BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TWO STORY METTER HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING

As taken from a more detailed history by Richard Crotwell, Candler County Historical Society

The two story Metter High School building was completed in 1921 on land purchased by the Mayor and Council of Metter on 27 May 1907 from J.T. Trapnell of Bulloch County, Georgia for $400.00. This deed was recorded June 28th, 1907 in Bulloch County, Georgia.

The concept of issuing bonds to finance construction of the school building was approved during a meeting of school Trustees and the public on Thursday, June 24th, 1920.

At a meeting on Monday, June 28th, 1920 of local business men and school patrons, A.J. Bird, L.C. Anderson, T.M. Percell, George L. Williams and M.H. Williams, were appointed as members of a committee to investigate and report on the condition and needs of the existing school building and a plan to finance construction of a new high school building.

During a joint meeting Tuesday, June 29th, 1920 of the city and county boards of education and the mayor and city council, an agreement was reached whereby the sum of $17,000 would be paid by the district for the present building and equipment. A $40,000 bond issue was proposed that would leave $23,000 for construction of the new high school building.

A $24,750 construction contract was awarded Monday, April 4, to Mr. I.A. Brannen of Metter, the low bidder. Construction excavation began during the week prior to April 14, 1921 and bricklayers started work Monday, May 23rd, 1921.

The building plaque provides names of persons involved with the facility:

CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICERS
DR B.B. JONES, PRES.
J.S. BRANNEN, SECT. TREAS.
P.L. ROUNTREE
T.M. PERCELL, SUPT.

BUIDING COMMITTEE
DR. B.B. JONES
J.S. BRANNEN

The Board of education approved the following actions over the years: July 5th, 1938 repair the roof, fix and paint the gutters and down spouts on the Metter High School building; June 4th, 1946, repair and paint the roof on the old Metter High School (two-story building on the corner of College and Vertia Streets); October 1957, repair and paint the old two-story building and repair of replace windows.

The Board of Education last used the building for storage of band equipment, student desks and chairs, school theater stage props, shop equipment etc. The first floor southeast classroom was used for piano lessons taught by Mrs. Louise Bowen of Metter.

The Candler County Historical Society received the property by a Deed of Gift from Larry M. and Shane M. Hadden on December 31st, 2002. Larry and Shane Hadden were the top bidder of the property in 2001.

The Society was successful in getting the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places August 9th, 2002. It is presently under restoration to its’ original classroom condition and made available to the community as a museum housing various types of historical displays, for community meetings and various classes as well as events and receptions.

Some buildings lose the usefulness of their initial purpose and some find new uses. Surely this building is among one of Metter’s most valuable and deserving.