Irene Colored
Edited: 8/18/2023
Opening and Closing
Probably built before 1893.
Physical and Map Location
This school existed near Hamilton and was associated with Irene and Ivandale. That's just south of Hamilton near the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Station. Source: history of Black communities in Loudoun developed by the Black History Committee, friends of the Balch Library.
Petitions
Transportation
History
Grades Not documented. Probably only 1-7th.
Irene included homes, a mill, and a store. Immediately west, a railroad stop and warehouse marked the community of Ivandale and a 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 had to employ 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”
Instructors
- 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 (1893 Colored A 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 (1895 Colored A 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 (1895 Colored A 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 (1897 Colored Combined Census of Colored Teachers 1896-97 – Done Dec 15, 1896), Richmond, Virginia, USA: Virginia Department of Public Instruction/Education.
Insurance and Physical Description