Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Patton Elementary School

(1891-1958)

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, February 10, 2010

1. Patton Elementary School Marker

Inscription. First school in Florence Public school system built 1890 on land given by Governor Robert M. Patton. It was occupied in 1891. Designed originally to serve all white elementary school children of Florence. Usually served six grades divided into nine sections. The building was remodeled several times and also housed the Superintendents Offices. Cloakrooms, safety doors, fire escapes were added, and the third floor was removed in 1921.

Ada Coffee, leading Alabama educator, joined the facility in 1896, and served as Principal from 1910 to 1944. She established the first school lunchroom and Parent Teachers Association in Florence.

White children moved to J. W. Powell School in 1958 when the Negro high school burned. About 360 African-American junior and senior high school students used the Patton building form January 5, 1959 until Burrell- Slater High School building was completed in 1960. The building was razed, and grounds are now occupied by Florence Utility Department.

Erected by Florence Historical Board Florence Alabama.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1763.

Location. 34° 48.154′ N, 87° 40.033′ W. Marker is in Florence

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, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker is on Dr. Hicks Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35634, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Florence Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); "Mountain" Tom Clark (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Soldier's Rest (about 800 feet away); St. Joseph Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Florence Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (approx. ¼ mile away); 115th Signal Battalion (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Willingham (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Confederate Fort (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

More about this marker. Go West on Florence Blvd/ East Tennessee St/ 72 Hwy/43 hwy turn onto Dr Hicks Blvd. at red light. Take first left toward Florence Cemetery entrance. Marker is on right. Across the street is the Florence Cemetery Historic Marker (within walking distance).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,769 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on June 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photo 1. submitted on March 4, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.