How many stories do these walls hold? We are standing before the Old Floris School. It is a proud landmark in the Floris Historic District. This district is near Herndon, Virginia. It is a place where history whispers around every corner.
The Old Floris School’s story began in 1911. Construction started that year on this one-and-a-half-story building. Look up at the keystone above the entrance. It marks the year of its birth, 1911. The school’s design bears similarities to Herndon High. It also has triple banks of windows and a hipped roof.
Interestingly, documentation directly linking Robinson as the architect is missing. Still, the architectural echoes suggest his influence. Notice the arched transom and sidelights at the entrance. They mirror those of Herndon High.
In 1920, a three-story vocational school opened nearby. It was next to the Old Floris School. For decades, these two schools educated local children together.
However, progress marches on. In the 1950s, a new Floris School opened at a different site. The Old Floris School closed its doors. But its story did not end there.
The Old Floris School was saved. It became part of Frying Pan Park. Today, it is a contributing structure to the Floris Historic District. This district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Imagine the children who passed through these doors. They learned their lessons within these very walls.
The area where we stand was once called Frying Pan. The name changed to Floris around 1892. This change happened when the village became a summer retreat. Washingtonians sought respite here. They desired a more refined name. Floris, meaning flower in Latin, was chosen.
The history of education in this area stretches back even further. In 1870, Fairfax County Public Schools was founded. The Floris community was then known as Frying Pan. Segregation was the norm. A one-room schoolhouse served white children. Calista Baker was its first teacher. A school for African-American children also existed. Thornton W. Hyson is recorded as its teacher in 1886.
The current Floris Elementary School opened in 1955. However, it only admitted white children initially. African-American students attended Oak Grove Elementary near Herndon. Segregation ended in 1966. All schools became integrated. The Floris Elementary school community became diverse.
The Old Floris School stands as a reminder. It reminds us of a time when education faced different challenges. Today, it is a symbol of progress and preservation. Its walls echo with the laughter and lessons of generations. Take a moment to appreciate the history. Feel the weight of the past. The Old Floris School remains a testament to the enduring power of community and education.