Grenada High School History (1922 - 1971)
The residents of Grenada from the early 1830's one room school houses to the modern day facilities have always felt a need to secure a proper education for their children. The parents and citizens of Grenada in 1922 were just as concerned that their children should acquire a good education. In 1922, the citizens of Grenada voted to issue school bonds in the amount of $75,000 to erect a new high school. In a previous election the city council had already issued $25,000 in bonds to be used for school building purposes.
On the grounds of the present day Grenada Upper Elementary School, Lizzie Horn School, already stood a building that housed all grades. With the city prospering and an influx of county students, the building was not large enough. Educators also felt a need to increase the subjects students needed to learn to succeed in life. A department of business and commerce was needed to teach typing, bookkeeping, and shorthand. There also was a need for a domestic science class and science laboratory. Mr. John Rundle, then the superintendent of schools felt that too many students were just turned out as "graduates" with no real training to help them succeed in life.
Mr. E.C. Lockett and Company was awarded the contract to build the new high school. A lot adjacent and northeast of the existing building was purchased from Mrs. Pearl Lickfold for $5,000. Her home was moved one block north on Line Street and construction began on the school. The building was constructed in a way as to preserve the beauty of the existing building and at the same time present a thoroughly modern and up-to-date new school building.
Monday, September 10, 1923, the school opened for it's first session with Mr. John Rundle as superintendent. This day marked a momentous occasion in the lives of the students as well as those of the teachers, parents, and citizens of Grenada, who through their vote and tax money made the construction of this building possible. Mr. Rundle is quoted as saying, "The occasion marked the achievement of a long-cherished ambition in the hearts of those who had at heart the best interests of the school children of this and future generations."
The school was called Grenada High School until 1954-55 when it was renamed John Rundle High School in honor of Mr. Rundle. Children of Grenada continued to attend there until February 22, 1971 when fire destroyed most of the building. Many fond memories of times past will be remembered by all who attended there.
