After several unsuccessful attempts to raise funding for relocation, the Pryor Colored School was unfortunately demolished in 2018.
This rural Chester schoolhouse stands on private property. Built in 1898 for African-American students in the community, it was likely supported by a church of the same name which has been lost to time. The school operated until 1956; during the 1950s, many schools consolidated, leaving small schoolhouses such as this one empty.
In order to stave off integration, South Carolina began building new schools for black students in 1951 that were known as “equalization” schools, though most were not equal to their white counterparts. Despite Brown vs. Board of Education, which in 1954 ordered schools to desegregate, most South Carolina schools did not actually desegregate until the 1960s and early 1970s.
During the 1980s, a local family leased the land on which the school stands and grew fruit and corn on the property. The schoolhouse was used as a fruit stand to sell the family’s harvests. Today the school remains in the hands of private owners. The building and contents are well-maintained, appearing as though students could be called to class at any moment. The owners are actively looking to find a place to relocate the school so that it can continue to be preserved.
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Pryor Colored School Info
Address: Lancaster Highway, Chester, SC 29706
GPS Coordinates: 34.732720,-81.122765
Pryor Colored School Map
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It was demolished. There is roadwork and sewer lines going on at the location, and the owner tried to secure financing for a relocation, but was unsuccessful.
Thank you so much for the update, