The story of the Old Rock School began in January 1924 when the School Improvement Association challenged the City of Guntersville to build a new elementary school. The association pledged $500 toward construction if the city would match the amount, and additional community support soon followed.

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In May 1925, the Guntersville City Council voted to proceed with construction. Municipal bonds totaling $15,000 were issued to help finance the project, which ultimately cost approximately $30,000.

 

Local builder Gus Alred led construction beginning June 1, 1925. The excavation for the building was completed by Wright McClendon using two mules, a reminder of just how different construction was a century ago.

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Built of locally quarried stone, the new school included twelve classrooms, a large auditorium and modern heating. Its design was considered innovative for its time, and the school became a model whose design was copied elsewhere throughout the South.

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Although construction was not entirely complete, the school opened in September 1926 with what was reported to be the largest school attendance in Guntersville’s history at that time.

 

As Guntersville grew, so did enrollment at the school. By 1935, the building had become so crowded that sixth grade classes were temporarily moved to Marshall County High School until two additional classrooms could be constructed.

 

For 53 years, generations of Guntersville children walked through the doors of the Old Rock School. They learned in its classrooms, gathered in its auditorium, played on its grounds and created memories that remain an important part of the community’s history.

 

When a new elementary school opened in 1979, the story of the Old Rock School did not end. Instead, the building began a new chapter.

 

Through the vision of Guntersville Mayor Bob Hembree Sr., the former school was revitalized as a multipurpose community facility. Over the years, the building housed organizations including the Council on Aging and Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and the Marshall County ARC.

 

Under the leadership of Jaton Meyer and John Duff, the school auditorium was made available to The Whole Backstage Community Theatre. In the fall of 1979, The Whole Backstage presented its first production in the building, The Miracle Worker. As other organizations eventually relocated or outgrew their space, the City of Guntersville leased the entire building to The Whole Backstage. The relationship proved to be an important one for both the theatre and the historic structure.

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In the years that followed, thousands of volunteer hours and significant financial resources were invested in maintaining the building. Prior to its major renovation, more than $20,000 and countless volunteer hours were devoted to stabilizing the auditorium, stage and classrooms and keeping the facility usable.

 

In 2003, the Old Rock School was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior, recognizing the historic significance of its distinctive 1920s stone architecture and its importance to the community.

 

A major renovation in 2005 transformed the aging school into a modern performing arts center while respecting the historic character of the building. Original features including transoms, hardwood floors, interior doors and other architectural details have been retained or restored whenever possible.

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Today, the Old Rock School is home to The Whole Backstage Community Theatre and is an important part of Guntersville’s Cultural District, along with the Guntersville Museum, Colbert Log Cabin and Guntersville Public Library.

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The Whole Backstage has its own long history in the community. Founded in 1968 as the Guntersville Teen Organization, the group evolved into the Dramatic Dropins and, in 1973, became The Whole Backstage. Before finding a permanent home, the organization rehearsed and performed in churches, homes, schools and community spaces throughout Marshall County and beyond.

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The Old Rock School eventually gave the organization something it had never had before: a place to call home.

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The September 6 celebration will recognize not only the centennial of the building, but also the generations of students, teachers, administrators, school employees, community volunteers, performers and audience members whose lives have intersected within its walls.

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The afternoon celebration will include historical displays, photographs, memorabilia, music, tours of the building and opportunities to share memories of the Old Rock School. A special birthday cake will help mark the building’s 100th anniversary.

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Former students and employees of Guntersville Elementary School, as well as their children and family members, are especially encouraged to attend and share photographs, stories and memories of their years at the Old Rock School.

 

For some, the building will always be remembered as the school where they learned to read, met lifelong friends or sat in an elementary school classroom. For others, it is the place where they first stepped onto a stage, helped build a set, volunteered behind the scenes or watched a memorable performance.

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For 100 years, the purpose of the Old Rock School has changed, but its role as a place where the community comes together has remained remarkably constant.

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On September 6, The Whole Backstage invites the community to come home to the Old Rock School, walk its halls, share its stories and celebrate a century of education, community, history and the arts. There is no charge or cost to attend this event.

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For more information about the 100th birthday celebration of the Old Rock School or The Whole Backstage Community Theatre, visit the Whole Backstage website or Facebook page, or call the box office at 256.582.7469. The Whole Backstage is located at 1120 Rayburn Avenue/Dot Moore Way in Guntersville.