This project examines two separate school buildings within Sanford, Florida. Both buildings were erected within the early years of the 20th century at a time that Sanford’s position as the “gateway” between South Florida and the rest of the United States was becoming solidified. This was also when Sanford was a prominent city in the production of celery, which earned it its name of “Celery City.”
This examination utilizes a reconstruction of both the Sanford Grammar School (1902) and Hopper Academy (1911), the local white and African American schools, respectively. Through these reconstructions, I was able to determine multiple conclusions. One is that despite the very rapid population growth that occurred due to the opportunities in Sanford, Florida, in the early 20th century, a very elaborate (especially compared to the rest of the area) school was built to demonstrate the importance of education to the community. The other conclusion is tied to the comparison of the two buildings. Through the reconstruction and the use of Sanborn maps, I was able to see the proximity of the buildings to each other, the similarities in architectural style, the proximity of the outhouses to the schools, and the physical divide that separated the two buildings and areas from each other. Although the area was racially segregated, this was a segregation of proximity.
To view the full project, click here.