In 1913, citizens of Chauncey realized the need for an expanded curriculum and a well-equipped school building.
In response, a City of Chauncey Chamber of Commerce was organized and preceded with the task of encouraging citizens to support a bond issue to raise ten thousand dollars for the construction of a new school. Four acres of land were donated, the bond issue passed and the present majestic federal-style two story building was erected. The front of the building features four large columns flanking the entrance and has twenty-six large windows. Double doors with a transom lead into the foyer. Side rooms are presently being used by the city as its city hall. In the back of the downstairs is a large meeting room with restrooms and area for food service. A winding staircase on either side of the foyer leads to the second story of the building.
Chauncey School
Chauncey School turns 100 in 2014
The upstairs is an auditorium that will seat around 250 people. The fold-down, vintage, wood and cast iron chairs are original and are in fairly good condition. The stage has a good size room on either side of the stage that can be used as dressing rooms or for preparing to enter the stage. Some of the doors have beautiful original glass doorknobs. The ceiling is the original pressed tin ceiling reminiscent to the style that was popular at the turn of the century.
When the school opened in 1914, it consolidated with a smaller rural school and in doing so became the first consolidated school district in the state of Georgia. This consolidation was contested and carried to the State Superior Court. The court ruled that consolidated school districts were legal and this landmark case paved the way for continued consolidation of schools throughout the state.
The building was used as a school until the end of the 1989-1990 school years. It was then deeded to the City of Chauncey for the use of its citizens. At this time the upstairs had been completely condemned and the downstairs was in need of repair.
A group of concerned citizens formed the Chauncey Restoration Committee for the purpose of raising money to repair the building. Many large festivals, pageants and other fundraisers were held. Approximately $30,000.00 was raised and used to renovate the building along with a gymnasium on the grounds. After the auditorium was repaired, several community events were held including: beauty pageants, talent shows, fashion shows, special appearances by guest artists, musical programs and others.
After many years, a small number of the original restoration committee became active again and started to try to raise funds. An old book sale was organized in 2012 and held during the annual Peaches to the Beaches. Profits from the sale allowed the group to apply for the matching Local Tourism Grant. An award in the amount of $750.00 was presented to the group.
Work was begun on the interior walls repairing cracks and painting. The second book sale in 2013 proved to be even more successful bringing in around $1,700.00. Repairs to the stage and auditorium were begun.
The restoration committee was awarded $300.00 by the tourism grant this year. There have been some donations made for the purpose of renovating a large downstairs room for the purpose of community events, such as reunions, parties, etc. A decision has been made, that upon the completion of the work on this room, this will be dedicated to Geraldine Nash Stanley, one of the founding members of the committee and the driving force behind the beginning of the restoration.
Plans are also being made for the celebration of the centennial of the school building. In October of 2014, the building will be 100 years old. There has been an interest in having a school reunion of all faculty, staff and students who were a part of Chauncey School’s history. To make this plan a reality, volunteers are needed to help organize the event. There are also many repairs that need to be done to the building prior to the celebration.
Volunteers are needed to help with fundraisers and with assisting in the restoration process. If you are interested in being a part of remembering the school’s past and also protecting it for the future, please contact Theron McCranie at 229-868-5140 or call the Chauncey City Hall and leave your name and number.
When the school opened in 1914, it consolidated with a smaller rural school and in doing so became the first consolidated school district in the state of Georgia. This consolidation was contested and carried to the State Superior Court. The court ruled that consolidated school districts were legal and this landmark case paved the way for continued consolidation of schools throughout the state.
The building was used as a school until the end of the 1989-1990 school years. It was then deeded to the City of Chauncey for the use of its citizens. At this time the upstairs had been completely condemned and the downstairs was in need of repair.
A group of concerned citizens formed the Chauncey Restoration Committee for the purpose of raising money to repair the building. Many large festivals, pageants and other fundraisers were held. Approximately $30,000.00 was raised and used to renovate the building along with a gymnasium on the grounds. After the auditorium was repaired, several community events were held including: beauty pageants, talent shows, fashion shows, special appearances by guest artists, musical programs and others.
After many years, a small number of the original restoration committee became active again and started to try to raise funds. An old book sale was organized in 2012 and held during the annual Peaches to the Beaches. Profits from the sale allowed the group to apply for the matching Local Tourism Grant. An award in the amount of $750.00 was presented to the group.
Work was begun on the interior walls repairing cracks and painting. The second book sale in 2013 proved to be even more successful bringing in around $1,700.00. Repairs to the stage and auditorium were begun.
The restoration committee was awarded $300.00 by the tourism grant this year. There have been some donations made for the purpose of renovating a large downstairs room for the purpose of community events, such as reunions, parties, etc. A decision has been made, that upon the completion of the work on this room, this will be dedicated to Geraldine Nash Stanley, one of the founding members of the committee and the driving force behind the beginning of the restoration.
Plans are also being made for the celebration of the centennial of the school building. In October of 2014, the building will be 100 years old. There has been an interest in having a school reunion of all faculty, staff and students who were a part of Chauncey School’s history. To make this plan a reality, volunteers are needed to help organize the event. There are also many repairs that need to be done to the building prior to the celebration.
Volunteers are needed to help with fundraisers and with assisting in the restoration process. If you are interested in being a part of remembering the school’s past and also protecting it for the future, please contact Theron McCranie at 229-868-5140 or call the Chauncey City Hall and leave your name and number.
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