Howell & Graves Junior High School (Historical)

Howell & Graves Junior High School (Historical)

Howell & Graves Junior High School; Colbert County School System; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals Board of Education; Junior High School; School; Education; Administration

The Howell & Graves Junior High School was designed by architect Harry J. Frahn and built in 1927 in the neoclassical style and the neo-Tudor Gothic tradition, symbolically associated with the Ivy League schools. Decorative brick work, which originally crowned the building, gave it a castle-like appearance. It was known as one of the finest buildings in the region and was often the scene of political rallies and other special events. The state-of-the-art auditorium, with a seating capacity of 500, had elevated floors and opera-style seating. The stage had hand-painted canvas backdrops and lighting. In 1959, for a sum of $300, this school was transferred from the Colbert County School System to the newly formed Muscle Shoals City Board of Education.

The building itself still exists, however, it is currently the Muscle Shoals Board of Education Building. The structure and historical marker are located on S. Wilson Dam Rd.

Thomas Hale, University of North Alabama

“Howell & Graves Junior High School” Historical Marker, Side 2; Erected 2006 by the City of Muscle Shoals and Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation Alabama Historical Association.

Alabama Cultural Resource Survey

November 30, 2015