Members of the Simpson Elementary PTA have decided on the future of remnants of the oldest section of their school that – as of last week – no longer exists. According to Teresa Liebig Lunsford, hundreds of bricks will be available for the public to purchase to help commemorate the demolition of the “Tower” at the school.

 

Last week, workers with Reclaim out of Fairmont demolished the old section of the school that was opened to the public in 1909. It was the oldest remaining educational structure in Harrison County before it met its demise.

 

Lunsford told Connect-Bridgeport.com last week that the PTA would discuss what do to with bricks they were able to acquire from the site that several individuals had indicated they were interested in acquiring for nostalgia. She said that decision was reached after various email exchanges with other members.

 

“The PTA vice president (Cindy Smell) and I talked it over and made the decision to sell the bricks as part of a Simpson fundraiser,” said Lunsford.

 

The brick sale will be held this coming Monday, July 7 and then again on July 8. The sale will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on both days in the parking lot above the Simpson Elementary Playground, which is situated at the intersection of Worthington Drive and Philadelphia Avenue.

 

“The bricks are going to be in their final state with the mortar and all on them,” said Lunsford.

 

She said the first brick purchased by individuals are $10. Individuals wishing to purchase more than one brick can then acquire the additional bricks for $5. For those who aren’t sure if they want a piece of the historic building, they may want to consider the funds will be put to good use.

 

“The funds will be utilized by the PTA over the course of the year to help fund events that we often sponsor and could allow us to look at other opportunities for the students during the course of the year,” said Lunsford. “The possibility of have extra funds available would provide the PTA with some flexibility with anything that may come up during the school year.”

 

Lunsford said there are close to 300 bricks available. Most of the bricks from the demolition site have been removed. In the event all of the bricks aren’t sold, Lunsford said additional sale dates could be arranged.

 

The demolition is making way for a $2.5 million-plus project for new classrooms and more at the school. Also demolished was a modular classroom in the front of the building.

 

If anyone has questions or wants additional information, contact Lunsford. She can be reached at momatc.lunsford@gmail.com.