100 years of a landmark

Whole Backstage throwing a celebration Sunday for the Old Rock School’s centennial

By KATHERINE BREWER, Special to the Leader

For generations of Guntersville residents, it was simply their school. For others, it has been a community gathering place, a place to volunteer, or the place where the curtain rises on another Whole Backstage Theatre production. 

At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Whole Backstage Community Theatre invites the public to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Guntersville’s beloved “Old Rock School.” 

The historic building opened its doors to students on Sept. 7, 1926, as Guntersville City  School, serving children in grades one through six. For the next 53 years, generations of Guntersville children walked its halls, learned in its classrooms, gathered in its auditorium and made memories that many still cherish today. 

Built of locally quarried stone, the school originally contained 12 classrooms, a large auditorium and what was then considered modern heating. Local builder Gus Alred led construction, and the distinctive stone building quickly became one of Guntersville’s most recognizable landmarks. 

When a new elementary school opened in 1979, the Old Rock School began another chapter in its history. The building became home to several community organizations, and its auditorium was made available to The Whole Backstage Community Theatre. In the fall of 1979, WBS presented “The Miracle Worker” there, beginning a relationship between the theatre and the Old Rock School that continues today. 

Through the dedicated efforts of Johnny Brewer, president of the WBS Board of Directors, who led the initiative to secure formal recognition of the building, the Old Rock School was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, recognizing the significance of its distinctive 1920s architecture and its importance in the history of the community.

“A major renovation in 2005 transformed the aging school into a modern performing arts center while preserving much of the character that generations of former students remember. Original transoms, hardwood floors, interior doors, chalkboards, classroom features and other architectural details remain throughout the building,” Brewer said.

“The Sept. 6 celebration will be an opportunity to celebrate not only the building, but the thousands of people who have been a part of its story during the past century.”

Former students, teachers, administrators and school employees are expressly invited to return and visit the Old Rock School. Children and family members of those who attended or worked at the school are also encouraged to come and help preserve their families’ memories. 

Visitors will be able to tour the historic building, walk through former classrooms and the auditorium, view historic photographs and memorabilia, and learn more about the building’s journey from elementary school to community theatre. 

Displays will feature photographs and materials from the school years as well as memorabilia from The Whole Backstage and its years in the building. Music will add to the celebration, and guests will have opportunities to visit, reminisce and share stories about the people and events they remember. 

And, of course, no 100th birthday would be complete without birthday cake. 

The Whole Backstage is also hoping to hear from former students, teachers and employees who have treasured memories, photographs or stories connected to the Old Rock School. Those recollections are an important part of telling the building’s complete story and preserving it for future generations. 

For some visitors, Sunday may be the first time they have walked through the building. For others, stepping through those doors may bring back memories of childhood, favorite teachers, classmates, school programs and days spent in those classrooms many decades ago. 

For members and patrons of The Whole Backstage, those same halls hold another collection of memories: rehearsals, performances, costumes, sets, opening nights and friendships formed through community theatre. 

For 100 years, the purpose of the Old Rock School has changed, but one thing has remained constant. It has always been a place where the people of Guntersville come together. 

The Whole Backstage invites the entire community to join in celebrating that remarkable century of history at 2 p.m. Sunday. 

Come tour the building. Look through the photographs. Share a memory. Visit with old friends. Have a piece of birthday cake. 

And help us wish the Old Rock School a very happy 100th birthday. 

For more information about the celebration, contact The Whole Backstage at [email protected], visit the Whole Backstage website or Facebook page, or call the box office at 256-582-7469.

The Whole Backstage is located at 1120 Rayburn Ave./Dot Moore Way in Guntersville.

Guntersville Elementary School is shown below in 1956. The same building, now known as the Old Rock School, is shown above in a modern-day photo. The building on Rayburn Avenue – honorary Dot Moore Way – is home to the Whole Backstage Theater, which is hosting a 100th anniversary celebration for the school Sunday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS