The new Davis School ornament. Individual ornaments are $15.
It all began in 1996 when The Dade County chapter of the American Business Women's Association produced a pewter replica of the courthouse as a commemorative Christmas tree ornament. For 12 years, the group added a new building each year.
When the Dade businesswomen disbanded, they offered the use of their molds to the Friends of the Library. The Friends continued the tradition when they added Trenton United Methodist Church last year. Premiering ornament for 2019 is Davis School.
Davis School is certainly a Dade County and Sand Mountain icon. Davis School began as a consolidated school of the Brown’s Gap, Worley’s Chapel and Shanty Town communities. It opened for the first time in 1936 with 51 students enrolled. The older eastern section (better known as the “rock” building) was constructed in 1948 with a foundation of native mountain stone. Davis continues to thrive today as a Pre-k through 5th grade school.
Other Dade County historical buildings available at the library are:
Dade County Courthouse
Dade County Depot
Dade County High School
Dade County Jail
Odd Fellow Building
McBryar House
Castle in the Clouds
Sittons Mill
Rising Fawn Commissary
J.L. Case Hardware
New England Community Church
Dyer Mercantile
Trenton United Methodist Church
You may purchase any of the individual ornaments for $15 each or the complete set of 14 for $195.
Ornaments and sets are available at the Dade County Public Library. Shipping is available for an additional cost.
If you have questions or need to place an order, contact Dottie Abercrombie (423) 645-2329 or Linda Wilson (706) 657-7857.
--Dottie Abercrombie
Dottie Abercrombie is former assistant principal of Davis.
