History of Westmoreland Elementary School
Westmoreland Elementary and its predecessors
have been an integral part of this small, upper Sumner County community for over
100 years.
The first schools in the community were called "subscription schools."
These schools were operated by a professor or teacher, who charged the students
a fee for instruction and met his classes in his home, the nearest church or
other available place. Old Brushy, now known as Pleasant Grove, was one such
school, having been founded circa 1865. Its teacher was James A. Nimmo, who had
only recently returned from the Civil War as a Captain in the Confederate Army.
The school term varied but was usually about six months in length. Because of
the rural lifestyles of most of the students, the education they received was
often determined by their family's needs at home.
Toward the latter part of the 19th century an increased emphasis was placed on
the education of the community's children. As a result, "one-room
schoolhouses" dotted the landscape every few miles. One of these was
located about two miles west of present-day Westmoreland. This school, known as
Hawkins Schoolhouse, served the children of Coatestown, the predecessor of our
modern-day Westmoreland. This school was built out of logs and inside the
children sat on log seats supported by legs inserted into holes on the under
side.
Later, sometime around the mid to late 1890's, a school was built in
Westmoreland itself. This building sat behind the present-day Methodist church.
This building, painted white, was a long, low wooden structure. Among the
teachers who taught here were Tom Kirby, Morgan Hodges, and Ms. Mallies Summers.
It was as a result of a suggestion by Ms. Summers that the name
"Westmoreland" was chosen for the community. This school soon became
overcrowded and the need for a larger building was recognized.
Squire W. Brown donated a portion of land at the top of the hill at the corner
of present-day Bledsoe and Locust Streets as the site for a new school. When
construction had been completed, the community had an impressive educational
facility for its time. Standing two stories tall, the large frame building was
topped by a bell tower. Extending from the rear of the main structure was a
rectangular-shaped, single-story ell which functioned as an
auditorium/cafeteria/classroom. This building was constructed between 1910 and
1915. This remained a "two teacher elementary school" until sometime
later when it became a two-year high school. Duke Moss, Davis Durham, and
Professor Henry Brachier among others taught here.
Increasing enrollment again presented a dilemma to the community. It was decided
that a new school would be constructed in 1928. The town of Westmoreland
contributed $10,000 in bonds to build the first unit of the new high school,
which included the auditorium and the two wings out to the gym. The new school
was built immediately behind the old frame school. This school served grades
1-12 until 1955, having become a four-year high school when it opened in 1929.
The first graduating class consisted of 23 students. The school was the source
of much community pride and the scene of much activity. During the 1930's and
early 1940's, the school's agriculture department sponsored the East Sumner
Fair. During its time, this fair was the largest in Sumner County. It ended with
the beginning of World War II.
In December of 1955, a fire of mysterious origin started late one night near the
cafeteria and quickly spread throughout the building. By the next morning, the
only portion of the building left standing was the Agricultural Annex, which was
separate from the main building.
The town was devastated at its loss, but once again the community pulled
together for its children. For the next year and a half, classes were held at
various sites in the town, including the churches. At the same time construction
proceeded on two new schools for the community: a new elementary school and a
separate high school.
On January 1, 1959, the new Westmoreland Elementary School opened its doors for
the first time. Dedication ceremonies were held on February 1.
Mr. Charles Wright served as the school's first principal.
Mr. Mayo Leath was named principal in the fall of 1959 and served until his
retirement in 1972.
Mr. Jimmy Lee Brown became principal at Mr. Leath's retirement.
Westmoreland Elementary has continued to grow throughout the years.
In 1974, three new classrooms and a library were added to meet the needs of our
school's growing enrollment.
In 1997, a new addition was added in front of the cafeteria. Six new classrooms and two bathrooms were included in this new part.
In 2005, the fifth grade classes moved over to the old Middle School building. Today we have a student body numbering over 400
students in grades K-4.
Our faculty and staff continue to work diligently to meet the needs of our
students. We strive to faithfully serve our community and its values.