Haldeman used to be a much larger town. Once boasting a brick factory in nearby Soldier, a school, and several businesses during its boom times, it is today a quiet residential community of rural Carter county. This particular school was built in 1937 with an expansion.
History
Haldeman Elementary was constructed in 1936 (1) as part of the Works Progress Administration. The school closed in the early 1990s due to the consolidation of the school system and was declared surplus property by the Rowan County Board of Education.(1) It was purchased by Emily Ball, a local resident, soon after.(3)
On September 28, 2007 around 4 A.M.,(1) Haldeman Elementary was mostly gutted by a large fire. The only salvageable portion of the building was the gymnasium, and only the stone walls remain of the rest. The fire was being investigated by the Kentucky State Police as a possible arson, as the building was without electricity,(1) although it was later ruled that the fire was due to an undetermined cause.(2)
The building was currently for sale at the time of the fire, and plans had been made to convert the school into a community center and emergency shelter.(2) As part of the plans, the Haldeman/Hayes Crossing Community Center Inc. was formed to coordinate efforts led entirely by local citizens. A 22nd annual Hayes Crossing/Haldeman Community Reunion was held only months prior in July, where the community celebrated 100 years in existence.(1)
On January 4, 2008, the Haldeman/Hayes Crossing Community Center purchased the remainder of the school for $30,000, signing the deal at Citizens Bank in Morehead.(3) The primary function of the building would be to host annual community reunions on the last weekend in July, family reunions, weddings and anniversaries, benefits, memorial services and gymnasium events. While the estimated cost of restoring the remainder of the building that was not burnt was $70,000, the group is currently accepting donations and applying for grants.
Gallery
Sources
1. Noe, Tonia. “Fire guts Haldeman School.” Morehead News 2 Oct. 2007. 7 Oct. 2007 Article.
2. Noe, Tonia. “Fire cause undetermined.” Morehead News 5 Oct. 2007. 7 Oct. 2007 Article.
3. Noe, Tonie. “Old Haldeman School bought.” Journal Times (Grayson) 3 Jan. 2008. 27 Feb. 2008 Article.
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