur County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hutto School
Photographed by David Seibert, January 18, 2011
1. Hutto School Marker (Side 1)
The first school for former slaves in this county was established in 1869 and was known as the Whittier School and Tabernacle for Colored Children. It was on Shotwell Street and had grades 1-7. The name soon changed to Whittier Normal School since graduates were permitted to take state teachers exams. In 1895 George Hutto became Principal. The following year, after the Plessy v Ferguson separate but equal court decision the Shotwell Street building was torn down and Mr. Hutto was authorized to erect a new school at this site. At that time the name was changed to Bainbridge Colored Grade School. Mr. Hutto served as principal until his death in 1922.
The school was re-named in honor of Mr. Hutto and his widow Addie became principal. By her efforts a matching grant from the Rosenwald Fund was obtained to build a high school on the site. Grade 11 was added in 1928. Accreditation came in 1929 with the name Hutto High School. After 52 years of service Addie Hutto retired in 1942 and William Mann succeeded her. Grade 12 was added in 1953. Hutto High graduated its last class in 1970. Later that year Hutto High combined
this page online
Erected by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Decatur County Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 30° 54.5′ N, 84° 33.583′ W. Marker is in Bainbridge, Georgia, in Decatur County. It is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Progress Street, on the right when traveling west on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The marker stands at the western edge of the Hutto Middle School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Bainbridge GA 39817, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Photographed by David Seibert, January 18, 2011
2. Hutto School Marker (Side 2)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Flint River Baptist Normal Institute / Union Normal School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of 1702 (approx. half a mile away); The Tonge Factory (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of 1702 (approx. half a mile away); John the Baptist (approx. 0.9 miles away); Luther H. Conyers, Jr. Plaza (approx. 0.9 miles away); De Soto Trail (approx. one mile away); El Camino Real (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bainbridge.
Photographed by David Seibert, January 18, 2011
3. Hutto School Marker (Side 1)
Looking west on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Photographed by David Seibert, January 18, 2011
4. Hutto School Marker (Side 2)
Looking east on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, with the Hutto Middle School on the left
August 1939
5. Mrs. Addie Hutto, son Dr. Marcus B. Hutto and wife Ruth Sissle Hutto in Saratoga Springs, NY
Dr. Hutto often visited his cousin in Saratoga Springs, NY and in 1939 he took his mother and wife there for a couple of weeks in the summer. Mrs. Addie Hutto, his mother, was Principal of Hutto High school until her retirement in 1942. In 1952, Dr. Hutto's niece and nephew Cynthia and Noble Sissle, Jr. attended Hutto for 2 and 3 years respectfully. Noble, Jr. attended Floria A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida and occasionally visited the Hutto Family gravesites. Noble communicates with Dr. E.A.R. Lord's family on occasions. In 1953, the school formed its band. The call went out: "Join the band but bring your horn." The Lord family has 3 members in this photo: Charles (alto), Paul (trumpet) and "Teka" the Little Majorette out front. I Noble, is also on alto.
Photographed by School Photographere, circa 1953
6. Hutto High School first band (formed in 1953)
See caption on previous photo of Dr. MB Hutto and family
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,264 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 5, 6. submitted on May 13, 2026, by Noble Lee Sissle, Jr. of Temple Terrace, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
