OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Many smaller educational institutions sat on the same site over its 150 year history. These institutions served a wide variety of needs and populations that were not traditionally included at the large institutions. Just like the major schools on this campus, these places also changed purposes and student populations over time.

Freedmen's School

When African Americans established a contraband camp at Union University during the Civil War, it is likely that they also established a Freedmen’s School there. Freedmen's Schools were often established by the Union army and northern missionaries, but the desire to be educated motivated African Americans to take an active part in the schools’ development and longevity. In 1869, there were 36 African American schools in Rutherford County.

Photo courtesy of Rutherford County Archives

Linebaugh Library

Linebaugh Library opened in 1948 in the old Eaton House near the corner of East Main and Bilbro Avenue. Under the leadership of librarian Myla Parsons, it opened with a collection of 6,000 books, which quickly grew to 40,000 books and 1,200 borrowers. Requiring a larger facility, the Library relocated to the Elks’ Club building in 1953.

Photo ourtesy of Linebaugh Library

The Special School

The Special School, a school for special needs students, was on this site from 1954 to 1972. The school started out in the old Linebaugh Library, until a fire there made the building unsafe. They then met in the old Tennessee College for Women building until it was condemned, at which point they moved to Central High School. When integration caused overcrowding at this school they moved to the old Shiloh School. Teachers focused on teaching the students communication skills and social adjustment.

Photo courtesy of Linebaugh Library