Thank you to all of our generous donors for all of your support. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, the historic Rosemark School building is currently being demolished. As you can see, it will be competely gone within a few days. You can view more demolition photos here.
All of your generous donations should have been returned to you by the school.
Thank you all for posting your many comments on the demolition issue. It is an emotional issue, and people on both sides of the issue had an opportunity to be heard in a vigorous, energetic discussion. However, most everything that can be said about the decision to demolish the building has been said, and in the interest of moving forward, no further comments about the decision to demolish the building will be approved. Please feel free to post any fond memories, stories or rememberances you have of the building, subject to approval, of course.
Thanks again to everyone who supported our effort, and feel free to contact us by emailing us at preservethetradition@gmail.com.
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Wonderful comments, courtesy of Rebecca Eldridge Curtright and a TRA Grandparent:
“I just want to say that in spite of all the frustrated and upsetting comments on the site recently, that these last few weeks has done something else for me greater almost than saving the building.
Even though I have no extra money, I found myself finding something to contribute just because I knew it was right. So yes, I’m deeply saddened that I couldn’t do more and that we couldn’t as a group save the building. Yes, I can understand how parents are feeling on the safety and health of their children (I still have siblings there too). Yes, I can understand how those of us who lived in those halls will have a deeper feeling of regret and sadness than those who may not have.
But more than anything, I am confident that God has a plan for us, for our school, and for its students.
I am proud at the fact that alumni who haven’t probably talked in years all of a sudden got behind this cause and reconnected.
I’m proud that a small community could rise up and collect such a large amount of money during a time when we can barely fill our gas tanks.
I’m proud that we all connect still with our high school memories so emotionally- when so many other people in this world barely keep their memories of school in the forefront of their mind.
I’m proud that my brother (who still attends TRA) can see his sister fight, even if only a small bit, for something she believes in.
I’m proud and hopeful that another option will show itself as a reward for our efforts (like the comment of the new building with the replica outside to help perserve the look of the building).
There aren’t that many people left in this world who will voice their opinions on something – especially when it seems to be a huge longshot. I’m proud to call you all my classmates.” – Rebecca Eldridge Curtright
“Each time I go to TRA to pick up my grandchild or attend a program I am in awe of the old building. I’m old enough to remember a time when all our schools looked like this. I am so saddened to think if this building is torn down our young children will not remember this beautiful landmark. Those of us old enough can close our eyes and let our minds drift back to a time of wooden floors and stairs and windows; breezes blowing through those windows on days so hot you could hardly breathe. Wooden banisters hold the memories of hands sliding up and down them; stairs holding up under running, laughing, happy young people on their way to a sweet life of ballgames and dances and a future too far away to think about. That’s what I think about when I see the old building. My youth. It’s gone. And so are most of the buildings I remember as a child. I surely would love to see this building remain what it is. It’s a window to the past. Just stand in front of it and you’ll feel it. There is history to be taught by reading the words on the front of the building; it’s a field trip just steps from the classrooms. I hope there are enough people out there who feel the way I do. Surely this part of our lives must be preserved.” – TRA Grandparent
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- You can still buy the beautiful, limited edition school print above! Each one is 17″ x 11″ and is ready to frame, and they are for sale for just $25 each. Buy yours now by emailing Leslie Roane at lkroane@bellsouth.net. All proceeds will go to the TRA Alumni Association. You can also purchase the prints at Patriot Bank in Barretville.
- You can also Shop for great products with the Rosemark School print and the Preserve The Tradition logo here! All of these proceeds will also go to the TRA Alumni Association.
- Leslie Roane is working on a coffee table book with photos of the Rosemark School Building. It will be on sale at the TRA football homecoming game in September. All proceeds will go to the TRA Alumni Association.
- Jay Forbess is working on a great walk-through DVD of the Rosemark School Building. It will also be on sale at the TRA football homecoming game in September.
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Read the latest Commercial Appeal article about the decision to demolish the Rosemark School Building: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jul/03/school-loss-is-letdown-to-alumni/
“What is past is prologue.” William Shakespeare, 1564-1616, English playwright and poet.
All comments must be approved by the site administrator and may not be approved and posted immediately. Please be aware that this site was created for the sole purpose of preserving the Rosemark School Building. It is not intended to be a sounding board for other issues about the school or a forum for complaints about the school. From this point forward, only comments related to memories, stories or rememberances of the Rosemark School Building will be considered for approval. Comments that are unduly negative toward the school as an institution will not be approved. Comments may be edited prior to being approved.
Thank you,
-The Committee to Preserve The Tradition
-Photo of the Rosemark School building and Committee members Scott Jones, Shirley Williams Lowe and Molly McCalla Hampton, courtesy of The Commercial Appeal
