Preservation Magazine, Winter 2016

Transitions: Saved—Rosenwald-Coinjock School

In each Transitions section of Preservation magazine, we highlight places of local and national importance that have recently been restored, are currently threatened, have been saved from demolition or neglect, or have been lost. Here's one from Winter 2016.

Rosenwald-Coinjock School, Currituck County

photo by: Currituck BBQ

This circa 1920 Rosenwald School, located alongside Highway 168 in Currituck County, North Carolina, had been deteriorating due to deferred maintenance that resulted in a collapsing ceiling and rotting floors. (Rosenwald Schools were built for African-American children in the rural South early in the 20th century by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald.) Paul Robinson, the owner of local restaurant Currituck BBQ, had driven past the structure every day for years on his way to work. After learning more about the school’s legacy from local historian Barbara Snowden, he heard about the county’s plan to demolish it and decided to buy it himself. Robinson completed his purchase of the school this past summer and intends to move it a half mile down the road to sit next door to his restaurant, where it will serve as a country store or event venue, as well as a Rosenwald museum.

Katherine Flynn is a former assistant editor at Preservation magazine. She enjoys coffee, record stores, and uncovering the stories behind historic places.

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