RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Much has changed over the past 100 years. In 1924, a new car, like the Model T, cost about $290, and fuel was just 11 cents per gallon. A new home could be purchased for under $8,000, while a new bed frame and mattress set you back $26. Salaries were also quite different back then, with the average annual income totaling $2,196. In the realm of education, teachers earned around $1,100 a year.
Fast forward to today, we celebrate a century of history at a local school in Rutherford County: Walter Hill Elementary School. And this Saturday, those 100 years will be discussed, examined, and visited with a special event.
Starting out, what was once called Walter Hill Academy had a total of four teachers. Since that time, the school has grown exponentially to now include at least 38 full time educators.
Forms of punishment were also different when Butch Campbell began his career in education over 50-years ago. Campbell talked about one student who was caught smoking, which he said was was a rare occurrence 40 to 50-years ago… Not too long ago, schools in Rutherford County allowed for students to be paddled, but that became a no-no around the same time that Campbell retired in 2009.
Campbell served as principal of Walter Hill for 31-years, starting in 1978. Over those years, Walter Hill experienced surges in student population. At one point, there were over 1,000 students under one roof… At that time, Walter Hill served students in Pre-K and all the way up to 8th grade. In earlier years, the school went all the way up to the high school level.
Classrooms at Walter Hill have been utilized by multiple generations, creating a unique tradition for some families in what was once a more rural area. WGNS' Bryan Barrett noted that both he and his parents attended school there…
Sarah Cecil of Walter Hill Elementary commented on the upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration, which will be held at the school this Saturday… Doors will open this Saturday morning (August 10, 2024) at 10:30 AM, with a brief overview and presentation to begin at 11 AM. The celebration will continue until 1 PM at Walter Hill Elementary School and everyone is invited to stop by.
- School Address: 6309 Lebanon Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- See more Rutherford County History involving Schools Here
