Historical Society fundraiser offers a piece of DHS history

The Dyer County Historical Society is offering several options for residents and alumni of the old Dyersburg High School who wish to own an item created from the wood flooring of the gym torn down 16 years ago. Prices range from $4 to $70. From left, Dyer County Historical Society member Bill Cloar, DCHS President Danny Walden, DCHS member Kim Hill, David Hayes and craftsman Red Bond.

Residents with fond memories of the many community events hosted at the school and classmates who attended the building as either high school or middle school students may now purchase a piece of history with a new Dyer County Historical Society fundraiser. The gym, once located at the foot of College Hill where Elm Street, McGaughey Avenue and College Street intersect, was torn down in 1993. Today, the site serves as a parking lot.

But memories of the historic building live on in the hearts of many area residents.

These items created from the flooring of the old Dyersburg High School Gym by Red Bond may be purchased through the Dyer County Historical Society. They are on display at Security Bank's main branch in downtown Dyersburg. [Click to enlarge]

"The gym, which was built in 1927, served not only as a place for P.E. classes and basketball games," said Dyer County Historical Society President Danny Walden, "it was also used as a community gathering place. Live performances by big bands, religious revivals and political speeches were also a part of this building's past. Many local residents have memories of activities that they recall were held in the old portion of Dyersburg High School."

Residents who would like a piece of that history may now purchase a variety of items handcrafted from the wood of the old DHS gym floor. Letter openers, key chains, paper weights and personalized picture frames featuring class photos, reunion pictures or team photographs all feature the beautiful old wood. Some selections even retain the original finish and markings from the basketball court.

Prices range from $4 to $70.

Alumni of Dyersburg High School have several options to choose from when purchasing picture frames and plaques created from the wood flooring of the old Dyersburg High School gym. Created by J.D. Stephens, the vintage wood retains its original finish and some pieces even feature painted lines from the basketball court.

Local craftsmen Red Bond and J.D. Stephens are working with the Historical Society to offer the items, with profits benefiting the society and the Dyer County Museum.

"We were contacted a few months ago by (City Purchasing Agent) Greg Williams (who) said the city had much of the flooring removed when the old Dyersburg High School gymnasium was torn down 16 years ago," said Dyer County Historical Society president Danny Walden. "It had been in storage in a shed and the city needed to get it moved so the space could be used for other purposes. He asked if the Historical Society had any use for it. I was eager to see it and to approach our board to see how we might use it to further our goal to promote the history of Dyer County."

A committee contacted Bond and Stephens to find out their ideas for using the wood and were excited to see quite a variety of unique items. Bond created letter openers, desk blocks, bookends and key chains from the beech wood flooring.

The old Dyersburg High School gymnasium soon after it was constructed in 1927. This photo is one of many the Dyer County Historical Society has to choose from when purchasing picture frames constructed from the old wood flooring. Other items created from the old gym floor include key chains, desk blocks, letter openers and bookends.

"The Historical Society has given this old beech a new life," said Bond. "The wood's first life began in 1927 when it was installed in the gym (and remained) for 66 years. Its second life was lost in a warehouse for 16 years."

Stephens has created picture frames and plaques that can include photos from the past.

Members of the Historical Society found a selection of old DHS photographs including photos of the building itself, cheerleading squads and teams from old yearbook pages and many class pictures and reunion photos. Residents who are interested in class pictures or other vintage photographs may choose from the Historical Society's collection when purchasing a picture frame. Matting is also available so that classmates can choose two photos or provide their own and pair it with a vintage picture.

The creations of both craftsmen reflect the historical significance of the flooring and the building. For residents who did not attend the school but remember the building for its inspiring revivals or community concerts, Bond has created desk blocks featuring a cross or music note instead of the DHS mascot.

"(These items are) great pieces of memorabilia," said Security Bank President David Hayes, who has arranged to display the items in the lobby of the bank's downtown branch.

"All items made by this material will only be available on a limited basis and can only be purchased through the Dyer County Historical Society," said Walden, who worked with committee members Albert Fowlkes and Hayes on the project. "We talked about the best way to offer these items to members of the historical society and the general public and we think we have a pretty good plan in place."

All items will be sold through pre-pay orders centered in the lobby of Security Bank. Orders will be taken any weekday during regular banking hours at the main branch by Amy Hendren, Jeannie Hightower, Madonna Sewell and Megan Madden.

Members of the Dyer County Historical Society will receive a reduced rate for purchases of the historical artifacts.

Membership in the society is only $25 per year for an individual, $50 for a family and $10 for students. Members have an opportunity to help improve the Dyer County Museum, attend monthly board meetings and participate in many historical projects.

Those interested in seeing the items offered for sale or in joining the Dyer County Historical Society are encouraged to visit Security Bank at 120 North Mill Ave. or call Danny Walden at the Professional Development Center at 286-3611.