Little Red Schoolhouse
ATHENS-A historic downtown structure known as both the Scout House and Little Red Schoolhouse could become the site of a music museum and music educational facility in a downtown corridor of Athens.
The City of Athens offered a 15-year lease to Athens Arts League, a committee of the Spirit of Athens, to give the committee the opportunity to explore the possibility. The Spirit of Athens Board recently approved the lease and established an exploratory committee to look at the feasibility of using the Scout House/Little Red School House to have small concerts, music lessons, a museum to house memorabilia from Limestone County’s musical talent and a recording studio to offer students training in record production.
Athens native and award-winning songwriter Roger Murrah, who held a benefit concert for
Roger Murrah
the arts in October in Athens, toured the building during a recent visit to his home town. Murrah, who wrote 10 No. 1 hits for artists like Alabama and Alan Jackson, is looking for a location in Athens to permanently display some of his music memorabilia and encourage music education for those seeking music industry careers.
“It is very encouraging to me to hear that the Spirit of Athens Board has the vision to honor Limestone County’s musical heritage and also provide educational opportunities for artistic talent of all kinds,” Murrah said. “I believe it takes this kind of leadership for communities to thrive and for legacies to be kept alive.”
The structure served as a social gathering spot for local Scouts and then became one of the offices for the Athens City Board of Education. Serving in both these roles led to the site having two names among the community, so Mayor Ronnie Marks dubbed the project as Red Scout House Music.
Holly Hollman
The exploratory committee will work with city schools, Athens State University, and music industry contacts for the next six months and present a plan to the SOA Board regarding the next step. Marks said the outside of the structure needs repair and sealed to prevent water intrusion. Athens Arts League can look for a grant and other funding for that part of the project and then look for grants for educational programs.
“The Alabama Shakes, Anderson East and Lilian Glanton are garnering national attention, but Limestone County has had a rich musical history,” said Spirit of Athens Board Member Holly Hollman, who is on the exploratory committee. “Patti Malone, a graduate of Trinity High School, sang with the Fisk Jubilee Singers for Queen Victoria in 1877. The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is turning 50 this year and is considered the Granddaddy of Mid-South conventions. You have the Delmore Brothers and Roger Murrah. You have Mike Chapman and Milton Sledge who were in band at Clements High and are now studio musicians for artists like Garth Brooks.”
Hollman said the educational component is important as well, offering students the opportunity to learn about not only performing but the business side of the music industry.
Incoming SOA Board President Doug Gates and Athens Arts League member and SOA Board member Diane Lehr are heading up the exploratory committee. Those in the community who would be interested in helping with the project can contact Lehr by email at dlaal2@aol.com.
