Allen High School records

Upon retirement to southwestern North Carolina, Dr. and Mrs. L.M. Pease of New York established Asheville Home and Industrial School for underprivileged mountain girls in 1875. Unable to continue their plans, in 1887 the couple gave some of their property to the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church to establish an elementary school for African-Americans. The school maintained its connection to the Methodist Church and in 1941, was under the supervision of the Women's Division of Christian Service of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Teachers were employees of the Women's Division, and many were hired as US2s, which were U.S. missionaries with a two-year contract. Later it fell under the direction of the Women's Division of the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

The first superintendent was Alsie B. Dole, who reopened the school educating both boys and girls in a grammar school, with an industrial department for girls and women. Children attended during the day and adults attended at night. Dole helped found Berry Temple Church, which met in the school's chapel until its own building was built.

In 1888 a high school curriculum was added. When a new graded public school opened in Asheville in 1892, the school was revisioned to act as a boarding school for girls. In 1924 it became a four-year North Carolina accredited high school, and in 1940 it became a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. It was one of two high schools for black students in the 17 counties of western North Carolina to be accredited by the SACSC. Boys continued to attend until 1941 when the name was officially changed to Allen High School. By 1947, the enrollment was 135 boarding and day students. The campus consisted of three buildings with 16 college-educated staff members.

Because of its high academic standard, Allen High School sent over 50% of its graduates to colleges such as Wellesley, Vassar, and other fine institutions. Its curriculum included religion classes, foreign languages, business courses, and music. Allen High's choir had a very good reputation and traveled to several states throughout the East Coast. The choir director was Miss Winifred Wrisley, who began teaching choir and piano at Allen High in 1953.

Several Allen High graduates attained state and national recognition. In Fall 1955, Judith Genier, a white girl from Moriah Center, attended Allen High School to experience segrated education. Her presence led to a cross burning on the school grounds. In the 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson presented a Presidential Scholar medallion to Andrea Williams, an Allen High School graduate. Nina Simone, the famous jazz singer, and Yvonne Mims Evans, 26th District Court judge, were both graduates of Allen High School.

About one third of Allen's students originated from the Asheville area, while another third came from communities in western North Carolina. The remaining third traveled from other states and foreign countries to attend Allen.

In 1974, Allen High School closed its doors due to a decreased enrollment resulting from desegration and from the lack of funds. In all, it had graduated 1,177 students. The site became the Allen Center in the 1970s, and by 1978 the Allen (Home) High School Alumni Association was established. The association meets regularly and produces new printed materials such as programs and alumnae lists.

Chronology of Allen High School Administrators:

Superintendents: 1887-1920: Alsie B. Dole 1920-1921: Edith Mitchell 1921-1937: Louisa A. Bell 1937-1938: Clara Sykes 1938-1941: Carmen Lowry 1941-1945: Julia Titus 1945-1957: Claire Lennon 1957-1974: Ruth Walther

Principals: 1887-1920: Alsie B. Dole 1920-1921: Edith Mitchell 1921-1924: Louisa A. Bell 1924-1930: Veda Stryker 1930-1938: Carmen Lowry 1938-1967: Julia Titus 1967-1974: Ruth Walther