A "Practical Education" in Early 20th-Century Columbus, Georgia, Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Historical Explorations of Art and Practical Education

Abstract

In this historical research, we examine the philosophical and economical motivations that inspired the leaders of Columbus toward a vocational education program. The evolution of manual training and settlement houses movements into vocational training developed quickly in the city of Columbus; a detailed examination of the primary and secondary industrial schools will be explored to highlight this transformation. Striving for a better Columbus meant that work needed to be done. G. Gunby Jordan, the most prominent mill owner in the city, rallied support in Columbus for what he deemed a “practical education” for the youth of the city.

Authors

• Lauren Yarnell Bradshaw, City Schools of Decatur

• Chara H. Bohan, Georgia State University