When word came recently that my old elementary school was being demolished, I was already expecting it but it still brought a rush of emotions. This is where I spent most of my life from the 1st through 7th grades.
Ben Hill, like many Georgia counties, had a city and county school system well into the late 20th century. Lynwood was the county school. During my lifetime, it was officially known as Ben Hill County Elementary School.
The structure has been vacant for quite a few years and has been deteriorating. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of old schoolhouses like this wasting away all over Georgia.
A few counties have successfully put theirs to use, but that’s the exception, not the rule. People always ask why a place like this is torn down and not put to good use. The answer is never simple, and can be attributed to numerous factors, including political calculations, lack of funding, and the absence of a community effort.
In the case of Lynwood, a recent explanation arose of the need for a traffic roundabout on the adjacent state highway. The roundabout was poorly planned, as it’s being built at a low point in a natural wetland, but it will be…I’ll just miss my old school on the hill.
Following are a few shots of the auditorium I made just before the deconstruction was complete.
Stage
Auditorium
Seats
So many memories.
Ms Sutton giving me my 1st school whoop’n.
Mr Harper making us sing in auditorium.
Fred Hooks, King of the Mountain.
Thank you Brian. Hey Gina!
Donovan.Edwards311@gmail.com
I remember all the memories going to school here in the 1980’s. Everything Brian mentioned, from jumping Jack’s with Mr Thomas, to the concession stand,, yes what memories. They made a poor choice with doing away with this gem. Would have been nice if you could have taken some photos inside before the demolition grew even got there. 😣😒
Fitzgerald did have a plan to save many of the historic homes… but forgot about this building and the downtown area. Remember Fred’s DepArtment store and the Coke plant?
My sister shared this with me. Thanks for the article, Brian, hope you’re doing well.
~Gina Walker
Glad she shared it, Gina. I’m doing well, thanks. Hope you are, too!
😢
Thanks for sharing this.
I hope some of the distinctive feature–like the cupola and fanlight can be re-purposed somewhere. If nothing else put it in a flower bed in front of city hall with a marker. What a heartbreak to lose this gem of a building.
Is this the school off of GA Hwy 90 and Lower Rebecca Road near the newer Dollar General? I think I remember seeing that old school on the hill in my travels over that way. Sad they could not renovate it. Thank you for your work in documenting these historic places.
Yes that is the school off of GA Hwy 90 and Lower Rebecca Road near the Dollar General, you are right
OH NO!!!!!! The health department must’ve moved out.