The last high school graduating class at Lincoln School was in 1969. The last class to graduate was a sixth grade class in 1970. Many members of the classes of 1969 and 1970 had the surnames of those who graduated nearly a hundred years before. An examination of Perry County census tracts for 1870 and 1880 show that many of the people who graduated from Lincoln School over the years had the same surnames as those in the census tracts: Childs, Moore, Deleslin, Billingsley, Heard, Webb, McGhee, Melton, Dobyne (or Dobynes), Sullivan, Carlisle, etc. Not only that, many came from the same localities scattered throughout the county as those in the census tracts of 1870.

The Lincolnite Association was formed in 1970-71, primarily for the purpose of trying to save buildings on the campus, and use them for other educational purposes. The association is listed under file number 5047 in the law offices of John D. Prince Jr., Esq. in Birmingham.

At one point it was hoped that Daniel Paine College might be relocated to the Lincoln campus. There are curt and polite letters on file from Mr. Fred Hubbard, School Superintendent of Perry County at the time, to Mrs. Idella Childs, and to Dr. Daniel T. Grant, then President of Paine College, indicating that the school board had "different plans" for the Lincoln School campus. Over alumni objections, the adamant School Board said that it was "going to pursue its previously outlined plans and this could conceivably take 1 to 3 years or even longer." The weak Association carried little weight.

One thing was on the School Board's mind, and that was to tear down each original structure on the campus brick by brick - a process that went on for some time. It was particularly painful to see beloved buildings destroyed. The destruction was more agonizing when one knew their history, and when one realized the imagination, suffering and pain that went into their construction. The destruction of familiar campus buildings was about the same as having blows delivered to one's head without an adequate defense.

The use of the land and buildings never materialized as the School Board promised. It was neglected, even though little Daniel Paine College sought to buy or rent the space and buildings. They were denied because the state had "different plans." In retrospect it appears that the long episode was simply one of naked power and possibly resentment.

The Lincolnite Association (alumni association) failed to save all but one of the structures erected with funds, in part from local people and the American Missionary Association. Phillips Memorial Auditorium remains, and has been bought from the Board of Education with funds raised by Lincolnites. It will remain a monument, and bring back powerful memories. It will house archives donated by former students, graduates, and local people.

The Lincolnite Association now owns all of the rectangular plot (22 acres) that once was the Lincoln School campus. It was paid for outright and or deeded to the Association. Now under the control of those to whom it is the most meaningful. Lincolnites should be grateful that the land nearly sacred to some has been returned (at a price) to those who love it, and to those who should have it. Now is the time to decide what to do with it.

I have strolled on summer days to some parts of it and stood, alone, recalling my past: joys, sadnesses, triumphs and failures. You may have done the same thing. It is good for the soul.

We'll Forget? No, Never!