As you drive up to Gary District Grade and High School you notice the attention to detail the original architects paid to this building and it’s design
Located on what I would call a back street in what is now a back neighborhood, the only close neighbor is a church next door leaving the building vulnerable to vandals
The first Gary District High School, which was the high school for black children was constructed in 1913 ina wooden framed building. In 1925 that building burned and this new brick building was constructed at a cost of $36,000. The new 2 story brick building had 10 classrooms a gymnasium and a Library. At the time there were 437 black children enrolled at the school and that population was climbing rapidly. In 1927/28 a new elementary / grade school was constructed adjacent to the high school.
By September 1938 enrollment had increased to 650 students
In 1954 Gary District Schools had an enrollment of 716.
In the fall of 1954 the waves of de-segregation began to make their way to the hills of McDowell County and southern West Virginia. At the beginning of the school year Gary District students were given the option to remain at Gary District or transfer to a neighboring school such as Gary High School. Most students remained at Gary District Graded and High School.
In September of 1965 due to falling enrollment all of the high school students at Gary District High was transferred to Gary High School and Gary District High ceased to exist.
The High School was then converted into an elementary school which would remain in operation until 1981 when the entire complex was closed.