Near Arley in Winston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Bethel School
First Known School In The Greater Arley Community
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, May 29, 2011
1. Bethel School Marker
Inscription.
Bethel School. First Known School In The Greater Arley Community. The Community’s first four settlers homesteaded land near this site in 1832. The little log schoolhouse, just 18 feet square, was built in 1874. The land, given by L. F. Hembree, is now the site of Bethel Cemetery. With no heat, a dirt floor, and split-long benches, the school played a major role in the development of Winston County. The first teacher, Isham P. Gibson, later became tax assessor and probate judge. A later teacher, John J. Curtis, became probate judge. One of the first students, Rev. Geo. W. Gibson, was the Community’s first historian and the County’s first farm demonstration agent. From its earliest days, the little schoolhouse also served as a church.
The Community’s first four settlers homesteaded land near this site in 1832. The little log schoolhouse, just 18 feet square, was built in 1874. The land, given by L. F. Hembree, is now the site of Bethel Cemetery. With no heat, a dirt floor, and split-long benches, the school played a major role in the development of Winston County. The first teacher, Isham P. Gibson, later became tax assessor and probate judge. A later teacher, John J. Curtis, became probate judge. One of the first students, Rev. Geo. W. Gibson, was the Community’s first historian and the County’s first farm demonstration agent. From its earliest days, the little schoolhouse also served as a church.
Erected 1979 by The Arley Community Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 34° 1.119′ N, 87° 10.304′ W. Marker is near Arley, Alabama, in Winston County. Marker is on Wilson Bend Road (County Route 12) north of County Route 242, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arley AL 35541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Piney Ridge School (approx. 2.9 miles away); Old Arley School (approx. 4.3
2. Bethel School Marker Stands Next To The Old Bethel Church
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, May 29, 2011
3. Bethel Cemetery located across the road from the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 919 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 30, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
