Fraser Street School

Fraser Street School
Dates Active:  February 1, 1891 – ?
Address: Fraser and Love streets
Neighborhood:  Summerhill (2nd or 3rd ward)

Fraser Street Elementary first opened its doors during the frigid month of February 1, 1891. Headed by Mrs. A.H. Smith who formerly managed the Fair Street School, the school was described as being furnished with the finest furnishings and modern conveniences.

Students here participated in basketball games, spelling competitions, and created sick committees where they visited Fraser Street pupils who were in ill health. During World World I, Fraser Street alumni who were overseas were honored in the Atlanta Constitution with honorable mentions.

By 1906, however, the conditions at Fraser Street School (and countless others) had changed for the worst. Conditions were described as deplorable and overcrowded. Visits from the members of the Board of Education revealed that Fraser street lacked facilities for cooking, lack of shops, no libraries, not enough classrooms, and no restroom facilities. Students were provided just the bare necessities. In 1921, reports of the Fraser Street school being converted into a school for Negroes was met with passionate protests from locals. Rather than convert Fraser Street school into a school for Negroes, local wards (2nd, 3rd, and 5th Patriotic Club) suggested the Board to build a school in Summerhill where Negroe kids should be housed. Additionally, a school on Capitol Avenue could be constructed for Negro students, as it would be easier to access. It’s pretty obvious that the protestors didn’t care about the convenience of Negro students, rather they were concerned with living in close quarters with Negro families and afraid that their presence would affect their property values. A very offensive and sad reasoning, but completely legal during this time period.

By 1923, the Atlanta Consitution reported that the new cornerstone was laid for the construction of the new Fraser Street school; the new school would be named as James L. Key school.  By 1962, James L. Key would be converted into a school for Negro children.

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Sources For This Blog Post:

1. M’Lean, Gladys. “Fraser Street School.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945),Feb 23, 1913.
2. “Fraser Street School Cornerstone Laying Exercises Postponed.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945), Apr 13, 1923.
3. “Want Fraser Street School Maintained for White Children.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945), Mar 31, 1921.
4. “FIGHT FRASER STREET SCHOOL FOR NEGROES.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945), Jul 03, 1921.
5. “PATRONS PROTEST GIVING UP SCHOOL.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945),May 10, 1921.
6. Roan, John B. “Citizen Protests Against Fraser School Proposal.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945), Jan 11, 1922.
7. “New Key School Cornerstone Laid with Ceremonies.” The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945), Apr 17, 1923.