path to integration
Simmons School: A Century of Black Education
The history of Simmons School is the story of Black educational perseverance in Woodford County, evolving from a segregated "colored" school into a modern pillar of the community.
- The 1899 Original: Established on Simmons Street following the "separate but equal" doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson. It was named for Mrs. Judy Simmons and served as the central hub for Black students across the county.
- The Rural Bridge: For families in rural enclaves like Elm Bend, Simmons was the only path forward. While younger children attended small, local schoolhouses, all rural Black students had to travel to Simmons for high school after completing the 8th grade.
- The 1953 Transition: A new, modern facility was opened on Tyrone Pike to replace the aging original structure.
- Integration (1954–1961): Following Brown v. Board of Education, Woodford County began a phased integration. In a show of class loyalty, the 1957 senior class successfully petitioned to finish their degrees at Simmons rather than transferring immediately to Versailles High.
- Legacy & Preservation: Though the original 1899 building was razed in 1995, its original cornerstone was saved and placed at the current Tyrone Pike site. The school retains the Bulldog mascot and the historical name, serving as a living monument to the generations of Black families who fought for education in the Bluegrass.
Integration Of Woodford County Schools
herbert Bush
Herbert Bush, descendant of long time residents of Elm Bend and frequent visitor back home, played guard on the Woodford County High School basketball team coached by Ed Allin. Coach Allin chose to play the best players and that meant starting black players ahead of white ones. The team went 17-0 in 1963. In 1964, Allin started five Black players, including Bush, whose memories of being a trailblazer show incredible courage for a teenager, particularly when describing road games and the resistance he encountered by white crowds and merchants.
