The Webster Rock School is an historic school building located NC 116 / Main St., at Webster, Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built between 1936 and 1938 by the Works Progress Administration, and is one story with hip roof utilitarian building, constructed of native "river rock" in colors of tan and brown. It has an "E"-shape plan and has a 13 bay front facade. The school originally contained an auditorium, cafeteria, kitchen and eight classrooms.[2]

Webster Rock School
Webster School in January, 2019
Webster Rock School is located in North Carolina
Webster Rock School
Webster Rock School is located in the United States
Webster Rock School
LocationMain Street, Webster, North Carolina
Coordinates35°20′43″N 83°13′23″W / 35.34528°N 83.22306°W / 35.34528; -83.22306
Area9 acres (3.6 ha)
Built1936 (1936)-1938
Built byWPA
Architectural styleWPA Style
NRHP reference No.89002262[1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 4, 1990

In 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.[1]

History

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It once served as Webster High School and Webster Elementary School. The High School was active from 1936 until consolidation into Sylva-Webster High School (Now Smoky Mountain High School) in 1960. The Elementary School remained in operation until it was consolidated with Sylva Elementary School and Savannah Elementary School to form Fairview Elementary School in 1973.[2]

Current use

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The old Webster Rock School is being used as the Southwestern Child Development Center, and by the Family Resources Center for Jackson County. The old Gymnasium is sometimes used for community events. The old windows and doors have been removed, replaced by white wooden panels and smaller windows, and most of the original ceilings are now obscured by a drop-in ceiling. The town's World War II memorial, dedicated to the memory of local residents who died during the war, is located on the front lawn of the building.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Carolyn A. Humphries (December 1988). "Webster Rock School" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2015-01-01.