CLAY HIGH SCHOOL

In 1911, Mr. B.F. Murphy, who was a member of the State Legislature, and other interested citizens offered a bond issued of $20,000 to build a Normal Training High School at Clay.  The voters of the county approved the bond issue, and construction was started that same year.

The construction of the building in 1911, was by Captain T.C. Swift, and construction of the basement was by a local stonemason, Mr. Hensley Perrine.  Clay County Training School was completed in late 1912, and consisted of a full basement, six classrooms, library, auditorium with stage, and principal's office.

Management of the school was by a High School Board consisting of Mr. Roscoe Mullins, President; S.W. Bryant, Secretary; Dr. T.D. Nutter; B.V. Samples; Jacob Keith and J.S. Morton, members.

The high school was located in the town of Clay, the county seat and geographical center of the county, and was easy to access from all parts of the county.  The Coal & Coke Railway passed through the county from east to west, going by the town of Clay.  The railroad people were most liberal in their charges to students who wished to travel and attend school, by giving them the extremely low rate of ONE CENT a mile, thus making it possible for students within reach of the railroad to attend school at a minimum expense and board at home.