As the sun’s light gradually spread over Newnan on Jan. 6, 1888, it was quickly evident that it would be a beautiful day. At 70 degrees, an unseasonably warm temperature, the unusual weather would have typically elicited much discussion. Today, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the new school undeniably aroused more interest in the community than the weather did. Parents around Newnan got out of bed that morning and prepared their children for their first day of “free school,” perhaps checking the local newspaper for information on opening-day procedures. Pamphlets with information on the curriculum in all the school departments had been available at the post office and local businesses for many weeks. Regardless, there would surely be some chaos that morning as students, teachers and parents began a new routine. Just like every first day of school since. College Temple would house the new public school until a proper school could be constructed. Parents were instructed to accompany their small children to Arcade Hall on the College Temple campus to register for school. If a parent’s job interfered, they could send a note with their child describing their ability to read and write. Classes would be held in Harmony Hall. Students from the south part of town were directed to report for instruction at Mrs. Nimmons’s home, located at the present site of Atkinson Elementary School, for instruction. Reading level determined a child’s placement in school. There were three…
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