Published: July 06, 2008 11:03 pm            

Special reunion

Students from Dunbar have fond memories

FAIRMONT — Like many schools in the area, Dunbar saw thousands of children run through its halls.

However, the Dunbar School has a little different story to tell since it was established as the county’s only school for black children during the days of segregation.

Over the weekend, students who attended the segregation-era school gathered for their 13th reunion. The school was built in 1928 by the same architect who designed Fairmont Senior High School, said Charles Nallen, a member of the Dunbar Homecoming Association, the organization that holds the reunion.

After America’s schools were integrated following the landmark decision of Brown vs. Board of Education, students from Dunbar were then transferred to other schools around the county, Nallen said.

“We had around 600 to 700 students going to Dunbar School at one time,” Nallen said.

Elementary school students as well as high school-aged children attended the historic facility, according to Nallen. The school was closed for a few years after integration, but was soon reopened for middle school students. However, in February 2007, the historic school’s doors were again closed.

“The Dunbar as we know it has been closed for 52 years,” Nallen said.

Nallen, who attended the school for a decade as a child, said he had fond memories of the facility, memories that include the student camaraderie and loving teachers and support staff. He also pointed out that Dunbar School also had “dynamic” sports teams, as well as an excellent school band, cheerleaders and majorettes.

“And we had great school spirit,” Nallen said. “And that continues to this day.”

Although the school as they know it has been closed for over half a century, the students at Dunbar have more than memories to hold them together. They also have their love for their old alma mater as a common bond.

“We’ve never forgotten our love for Dunbar,” Nallen said.

The Dunbar Homecoming Association is taking that love for their school to the next level. Nallen said there is currently a movement to try to get the school listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Dunbar School reunion started in 1972 as a way to get students to return home to Marion County, Nallen said. He added that over the years, hundreds of former students, along with their families, traveled from all over the country to attend the reunion.

“People now bring their children and their grandchildren to the reunion so they can pass on their heritage to their family,” Nallen said.

Viola York Horton, president of the Dunbar Homecoming Association, said the best part of the reunion was getting to see her old friends again. She pointed out that a lot of hard work went into organizing the event, but it was all well worth the effort.

“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” she said. “And it’s a blessing that God has spared all of us so we could get together at least one more time.”

Howard King, a resident of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, attended Dunbar School for 11 years. He added that he has traveled back to the reunion every year it has been held. However, although he said he enjoys the reunion, he pointed out that it is a time for some sadness as well.

“When we get together, we find out who has passed away since the last reunion, and that’s sad,” he said. “But we get to see old friends again, and it’s a pleasure seeing them.”

A memorial service for those classmates who have died was held at East Marion Park on Sunday. The Dunbar School reunion is held every two years, Nallen said.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.

        

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