|
Picture of the day - May 22, 2005
The Old Rock School In Damascus, Va
Today's picture features the old Rock School building in Damascus,
Va. The Rock School was built in 1923 by over 500 community volunteers (my
grandfather included). They used horses and mules to haul the thousands of river
rock used to build the school from the nearby creeks.
This historic building's unique architecture has made it a primary focal point
in Damascus ever since it was built. It served the town well as a combination
high school and elementary school until the early 1960's when Holston High was
built and the Rock School became Damascus Elementary.
In 1981, Washington County built several new school buildings and closed some
old ones, including the Damascus Rock School. After the closing, the Rock School
building was converted into apartments which still serve the residents of
Damascus today. The auditorium is used each year as a venue for the presentation
of classes, lectures and other special events during the Damascus Trail Days celebration.
The citizens of Damascus had the foresight to preserve the historic Rock School
building and put it to good use instead of demolishing it or letting it fall
into a state of disrepair. But beautiful and historic Liberty Hall (one of the
other county schools closed in 1981) wasn't so lucky. The building and grounds somehow
ended up in the hands of a local farmer who used it as a literal pig sty, and
today it is in horrible shape.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Damascus, Virginia, be sure to stop by
the old Rock School and check out a true architectural masterpiece!
Picture Of The Day Homepage |
Submit
a photo
More Interesting Articles
|
|
|