Florence Alabama Schools 03/29/03

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ALABAMA- FLORENCE, AL- 3/29/03

FLORENCE

DOWNTOWN

HOMES

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SCHOOLS

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

LaGrange College established by the Methodist Church at LaGrange, Alabama in 1830.

School opened its doors on January 11, 1830.

Reverend Robert Paine was first president.

The school was the first state-chartered institution in Alabama

President R H Rivers moved the school to Florence in January, 1855.

The school was re-chartered as Florence Wesleyan University by the state legislature.

Wesleyan Hall, completed shortly after the move, served as a command post to both sides during the Civil War in the 1860's.

The school was given to the State of Alabama in 1872.

The name was changed to the State Normal at Florence, the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River.

In 1874, State Normal became on of the first coeducational institutions in the United States.

The institution became a state teachers college with a four-year curriculum in elementary education in 1929.

A secondary education degree program was added in 1939.

A master's degree in education was begun in 1956.

Name was changed to the Florence State College in 1957

In 1967 the name was again changed to the Florence State University.

In 1974, FSU became the University of North Alabama.

COURTVIEW, ROGERS HALL (1855)
George Washington Foster, planter, built this Greek Revival mansion. An act of the legislature was required to close Court Street. In fall of 1864 it was headquarters of Nathan B Forrest, General, C S A. Foster's daughter, Sarah, Independence McDonald and her family lived here until 1900 when it became the home of Governor Emmet O'Neal. In 1922, it was acquired by Thomas M Rogers, Sr, and in 1948 by the University of North Alabama. Listed, American Buildings Survey National Register of Historic Places.

DR GEORGE WILLIAM HUCKABA SUNDIAL
This hemispherical sundial honors Dr George William Huckaba (1923 - 1999) through a gift by his wife Ann Jackson Huckaba. Dr Huckaba was a renowned dentist, educator, and philanthropist. He was a collector of clocks, chronometers, and other fine instruments that measured time. It is only fitting that this hemispherical sundial bears his name. Both Dr and Mrs Huckaba have left a positive legacy at the University of North Alabama.

THE LAURA M HARRISON PLAZA
The Laura M Harrison Plaza was made possible by the generosity of Laura McAnnally Harison and Edward C Harrison of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Garden City, Alabama native credits the University of North Alabama for giving her the education that has been the foundation for her successful and fulfilling professional and personal life. When Laura McAnnally graduated from Florence State Teachers College in 1955, she fulfilled her dream of earning a college degree. The family did not have the financial resources to pay college tuition, but through working in the college library she was able to earn money for her education.

In making the donation to establish this plaza, Laura Harrison and her husband wish to inspire students, faculty, and visitors to reach for their dreams and to find a way to make them come true. Laura's love of gardens and nature is a lifelong passion, one that she likes to share. The Laura M Harrison Plaza represents her desire not only to help support the university in its effort to educate students for the future, but also to provide a place of beauty to be enjoyed and admired by all for generations. The University of North Alabama is deeply honored to be the recipient of the Harrisons' continued benevolence and is pleased to dedicate the University's first plaza in the name of a most distinguished alumna, Laura M Harrison.

GEORGE H CARROLL LION HABITAT
This lion habitat is named in honor of George H Carroll (1926 - 1998), a long-standing friend and supporter of the University of North Alabama (UNA). Mr Carroll was the loving husband of Virginia Sego Carroll and father of Steven, Judy, George Jr, and David. He was a prominent and successful businessman, community leader, and philanthropist. Mr Carroll loved the UNA lions and it is only fitting that this facility bears his name.

LOCUST DELL ACADEMY (1834 - 1843)
On this site Nicholas Marcellus Hentz conducted a girls' school. Native of Metz, France, Hentz was a painter, entomologist, author, and was once a professor at University of North Carolina. Experimenting with silkworms, he planted groves of mulberry trees around this section of town. His wife, Caroline Lee Whiting Hentz, native of Massachusetts, assisted in the academy. She also wrote plays, poems, stories, popular novels, and a significant diary of her years in Florence.

WESLEYAN HALL (1855)
Chartered 1856 as Florence Wesleyan University, R H Rivers President. Regarded as North Alabama's most eminent landmark, this Gothic Revival structure was designed by Adolphus Heinman, Nashville, and built by Zebulon Pike Morrison, Florence, as new home for LaGrange College (organized 1830 by Methodists). Used by both armies at various timed during Civil war. Deeded to State of Alabama, 1872, as first co-educational teacher training institution south of Ohio River. School expanded to become University of North Alabama in 1974. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

FLORENCE STATE TEACHER COLLEGE
Oldest state-supported teacher college south of Ohio River. 1830, opened as LaGrange College (Methodist) at nearby Leighton. 1855, moved here and renamed Florence Wesleyan University. Flourished until closed by war in 1865. 1872, deeded to State by Church. Became Florence State Normal School, 1929 Present name adopted in 1974.

In memory of our boys 1917 - 1918 Lord God of hosts be with us. Lest we forget. French Club 1925.

NANCY B OPLER STREET CLOCK
This British street clock recognizes the contributions of Nancy B Opier to the University of North Alabama, the University of North Alabama Foundation, and the surrounding community. It is a visual symbol of the time and quality of philantropic investments made by her. The Nancy B Opier Street Clock is presented to the University by her husband Jack Opier in recognition of her unselfish spirit

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA FOOTBALL PROGRAM
National NCAA Division II Championship Titles (1993 - 1994 - 1995)
The University of North Alabama became the first school in the history of NCAA scholarship football to win three consecutive national championships (1993 - 1994 - 1995.) Under Coach Bobby Wallace, UNA posted a 41-1 record over the same three-year period to become the first collegiate football team at any level to win as many as 40 games over a three-year period. UNA also became the first Division II school to win a football national championship on its home field in three consecutive games at Florence's Braly Municipal Stadium.

IN HONOR OF OUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
1993 NCCA National Football Champions ("Perfect Season" 14-0)
1991 NCAA National Basketball Champions (29-4)
1979 NCAA National Basketball Champions (22-9)
Presented by UNA Sportsman's Club April 16, 1994

COFFEE HIGH SCHOOL


Florence City School	First building of Lauderdale County High School	Old LaGrange College	Baptist University

BURRELL NORMAL SCHOOL. BURRELL HIGH SCHOOL BURRELL-SLATER HIGH SCHOOL
(1903 -1969)

This school, named for Burrell Academy, formerly in Selma, Alabama, was given to Florence by the American Missionary Association. In 1905, Burrell Normal School opened and served African-American students in grades 1-12. In 1937, the Florence City Board of Education assumed its operation and changed the name to Burrell High School. In 1951, it was moved to the Slater Elementary School building on South Court Street and its name was changed to Burrell - Slater High School. That building burned in 1958. In 1960, the present building opened on this site and served students until it closed because of integration in 1969.