The rise, fall, and preservation of Highland Home College encapsulates a compelling narrative of an esteemed institution's journey through time. Established in 1856 as the Strata Academy in Montgomery County, the college underwent several transformations and historical events, shaping its legacy.
With an initial focus on science, foreign languages, mathematics, and the arts, it played a pivotal role in teacher training. Despite encountering formidable challenges, including diseases and the loss of key founding members, the college thrived, boasting a peak enrollment of 500 students.
However, declining enrollments and increased competition from state colleges led to its eventual closure in 1915. Today, its legacy endures through the preservation of its former building, which now houses the Crenshaw County High School, and the ongoing operation of Highland Home High School.
Key Takeaways
- Highland Home College was founded in 1856 as Strata Academy and went through several name changes before its closure in 1915.
- The curriculum at Highland Home College focused on a wide range of subjects, including science, foreign languages, mathematics, music, literature, drama, and religion. It primarily trained teachers and emphasized advanced education.
- The college faced various challenges, including the spread of diseases like typhoid fever and yellow chills, the death of founding member Colonel Kirkpatrick, and the departure of Justus Barnes and his son to start their own school.
- Despite its eventual closure, the legacy of Highland Home College lives on through the conversion of its former building into Crenshaw County High School, the continued operation of Highland Home High School, and the preservation of Kirkpatrick's home as a historic site.
Founding and Early Years
The founding of Highland Home College, originally established as Strata Academy in 1856 in Montgomery County, marked the beginning of a rich educational legacy in the region. The founding members played a crucial role in shaping the institution's historical significance.
The institution underwent several name changes and relocations, eventually settling in Crenshaw County as Highland Home College in 1889. It attracted students with a curriculum focused on science, foreign languages, mathematics, music, literature, drama, and religion, primarily training teachers.
Despite facing challenges such as epidemics and the death of founding members, the college experienced peak enrollment of 500 students. However, it succumbed to declining enrollments due to World War I and competition from state colleges, leading to its closure in 1915.
The institution's legacy lives on through the preservation of its former building, the ongoing operation of Highland Home High School, and the recognition of its historical significance.
Name Changes and Rebuilding
Originally established as Strata Academy in 1856 in Montgomery County, the institution underwent several name changes and relocations before settling in Crenshaw County as Highland Home College in 1889.
The impact of these name changes on the institution's identity and reputation was significant. After the main building burned down in 1904, the college successfully rebuilt and reopened in 1905, showcasing resilience and determination.
However, the institution faced challenges such as declining enrollments and competition from state colleges, ultimately leading to its closure in 1915.
The perseverance shown in rebuilding after the fire, despite the impact of the name changes, reflects the enduring spirit of Highland Home College. This period of rebuilding and transition played a crucial role in shaping the institution's legacy and the preservation of its memory.
Curriculum and Educational Focus
Founded in 1856, the curriculum at Highland Home College focused on science, foreign languages, mathematics, music, literature, drama, and religion, primarily training teachers and emphasizing advanced education.
This educational focus had a significant impact on the local community by producing highly skilled educators who went on to teach in the region, positively influencing the quality of education in the area.
The role of alumni in preserving the college's history has been instrumental in ensuring that the legacy of Highland Home College is not forgotten. Through their efforts, the history of the college has been kept alive, serving as a reminder of the institution's impact on education and the local community.
The dedication of the alumni in preserving the college's history reflects the enduring significance of Highland Home College in the area's educational heritage.
Challenges and Setbacks
During its history, Highland Home College faced several significant challenges and setbacks that impacted its operations and longevity. These adversities and obstacles included:
- Disease Outbreaks: The spread of typhoid fever and yellow chills in 1879-1881 posed a significant threat to the well-being of the college community.
- Leadership Changes: The death of founding member Colonel Kirkpatrick in 1892 and the departure of Justus Barnes and his son in 1898 to found the Barnes School resulted in a loss of influential figures.
- Natural Disaster: The main building burned down in 1904, disrupting the college's operations, although it managed to reopen in 1905.
- Enrollment Decline: The college faced a decline in enrollments due to external factors such as World War I and increased competition from state colleges.
Despite these challenges, the college demonstrated resilience, surviving adversity and overcoming obstacles to continue its operations.
Peak Enrollment and Decline
The peak enrollment of Highland Home College reached 500 students before it experienced a significant decline due to external factors such as World War I and increased competition from state colleges.
Enrollment trends at the college showed a steady rise until the outbreak of World War I, which resulted in a decline in student numbers as individuals were called to serve in the war effort.
Additionally, the emergence of state colleges offering similar programs contributed to the decline in enrollment at Highland Home College.
