The Allen School: Educating African Americans in Western North Carolina - TribPapers
History

The Allen School: Educating African Americans in Western North Carolina

Photo by Clint Parker

Asheville – This state historical marker is located on College Street near Oak Street, in Asheville, and reads, “Allen School – Established in 1887 to educate African Americans in western N.C. Emerged as residential preparatory school for Black women. Was 1/3 mi. E until 1974.”

According to the historical sketch accompanying the marker on the state website, “Around 1875, L. M. Pease and his wife Ann Pinney Pease, who had both worked as Methodist missionaries among the disadvantaged in New York City, retired to Asheville. Not content with a relaxed retirement, the Peases instead initiated programs to offer educational opportunities to both [poor] whites and African Americans in the area.”

It goes on to say, “The Peases purchased two properties that would serve their educational goals. One became the Asheville Home Industrial School. They also purchased property near Beaucatcher Mountain, converting an old livery stable into a private school that served Black children during the day and Black adults in the evening…

“As their health quickly failed, the Peases turned over operation of the Industrial School to the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in July 1887. By the end of that year the school had over 200 students, both boys and girls.”

The curriculum was comprehensive, covering subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and history, along with practical skills like sewing and cooking. This blend of academic and vocational training was designed to prepare students not only for higher education but also for meaningful employment.

As the reputation of the Allen School grew, so did its physical presence. By the early 20th century, the school had expanded to include several new buildings, including dormitories, a chapel, and additional classrooms. This growth was made possible through the generous donations of both local and national supporters who believed in the school’s mission.

On the first morning after opening, the school enrollment was just three students. By the end of the month, it had surged to 103. In the first grade alone, there were three generations of one family, two preachers, and over 20 married men and women. They brought whatever books they had, mostly Bibles and blueback spellers, driven by a strong desire to read, especially their Bibles. By the end of the first year, over 200 students had enrolled.

The women of the Woman’s Home Missionary Society envisioned creating a home where girls could learn homemaking skills, thus improving conditions in their own homes. Mrs. Marriage Allen of England, the wife of a Quaker philanthropist, visited the school during her tour of the South. Impressed by the work being done, she pledged $1,000 on the condition that the society build the home immediately.

This led to the dedication of Allen Home on February 9, 1897. In 1905, another tourist donated $2,000 for a new school building to replace the livery stable. This building included a chapel, which served as the Methodist Church in the community (now Berry Temple Church) for 18 years.

In 1924, another section was added to the building, funded by Mr. & Mrs. F.A. Arter of Cleveland, Ohio. These buildings served the Allen High School student body until 1953, when the present dormitory opened, followed by the current school building in 1956. The old buildings were located where the parking lot now stands.

In 1941, Allen Home became a project of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service, and in June 1945, it was officially renamed Allen High School. By 1924, Allen had become a four-year high school accredited by the state of North Carolina, and in 1940, it received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Over the years, Allen High School has met the educational needs of Western North Carolina. As local communities improved their elementary schools, the lower grades were gradually phased out. Consequently, in September 1963, the school transitioned to serving only grades 9 through 12, eliminating the 8th grade class.

By the 1960s, the Allen School began to experience a decline in enrollment as black students were increasingly able to attend previously segregated public schools, eventually closing its doors in 1974.