Chester Shell Elementary: a History

Presented on March 17, 1976 to Shell Elementary by Elizabeth W. Martin and Billie H. Matthews

Prior to 1915 there was no school for Negro children in the Hawthorne area. During 1915-1922 Negro children attended school in a community hall, which was partitioned with bed sheets to provide two rooms ... the "Big Room" being used for older children an d the "Little Room" for younger children. In 1929 the total enrollment was thirty-two children and Minnie Starke Jones was the teacher.

The school term was two months and was paid for by the county. Later, the school term was extended to three months. Parents were asked to pay a fee of twenty-five cents per child for the extended month. Parents who could not afford the fee paid with veget ables, fruit, cane syrup, and other types of food. This supplemented the teacher's salary which was about $30.00 a month.

During 1922-1925 leaders of the black community solicited help by contacting the Alachua County School Board to get a school for blacks in the Hawthorne area. The requests of Walter Knight, Sam Stitt, Ed Woodard, Jim Atkins, Garfield Jenkins, Wesley Jenki ns, C.B. Gibbs, Josh Nelson, and Chester Shell were denied due to "lack of funds." However , this did not weaken Chester Shell's belief that, through effort and prayer, the best will come.

During 1925-1929 the black leaders heard about Mr. Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Education Fund. Mr. Shell investigated the possibility of receiving help through this fund. Mr. Julius Rosenwald, an American of Jewish descent, was owner of a clothing business, President of Sears from 1909-1924, and an active philanthropist from 1862 to 1932. He established the Rosenwald Fund and contributed (over all) $6,3000,000 for Negro education. He sought to improve education, provide opportunities, and develop b etter living conditions for Negroes in America. Mr. Rosenwald once said, "It's easier to make a million dollars than to spend it wisely." The Rosenwald Fund (for the Hawthorne project) was offered with an understanding that an equal amount would be raised locally.

Mr. Chester Shell worked as a seasonal sports guide, as a community salesman, a recreation leader, and as a full-time railroad employee. Through determination and hard work he was instrumental in raising the amount of $11,000 for a Negro school. Again, th e County School Board was contacted by a committee of concerned citizens led by Mr. Shell. This time their request was granted.

The building was not constructed until after the present (1976) two-story, red building, (called) Hawthorne High School, was completed and occupied. Hawthorne High School's old wooden building (now vacant) then became the logical "new" school building for Negroes. Money was collected and other materials were donated and it was reconstructed on the present site. It was named Hawthorne Negro High School.

Through the years from 1922-1950 the building has undergone changes in appearances, and in additions. The name Shell was added to honor Chester Shell. Later, other changes were made. The name was changed from Shell High School to Shell Middle School.

During 1950, while Mr. Oliver Jones was principal, the dedication of the school was held. At this time an oil portrait of Chester Shell was presented to Shell Elementary School. The officials present we re Mr. Hugh Williams from the Alachua County School Board, Mr. Sidney Martin form the Alachua County Commission, Mr. Bill Baker from the Community of Hawthorne as Postmaster, and Colonel R.B. Baker as Commander of the American Legion Post 230. Mr. Chester Shell accepted this honor and expressed his appreciation for those who had worked so diligently.

Today, March 17, 1976, as we look around at Shell Elementary School, we can see the philosophy that Mr. Chester Shell lived, worked and died by:

"Give the best you have and the best will come to you."

Chester Shell died in 1968 at the age of 70. In 1976, more than 500 students and their parents attended the dedication to the newly remodeled Shell Elementary school. The remodeling project increased the size of the school by two-thirds and the school was opened for students from Headstart through sixth grade. Mr. Marvin Nelson was the principal at that time and state representative Sid Martin attended the ceremony and addressed the audience. "Whatever your color may be, remember that Chester Shell hel ped to improve your education," Martin told the children.

This page was last updated on: 11/08/2004