Irene Colored

Summary History

Probably built before 1893. Based on a history of Black communities in Loudoun developed by the Black History Committee, this school existed near Hamilton.” Irene and Ivandale – Just south of Hamilton at the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Station, Irene included homes, a mill and a store. Immediately west, a railroad stop and warehouse marked the community of Ivandale and the wholesale florist of the same name. Quite a few Blacks were property owners in the area and worked at these businesses. Presley Ash and Gary Curtis both had farms large enough that they employed help to operate them. The Loudoun County Emancipation Association held its first annual celebration in Ivandale in 1890. The florist generously supplied flowers for Emancipation Day celebrations throughout the event’s history” Source: http://www.balchfriends.org/bhmap.htm#i1

Construction Data

TBD.  Stove heat.  1 room.

Photos, Videos and Charts

Not known.

Petitions

None known.

Transportation

We do not know how students reached the school, though given that it was a school for Blacks and given the era, we surmise that they walked.  Some might have gone by horseback.

Grades

Not documented.  Probably only 1-7th.

Teachers

• 1892/1893:   Robert H. Taylor was the “colored” instructor at Irene.  His home was in Leesburg and he operated on a 3rd grade certificate.  Source:  Lists of Teachers, 1892-1975 (1893ColoredA Census of Colored Teachers for the School Year closing July 31, 1893), Richmond, Virginia, USA: Virginia Department of Public Instruction/Education.
• 1893/94:   No records
• 1894/95:  Mr. Taylor continued to instruct.  Source: Lists of Teachers, 1892-1975 (  1895ColoredA Census of Colored Teachers 1894/95 – Done Dec 10, 1894), Richmond, Virginia, USA: Virginia Department of Public Instruction/Education
• 1895/96:  Mr. Taylor continued to instruct on a 3rd grade permit and as a resident of Irene. Source: Lists of Teachers, 1892-1975 (  1895ColoredA Census of Colored Teachers 1894/95 – Done Dec 10, 1894), Richmond, Virginia, USA: Virginia Department of Public Instruction/Education.
• 1896/97:  Mr. Taylor of Irene continued to instruct;  but was downgraded to a 2nd grade certificate. Source: Lists of Teachers, 1892-1975 (1897ColoredCombined  Census of Colored Teachers 1896-97 – Done Dec 15, 1896), Richmond, Virginia, USA: Virginia Department of Public Instruction/Education.

Insurance

No data.

Food Data

No information

Library Data

No information.