The Rosenwald Schools of the American South (New Perspectives on the History of the South) (Hardcover)

~ MARY S. HOFFSCHWELLE (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

...an excellent resource concerning the rural school building program financed by Julius Rosenwald between 1913 and 1932... -- The Chronicles of Oklahoma

Product Description

Hoffschwelle tells the story of a remarkable partnership to build model schools for black children during the Jim Crow era in the South. The Rosenwald program, which erected more than 5,300 schools and auxiliary buildings between 1912 and 1932, began with Booker T. Washington, then principal of Tuskegee Institute, who turned for financing to Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck & Company. By requiring communities to raise matching funds, the two men inspired a grassroots movement that built schools in 15 southern states.  

          The Rosenwald schools, scores of which still stand, exemplified the ideal educational environment—designed for efficiency, making full use of natural light to protect children’s eyesight, and providing sufficient space for learning. Ironically, these schools, which represented the social centers of their African American communities, also helped to set standards for white schools.

          Though the program’s funding ended with Rosenwald’s death in 1932, many continued as public institutions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Rosenwald Schools to its list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 2002. Hoffschwelle examines these buildings as exemplars for school architecture and design, as community institutions and partnerships, and as a means of formalizing a state education program that, finally, would include black children. This story of extraordinary generosity and sacrifice will interest scholars of American and African-American history, educators, school planners, and preservationists.

 

 

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813029570
• ISBN-13: 978-0813029573
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,008,925 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for American History reference shelves as well as public and college libraries., November 4, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by Mary S. Hoffschwelle (professor of history at Middle Tennessee State University), The Rosenwald Schools of the American South is the true story of a partnership to build model schools for black children during the Jim Crow era in the South, with positive repercussions lasting to the present day. The Rosenwald Project, which began with Booker T. Washington and received the backing of the Tuskegee Institute and Sears, Roebuck & Co. president Julius Rosenwald, created more than 5,300 schools and auxiliary buildings from 1912 to 1932 in 15 Southern states. Scores of these schools remain today, as they were designed for maximum efficiency, space for learning, and serving as a cultural and social center of African American communities; ironically, their existence helped set high standards for white schools. The Rosenwald Schools of the American South meticulously examines all aspects of the Rosenwald Schools, including their contributions to architecture, community, education, and their role in formalizing a state education program that would one day include black children. A detailed and scholarly study, especially recommended for American History reference shelves as well as public and college libraries.