Pinson School House Re-Opens
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. – After months of rebuilding, it was an emotional day for many in Pinson to see the historical Pinson School House doors re-open. The school was in danger of being torn down after thunderstorm damage. It survived thanks to volunteers who have been working tirelessly for months. Former teachers and students who gathered at the school house’s first open house in years told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News the restoration was a miracle. “It is wonderful,” said Pinson graduate Wanna Michel. “It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to Pinson. It’s beautiful it’s just something that we we will always treasure.” Pinson Ruritan Club member Jerry Ellis said volunteers donated funds and helped rebuild by pulling and cleaning more than 3,000 bricks from the damaged areas after the heavily damaged front wing of the building was torn down. “You really do not appreciate what you have until you almost loose it and we came that close to losing this building,” said Ellis. “We have accomplished the impossible.” Former teachers and students also donated school memorabilia, desks and pictures from the past. “I remember the day that we cut this building in two and just to look at it now it’s just almost unthinkable that this could happen,” said Ruritan member Jerry Newman. The new reconstructed area is also complete with a school house mural of memories, detailing the school’s mighty Pinson Panthers, influential teachers, and students from years past. “If we don’t remember where we come from then we would have a hard time figuring out where we are going,” said Ellis. Against all odds, residents said a piece of their history was save. They said it proves true one familiar Pinson school house lesson that anything is possible when a community works together in a labor of love. Ruritan Club members said they are not finished restoring the old school house. They plan to place commemorative bricks in a pathway around the front of the school. To find out how you can purchase a commemorative brick or help finish the restoration through donations, contact Jerry Ellis at (731) 988-5240.
