On day two, the pace of the tour accelerates. This is a feel good day, where we continue to explore the city of Atlanta and then travel west after lunch to spend time in Tuskegee Alabama.
The theme was centered around a day in the life of African American Education, from 1867 – present. Our real time exploration in the built environment introduced us to the legacy of Alonzo Herndon; Atlanta University Center (AUC): Spelman, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University; Booker T. Washington High School and Tuskegee University. Traditionally African American educational institutions are referenced as Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the familiar acronym (HBCU). The tolerance for the soul aesthetic exhibited in designated Greek recreational areas, was of special interest to first time visitors to the HBCU campus.
The day began warm, muggy and overcast. However as we drove west to Alabama, the sun burned off the clouds and by time that we arrived in the town square of Tuskegee AL, the temperature was 89 degrees!
This was my first visit to the Tuskegee University and the campus well exceeded my expectations, it was impressive. Many of the structures that were built before WWII, were designed by African American architect Robert R. Taylor. Founded Tuskegee Institute in 1880 and dedicated to a mission of vocation, in the early years students apprenticed in a variety of building trades. While providing their labor in the construction of many historic resources on campus, the curriculum benefited both the student and growth of the institution.
After reviewing my photographs I realized that while at Tuskegee University the majority of my images of the built environment we of Robert Taylor buildings.
With our cameras in our hands, we walked, then walked, then walked some more and took pictures every step of the way. By days end we were exhausted, had covered seven institutions and a lot of ground. Yet despite our fatigue, the group had bonded and on the ride from Tuskegee to Montgomery, we realized that yes indeed, our time was grand!
Thrasher Hall roof ornament.
Historic Thrasher Hall next in line for much needed renovation and TLC.
Awaiting much needed repair, Thrasher Hall is still a grand and formidable structure.
The Administration Building roof gables and chimney masonry design are favored by local birds.
Restored parapet of White Hall.
White Hall, south elevation.
White Hall.
White Hall, north elevation.
Stain glass window in The Chapel, circa 1969.
Dorothy Hall, west elevation, .
Dorothy Hall, 1901, north elevation.
I am admiring the condition of George Washington Carver's typewriter.
This is the George Washington Carver Museum, we had fun here!
The next few images attest to my affinity to signage.
U.S. Coast & Geodetic survey sidewalk marker, located in Tuskegee AL town square.
Perhaps this street sign at the intersection of North Main Street and East Rosa Parks Avenue can be interpreted as a progress marker in the incremental dismantling of Jim Crow mandated legislation and restriction.
Tuskegee courthouse, west elevation.
Close up of rooftop griffin.
Courthouse rooftop bell tower adorned with corner griffins and banner weathervane.
Courthouse, south elevation, Tuskegee AL.
Cornerstone, Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta Public schools.
Entrance foyer Booker T. Washington High School with pre WWII bas relief murals.
Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta, first public secondary school built for African American students in the Georgia, 1922 - 1924.
Looking through the sculpture on the Clark Atlanta University campus, the front gate of Spelman College can be seen in the far distance.
Trevor Arnett Hall, Clark Atlanta University.
Wright Hall, Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University.
Alonzo Herndon Home, built from 1907 - 1908, this was my first visit to the mansion. I was extremely moved by this early twentieth century representation of business acumen and hard work. The architectural designs for the construction of the house, are attributed to Adrienne Herndon, Alonzo's wife. Mrs. Herndon was also a professor of Drama and Elocution at neighboring Atlanta University.
The Administration Building roof gables and chimney masonry design are favored by local birds.
North elevation of the Administration Building.
Administration Building north elevation. Thrasher Hall bell tower is seen in the far distance along the east elevation.
Administration Building north elevation. Thrasher Hall bell tower is seen in the far distance along the east elevation.
Restored parapet of White Hall.
White Hall, south elevation.
White Hall.
White Hall, north elevation.
Stain glass window in The Chapel, circa 1969.
Dorothy Hall, west elevation, .
Dorothy Hall, 1901, north elevation.
I am admiring the condition of George Washington Carver's typewriter.
This is the George Washington Carver Museum, we had fun here!
The next few images attest to my affinity to signage.
U.S. Coast & Geodetic survey sidewalk marker, located in Tuskegee AL town square.
Fred Gray, represented Mrs. Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus, the action that initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Gray was also Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s first civil rights lawyer.
Dell explained the twenty first century significance of the Gray Law Center building location on the Tuskegee AL town square. Wow...that was hot! Both the temperature and what Dell said. The exploration of the Civil Rights Movement while navigating the built environment was a really great experience. Who would have ever thought it? As I reminisce and write this missive, I am peachy keen!
Perhaps this street sign at the intersection of North Main Street and East Rosa Parks Avenue can be interpreted as a progress marker in the incremental dismantling of Jim Crow mandated legislation and restriction.
Tuskegee courthouse, west elevation.
Close up of rooftop griffin.
Courthouse rooftop bell tower adorned with corner griffins and banner weathervane.
Courthouse, south elevation, Tuskegee AL.
Cornerstone, Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta Public schools.
Entrance foyer Booker T. Washington High School with pre WWII bas relief murals.
Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta, first public secondary school built for African American students in the Georgia, 1922 - 1924.
Looking through the sculpture on the Clark Atlanta University campus, the front gate of Spelman College can be seen in the far distance.
Trevor Arnett Hall, Clark Atlanta University.
Wright Hall, Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University.
Alonzo Herndon Home, built from 1907 - 1908, this was my first visit to the mansion. I was extremely moved by this early twentieth century representation of business acumen and hard work. The architectural designs for the construction of the house, are attributed to Adrienne Herndon, Alonzo's wife. Mrs. Herndon was also a professor of Drama and Elocution at neighboring Atlanta University.
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