Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990 TAG: 9005180623
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For years, the Clearbrook PTA had hoped to do something about the dangerous exit from the school onto Franklin Road.
The state Department of Transportation recently widened Franklin Road, providing a right turn lane, but the steep grade from the school's driveway made the turn dangerous. The solution was to close the present driveway and build a new one opening onto a side street, then onto Franklin Road.
But finding the money for the project was a problem.
"I came out of that meeting of PTA members and the county School Board, thinking, `there are enough businessmen in road building in this neighborhood for us to do the job ourselves,' " Kingery said.
After that meeting last winter, he mentioned the idea to Bayes Wilson, superintendent of Roanoke County schools, and volunteered the services of Kingery Brothers Excavating to do the grading.
"I went to Clearbrook for seven years, 35 years ago," Kingery said. "My uncles and neighbors built that school. And at the time my son was enrolled there. I felt we should do what we could to help."
By the time his idea reached fruition, his son had moved on to Cave Spring Junior High School. But Kingery went to work contacting friends whose services could be used for the project.
Bo Willis of Rockydale Quarries donated 800 tons of gravel.
John Hall, who was doing road work for the state, volunteered to help by hauling and spreading the gravel.
Randy Draper of Draper Paving Co. agreed to treat the surface.
Homer Duff of the Roanoke County School Board negotiated with the men and coordinated the work.
It was necessary for the county to buy a strip of land for the road, but all other expenses were donated by the local businessmen.
Carl Wright of the Clearbrook Civic League said the cost would have been $50,000 or more, if the work had been contracted out.
Those who participated in the project will be honored by the Clearbrook Civic League Saturday during a program celebrating the school's 50th anniversary.
Members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and School Board, citizens and other elective officials have been invited to attend the event.
The celebration will begin with an assembly at 3 p.m. In addition to the recognition of community leaders, the assembly will feature music and readings by the students and remarks from Wilson, the school superintendent, and Buck Mitchell from the Roanoke County School Board. An open house will be held from 3:30 until 5:30, followed by a spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Clearbrook PTA.
Until 1925, the school was known as Dry Hollow. At that time, schools in Red Hill, Piney Dale and Dry Hollow consolidated. A contest was held to name the new school, and the winning name was "Clearbrook," submitted by a young girl who was inspired by a crystal clear brook that still flows by the building.
Located one mile south of the current Clearbrook School, the original building now houses Clearbrook Grace of the Brethren Church.
The present building was constructed in 1939 on a tract of land acquired from the William Campbell family. Slaves of William Williamson were buried on this site, and their bones were found while excavating for the new Clearbrook School.
by CNB