Anyone who lives in the area knows Dupree School is a historic place, but the location is now receiving recognition from the federal government for its distinction.
Houston County Commissioner Tracy Adams appeared at Dupree School Friday morning to present a $10,000 check from the County Commission — but he and Dupree School Board Chairman Steve Smith also had the honor of presenting a plaque designating the school as a historic place.
The schoolhouse was constructed in 1904; however, as of 2022, the building was turning to dust.
But the love of the community helped revive the place; in years past, it was used for people to jam together and play bluegrass and old gospel music. Now, restorers are setting their sights higher.
Disability-friendly restrooms are being added, along with a catering kitchen and a gallery entry hall.
Furthermore, there are hopes to turn the building into a voting location ahead of upcoming elections.
“A great musical legacy is attached to this building,” Smith said.
And he’s right.
This reporter lovingly remembers being fed pound cake and lukewarm orange soda from sweet ladies with lipsticked smiles in the front kitchen while old folks played whatever instruments they could bring.
Expert and amateur musicians alike were welcome to play music; any musician wanting to learn more could depend on Dupree School for a crash course in how to keep up playing as a group.
Back then I could tap dance; I remember an old fiddler, Mr. Charlie, who used to teach me Hank Williams songs and how to tap tunes as he bowed at his likely decades-old instrument.
It was cathartic to wander through the freshly-upkept two-room schoolhouse. The rooms still smelled of varnish from the “new” floorboards, 120-year-old wood procured from an old Georgia cotton mill.
The main schoolroom was once divided by big doors with pews in the back and a spattering of mismatched dining chairs in the front where folks could bring guitars, fiddles, upright basses and mandolins; Smith said future plans include a stage setup and a piano.
But the blank canvas of the rooms reveals a greater future of a community hub at what Smith calls “America’s crossroads.”
“We look at this not only as a local project, but a Wiregrass project,” Smith said. “We have several objectives to restore light and life to this American landmark.
“This will be one acre of unity, no matter what your politics are, no matter what your differences are.”
He said he was grateful for the efforts of locals who donated their money, time, resources and expertise to the rehabilitation of a now-recognized historic place, calling the work a “project of the people.”
The schoolhouse looks forward to March 21 and 22, when their annual Bluegrass Revival will bring what’s guaranteed to be a huge to-do for music fans. March 21 at 5:30 p.m. features a free jam session — so bring your instruments and get ready to have fun playing music. March 22 at 11 a.m. welcomes a lineup of bluegrass artists, food, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities.
You can see Dupree School at 1116 Antioch Church Road.
The Wiregrass was upgraded to a Moderate Risk (level 4 out of 5) chance for severe weather Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Two locations will open in Dothan on Saturday to offer safe places for people to go.
Westgate Church of Christ at 619 Westgate Parkway and First Baptist Dothan at 300 West Main Street will open from 7 p.m. March 15 to 7 a.m. March 16.
Westgate will be open to those who live in mobile homes or other unsafe locations, and First Baptist will be open to provide shelter for the homeless.
Cots will be available, but meals will not be provided. Those using the locations are asked to bring their own pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, snacks and hygiene items.
Pets won’t allowed unless they are service animals.
Shiloh Baptist Church has also offered to host a safe space during storms on Saturday at 873 N. Shiloh Road in Hartford. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Pets are not allowed. Please bring bedding and personal items.
Rehobeth Baptist Church also offers a safe place at their Family Life Center. Bring bedding, snacks and hygiene items.
Churches are urged to open their doors to people who may not live in the safest places for severe weather. Contact Gary Griffin at 334-595-8970 if your church can open for the storm.
Call 2-1-1 to reach Wiregrass 211 for more information.
Governor Kay Ivey issued a State of Emergency in all Alabama counties ahead of the severe weather expected for this weekend.
The State of Emergency goes into effect Friday at 2 p.m.
“The state of Alabama is at risk for potentially dangerous, severe weather throughout this weekend, so it is critical that everyone stays very aware of their local forecasts. Now is the time to make any preparations and have a plan, should the weather conditions become dangerous,” Gov. Ivey said in a statement. “Certainly, we are no stranger to Mother Nature’s wrath, but I encourage Alabamians to be vigilant beginning tonight. Stay weather aware and stay safe!”
The Wiregrass can expect severe storms Saturday evening to Sunday morning.
Law enforcement raided a home in Black in Geneva County on drug charges.
Geneva County Sheriffs, Houston County Sheriff SWAT team, the State Bureau of Investigation task force arrested one person who was already out on bond on a drug case in the early morning hit.
An area of heavy rains in north Mississippi this morning will make a quick trip into south
Alabama, southwest Georgia and north Florida by afternoon.
The system drags along a chance of heavy rain, but also the possibility of hail. The large area of rainfall may not set-up across all the Wiregrass, but much of the area could get a good soaking even after nightfall. Winds could pickup, especially near the storm front when it arrives, and so it may be very breezy later today and into tonight.
Temperatures remain warm; highs near 78 today and lows tonight near 60.
The rains of the day and warm temps this evening may form fog tonight, late and into early Friday. Tomorrow looks like a nice weather day, sandwiched between, todays rains and what looks like an extra stormy Saturday.
