November 3, 2007
a history of the Robert Fulton School
The Richmond Public Schools site has a short history of the Robert Fulton School building at 1000 Carlisle Avenue, now in its 90th year.
The intro to the RPS history pages says that “much of the history of the Richmond Public Schools was recorded in the context of a segregated society, and the reader should readily discern between pre- and post-desegregation observations. The terms “black,” “colored,” “Negro,” and “white” in this booklet should not be considered offensive as they have been used according to the custom of the particular period. Since 1962, the division has omitted such racial designations from its reports and publications.”
From the RPS history on the Robert Fulton School:
Named for the community in which it was located and for the American inventor, Robert Fulton. The community is believed to have derived its name from the Fulton family which at one time was prominent in the area.
Robert Fulton opened January 1917, with kindergarten-grade 7, and seating for 1,083 pupils. This building replaced the older school (Nicholson) which was located in the flat area of Fulton near the James River. The selection of the site on the hill terminated a considerable controversy which divided the community at a time when the spread of the colored population could not be foreseen. One historian wrote that the school “stands on an eminence like a temple, overlooking the community in which it serves.”
For a number of years, the principal of Robert Fulton had supervision over the Indian School and Webster Davis School. Mechanical improvements (heating) were made in 1955. The enrollment declined at Robert Fulton as colored families moved into the area between the hill and the river. When the last white school on Church Hill was closed in January 1969, the pupils were transferred to Fulton.
Fulton closed in June 1979; it was declared surplus to the City, August 1, 1980. The building was subsequently purchased by a citizen (Russell Garber) who converted it into an arts center.
I attended Robert Fulton Elementary School from kindergarten to 5th grade (1971 - 1976). I often wonder what happened to some of my classmates. One bully in particular, that in this day & time would be in juvenile detention center for extreme harrassment and assault on several students including myself. We frequently had a substitute teacher in English, who effected me greatly with her wisdom, fairness and would not put up with unruly students. I wish I could remember her name. As I get older, I look back at my school days at Robert Fulton. I can remember the May Day Festivities on the front lawn and recess time on the playground as if it were yesterday. The cafetaria had the best peanut butter cookies ever. The math education was not very good. When I was in 5th grade and my dad realized that I could not tell time and had to count on my fingers to do math (which I still do), he put me in a private school. I had to take a test to get into that school and the only thing that saved me was my reading ability. I have always loved to read. Being curious, I googled Robert Fulton and this little bit of history came up.
I attended Robert Fulton from K to 5th grade (1964-1970). I remember the fun fairs, easter egg hunts on the front lawn, playing on the large playground, the Christmas play, going down into the basement for music class, and I loved those huge collumns in the front. I only lived three doors down so I could go there in the evenings and play. I used to love watching the bats circle the top of the building in the late evening. I even still have my school class picture from 1970. A lot of memory I’m glad it’s still standing.
Heard of some type of reunion
I attended school in 1942. We lived with the Henry Garbers, Lily Hill and Tilly Gill ?? at 5102 Montebello circle. My father was stationed at the Air Force Base……We built tree houses, fished brickyard lake…I may have my old report cards…..
I’m glad the school is still there!!!!!!.
I heard of an open house next Sat. maybe for past students? Any info?
I missed the open house but would still love to walk through the school just for old times sake. Anyone out there who can tell me if that is possible, please let me know
Fulton Hill Properties owns & manages the school and has their offices there. You may want to contact them and see if they’ll let you see the space.