Historical marker dedication held for ‘Vernon Old School’

Former students and staff of the “Vernon Old School” were on hand Saturday, June 5, for the installation of the site’s historical marker.

The school was originally constructed in 1931 for grades nine through twelve with eight classrooms, offices, and an auditorium.

In 1947, four junior high and nine elementary classrooms were added, centralizing education and ending the need for one-room schools in western Washington County.

With the dawn of school spirit, the site became home of the Vernon Yellow Jackets.

Following integration in 1965, the addition of the new Vernon Elementary School and Vernon Middle School, along with Vernon High School resulted in three education facilities in the local area.

In 2006, high school students moved to a new school on Moss Hill Road.

The Washington County School District passed then ownership of the “Vernon Old School” to the City of Vernon.

Renovation of the main structure has seen the building serving the public in new ways, housing Vernon City Hall, the Vernon Historical Society, and satellite offices for the Washington County SheriffÂ’s Office, Council on Aging, WIC, and Literacy Programs.

Lynda Waller of the Vernon Historical Society says though the buildingÂ’s service has changed, its purpose has not.

“Made of red brick, the Vernon Old School has stood the test of time, ensuring the continuation as a lighthouse of knowledge and continued service to the community,” said Waller.