A true homecoming for old schoolhouse
Fri, Mar 28, 2008
By CAROLINA MURILLOThe Brunswick NewsJohn A. Tuten carefully guards two white wooden doors in his office at 4680 U.S. 17, Brunswick. Tuten, an architect retained by the Glynn County school system, is trying to preserve a piece of history.The doors led students and residents into the old Glynn Academy schoolhouse for decades before it was retired. Built in 1840, the schoolhouse is the oldest wood structure standing in Glynn County.
Minus the chainlink fence and trees, this illustration provided by the Glynn County School System shows what the restored schoolhouse might look like when the project is completed.
| It is currently located at 7126 U.S. 341 in Sterling, but the Glynn County Board of Education is in the process of returning it to its home, the Glynn Academy campus in Brunswick.Tuten and several associates are working on the two-story, wood-frame building's architectural foundation and relocating strategies."We are trying to salvage as many components from the building as we can to avoid any damage during the process," he said. "It's important we preserve everything that has historical value." Returning the building to the city campus is part of the school board's agreement with the city of Brunswick for obtaining the new Glynn Middle School site on Lanier Boulevard.Durable Restorations Co. of Ohio has been contracted to move the building the 10.5 miles from Sterling. The cost: $276,600 from the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.The schoolhouse, with four large columns at its front, was built on Hillsborough Square, replacing the first Glynn Academy building constructed in 1819 on the southeastern corner of Reynolds and L streets.In 1915 it was lifted and transported to Sterling, where it served as a school for black children during segregation.Tuten says initial planning indicates that the building will be moved in several pieces."The structure will be cut into two pieces and reassembled on its new site," Tuten said.The building's roof, front gable and columns will be disassembled to allow the first and second floor to be transported separately. "We had to make sure the two floors would be low enough to legally travel on the highway," said Tuten.Once transported, it will be placed in front of the high school's old wood gymnasium on the corner of Norwich and Monck streets.The building will be moved between May 15 and June 30.What it will be used for is uncertain. The school board is talking with the Glynn Academy Alumni Association to determine its future. Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson says he expects it to be put to good use"It needs to be used and not just become a static show piece or a monument," he said. "I am aware of plans to turn it into a museum or meeting place for the school board and school clubs and groups. It should have a history element to it."Thompson says the building's return to the city is important."Its a testament to the educational history of the area."
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