Doraville School was first established by John Y. Flowers in 1866 in the area that became Flowers Park. Later, it moved across the street next door to the Doraville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at Church and Central Street. (“Images of America: Doraville,” Bob Kelley)
Doraville School in 1905, information provided by Lucille Munday Pelfrey to the DeKalb News Sun in 1982. Image from the archives of DeKalb History Center.
1931 photo of all grades at Doraville School. Photo from “Images of America: Doraville.”
A new brick school was built in 1933, where Tilly Mill Road and Flowers Road come together. The school was built as part of the WPA, Works Progress Administration, during the Great Depression. The school had six classrooms, an auditorium and a basement. A lunch program was started at the school to help children whose families were struggling. The school program included art, music, square dancing, tap dancing, and radio programs. A rhythm band was formed each year to perform at PTA meetings and other special occasions.
Doraville School after 1933. Image from the archives of DeKalb History Center.
A 1949 DeKalb newspaper article reports information that may have come from the school’s annual report. “Part III: Report on North DeKalb schools” includes not only the name of Principal John Bickers, but every teacher from that year. Laura White-1st grade, Mrs. Robert Funter-2nd grade, Sarah Taylor-3rd grade, Gladys Price-4th grade, Mrs. Newbit Cowin-5th grade, and Blanche Bickers-6th grade.
A steady increase in the number of students is reported, although it was expected the 1947 General motors assembly plant construction would lead to a large increase in students. Students numbers reported include, 175 students September 1947, 204 students September 1948, and 210 students so far in 1949.
In the fall of 1948, two classrooms were added to Doraville School, along with a cafeteria addition at a cost of $40,000. In the spring of 1949, the interior of the school was painted, a new furnace was purchased and blackout curtains for the auditorium.
The school is described, “The brick building includes seven classrooms, an auditorium seating 400, one of the finest cafeterias in the state, an office, a teacher rest room, a two bed infirmary and a library.” The Doraville school building later became a DeKalb County bus maintenance facility and still is being used for that purpose today.
This history is part of the Doraville collection at DeKalb History Center.