Pictured are Angela Blair and a group of school children in a re-enactment of days gone by at the Wilson-Blair African American One Room School.
The History of the Wilson- Blair School Museum
The Wilson-Blair African-American One-Room School which stands on Grove Street in Fredonia, Kentucky,
is a historical testament to the way of life back in the era of one-room schools. For over 40 years the African-
American students of Fredonia attended school on Piney Lane. The school census of 1897-1899 recorded 62
boys and 43 girls enrolled. The school closed after the building became in disrepair.
The Elders of the Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church owened property in Fredonia and in 1926 sold it to the
Caldwell County Board of Education for the sum of $1.00 cash in hand for a new "Colored School" to be built.
In 1927, a school census taken by Mr. Charlie Baker states there were 35 boys and 26 girls enrolled in the
Fredonia school. In 1948, the school closed with only nine students in attendance due to families moving away for work.
Miss Virginia Blair, who attended this school, lives next door today. She and her family have been caretakers of the property
for over 60 years. They donated the property to the city of Fredonia in 2005 for the preservation of the building. Volunteers
began working to restore the school and preserve its rich history.
The school is named in memory and honor of Jesse Blair and James "Suge" Wilson, Miss Virginia Blair's late husband and stepfather
respectively. "Suge" (1894-1977) was a kind man who did whatever he could to help his community. Jesse (1910-1997) always said,
you should have God, faith, and an education in your life."
With grant money and local donations, work is continuing to restore the building as it was circa 1927.
Any one wishing to contribute to the school can contact the numbers listed.
If you would like more information please contact Angela Blair.
