"Today the structures remain almost forgotten..."

'Today the structures stand almost forgotten, scattered across North Carolina countryside,' Thomas W. Hanchett wrote for the North Carolina Historical Review, October 1988 edition, in 'Rosenwald Schools and Black Education in North Carolina,' (Hanchett, 1988). Leslie Rivers identified this school in eastern Anson County. (Photo by Autumn Smith)

Restoration Efforts

 In the 20th century, evidence to save and restore the Rosenwald buildings in the county was not found. Only one structure remains and renovation was not authentic to the period. In 2006, Lowes hardware chain offered $1 million in grants for 500 remaining Rosenwald Schools listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (Lowes Companies Inc., 2011); however, applications for funding are no longer being taken. Restoration of Rosenwald schools have been successful in Columbia, S.C., and Durham, N.C. Near Mars Hill College in Madison County, efforts have begun to restore the Anderson school. The restored buildings are used for community buildings or historic landmarks.

A two-room Rosenwald building near Lilesville in eastern Anson County. (Photo by Autumn Smith)