Signal Mountain Elementary School recently celebrated 100 years of history, education and community impact on Signal Mountain. The school was built in March 1926 and officially opened that September. Mountain founder D.E. James recognized the need for a larger school to serve the growing community. The school was first on Slaton Street and later relocated to Maryland Avenue before moving to its present-day location on Kentucky Avenue.
The centennial celebration began with a morning gathering at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and featured memories and reflections from former students, faculty and community members. Speakers included former principal Jean Trohanis, Colleen Lalibete, Allison Shopshire-Ford, John Wynn, Gary Beene, Rita Smith-Irvin.
Shopshire-Ford sang “Be Thou My Vision,” and "This Lovely Thing,” both a capella.
Colleen, who later became the drama teacher at the Mountain Arts Community Center, shared memories of her time connected to the school and community. John and Bill Coolidge reflected on family life and friendships formed during those early years on the mountain. John Wynn spoke fondly of the dedicated teachers and memorable field trips that shaped the lives of students or generations
Event organizer Gary Beene praised the school he began attending in third grade, recalling the lasting impact the school had on both education and community life.
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was when Rita Smith-Irvin presented a plaque in memory of beloved Bible teacher Eula Greenway. The plaque will be placed in the existing Sarah Lewis Wilhite Memorial Hall at the MACC.
Smith-Irvin shared memories of Greenways Bible lessons, recalling the famous felt board she used to bring Bible stories to life with carefully placed characters and scenes. “You could hear a pin drop, Irvin recalled as attendees reflected on the impact Miss Eula Greenway had on generations of mountain children.
Ms. Eula Greenway and Mildred Rothermill came to Signal Mountain in 1941 as part of the Log Cabin Chapel/Signal Mountain Mission, another important part of the mountain’s spiritual and educational history. Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church was also a part of this important history.
Signal Mountain Elementary School closed in 1999 as the mountain continued to grow and larger schools were built. However, a dedicated group of citizens worked to preserve the historic building and transform it into what is now the Mountain Arts Community Center.
Today the MACC continues the building’s legacy of education and enrichment through music lessons, dance classes, theater productions, art instruction, concerts and community events. While the classrooms may focus more on the arts instead of traditional academics, the spirit of learning remains alive within its historic walls.
Those interested in exploring the historic building, attending classes or enjoying performances and community events are encouraged to visit the Mountain Arts Community Center and experience this treasured pat of Signal Mountain history.
by Rita Smith Irvin
SMES historian and alumna
The centennial celebration began with a morning gathering at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and featured memories and reflections from former students, faculty and community members. Speakers included former principal Jean Trohanis, Colleen Lalibete, Allison Shopshire-Ford, John Wynn, Gary Beene, Rita Smith-Irvin.
Shopshire-Ford sang “Be Thou My Vision,” and "This Lovely Thing,” both a capella.
Colleen, who later became the drama teacher at the Mountain Arts Community Center, shared memories of her time connected to the school and community. John and Bill Coolidge reflected on family life and friendships formed during those early years on the mountain. John Wynn spoke fondly of the dedicated teachers and memorable field trips that shaped the lives of students or generations
Event organizer Gary Beene praised the school he began attending in third grade, recalling the lasting impact the school had on both education and community life.
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was when Rita Smith-Irvin presented a plaque in memory of beloved Bible teacher Eula Greenway. The plaque will be placed in the existing Sarah Lewis Wilhite Memorial Hall at the MACC.
Smith-Irvin shared memories of Greenways Bible lessons, recalling the famous felt board she used to bring Bible stories to life with carefully placed characters and scenes. “You could hear a pin drop, Irvin recalled as attendees reflected on the impact Miss Eula Greenway had on generations of mountain children.
Ms. Eula Greenway and Mildred Rothermill came to Signal Mountain in 1941 as part of the Log Cabin Chapel/Signal Mountain Mission, another important part of the mountain’s spiritual and educational history. Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church was also a part of this important history.
Signal Mountain Elementary School closed in 1999 as the mountain continued to grow and larger schools were built. However, a dedicated group of citizens worked to preserve the historic building and transform it into what is now the Mountain Arts Community Center.
Today the MACC continues the building’s legacy of education and enrichment through music lessons, dance classes, theater productions, art instruction, concerts and community events. While the classrooms may focus more on the arts instead of traditional academics, the spirit of learning remains alive within its historic walls.
Those interested in exploring the historic building, attending classes or enjoying performances and community events are encouraged to visit the Mountain Arts Community Center and experience this treasured pat of Signal Mountain history.
by Rita Smith Irvin
SMES historian and alumna
RSS Feed