These external factors had a notable impact on the college's ability to attract and retain students, ultimately leading to its closure in 1915. The confluence of these factors underscored the challenges that the institution faced in maintaining its student population and financial viability.
Closure and End of an Era
Highland Home College ceased operations in 1915, marking the end of its era as a prominent educational institution.
Its impact and historical significance are deeply rooted in the following points:
- Historical Significance: Highland Home College's closure marked the end of an era that had seen the institution flourish, suffer setbacks, and yet continue to contribute significantly to the local community and education sector.
- Impact on Community: The closure of the college deeply impacted the local community, as many students, faculty, and alumni were part of its rich history, and its absence left a void in the educational landscape.
- Educational Landscape: The closure of Highland Home College also reflected broader changes in the educational landscape, as it struggled to compete with state colleges and faced declining enrollments due to external factors such as World War I.
- Legacy and Preservation: Despite its closure, the legacy of Highland Home College lives on through its alumni, historical markers, and the preservation of its former buildings, serving as a reminder of its enduring impact.
Transformation Into Crenshaw County High School
After its closure in 1915, the former Highland Home College transformed into Crenshaw County High School. The preservation efforts and historical significance of this transformation are evident in the following table:
| Preservation Efforts | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| Former college building became Crenshaw County High School in 1916 | Continuation of educational legacy |
| Highland Home High School is still in operation | Enduring impact on the community |
| Historic marker erected in front of the high school | Recognition of the site's historical importance |
| Kirkpatrick's home listed on the National Register of Historic Places | Connection to the college's founding member |
| Oldest structure in the community | Symbol of perseverance and continuity |
The transformation of the college into a high school not only preserved the physical structure but also upheld the educational legacy and historical significance of the institution.
Legacy and Preservation
Following its closure in 1915, the former Highland Home College's legacy and preservation have continued through the transformation of its campus into Crenshaw County High School and the enduring impact it has had on the community. The preservation efforts and recognition of its historical significance include:
- Historic Marker Significance: A historic marker was erected in front of the high school, commemorating the legacy of Highland Home College and its contributions to education.
- National Register of Historic Places Recognition: Kirkpatrick's home, the oldest structure in the community, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its historical significance.
- Enduring Impact: Highland Home High School, which was once the former college building, continues to serve the community, reflecting the enduring impact of the college's legacy.
- Community Remembrance: The recognition of Highland Home College's historical significance ensures that its impact on education and the community is remembered for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Impact Did the Spread of Typhoid Fever and Yellow Chills Have on the College in the Late 19th Century?
The spread of typhoid fever and yellow chills in the late 19th century had a significant impact on the college, leading to a decline in enrollment and necessitating a move to a new location for a healthier environment. Prevention methods and medical advancements were crucial in addressing these public health challenges.
How Did the Death of Founding Member Colonel Kirkpatrick in 1892 Affect the College?
The death of founding member Colonel Kirkpatrick in 1892 profoundly impacted the curriculum and caused financial struggles at Highland Home College. His absence led to a shift in leadership, affecting the educational focus and financial stability of the institution.
What Led to the Decline in Enrollments at Highland Home College?
Declining enrollment at Highland Home College was influenced by campus conditions, including the spread of disease, the death of founding members, and the competition from state colleges. These factors led to the college's closure in 1915.
What Happened to the College Building After the Closure of Highland Home College in 1915?
After the closure of Highland Home College in 1915, the former college building was repurposed as Crenshaw County High School. Subsequently, the building underwent historic renovations, preserving its architectural significance and engaging the community in preservation efforts.
What Is the Significance of Kirkpatrick's Home Being Listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
The significance of Kirkpatrick's home being listed on the National Register of Historic Places lies in its preservation and recognition as an important historical site. This designation ensures the maintenance and protection of this historic property for future generations.
Conclusion
In the end, Highland Home College's journey from founding to closure is a testament to the ebb and flow of educational institutions.
Despite its closure, the preservation of its building and the ongoing operation of Highland Home High School keep its legacy alive.
The irony lies in the fact that a once-thriving college now serves as a high school, symbolizing the cyclical nature of education and the enduring impact of historical preservation.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the hardest school to get into in Alabama?
Tuskegee University stands at the top with an acceptance rate of 34.6%, followed by Auburn University at 71.3% and Judson College at 56.5%. Birmingham-Southern College comes in at 66.0%, making it a competitive field for potential students.
What is Highland Home School ranked?
Highland Home High School has been ranked #13,217 in the National Rankings for the 2023-2024 year. In the state of Alabama, it is ranked #236 among all high schools and #2 among Crenshaw County High Schools.
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