This school, one of the first in south Rowan, was an active place when it was erected on Franklin Street in China Grove during the Spanish-American War. Originally called Professor Pete’s New School and later the Old Academy, it ultimately disintegrated, and its remains lay beside South Bostian School just east of town. One of China Grove’s first schools, it was ultimately used as a dwelling until its final decay. During its school days, everybody was required to go to the funeral when anyone in the area died.
One of the stories sometimes told was about the youngest Lipe brother who was killed by a horse. He’d left the school yard singing, “When the Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll be There,” and in less than an hour, folks said, he had answered the roll call.
For Looking Back information or to submit a picture, contact Joanie Morris at 704-932-3336 or jmorris@ kannapoliscitizen, Rose Post at 704-797-4251 or rpost@salisburypost.com, or Norris Dearmon at 704-938-9121.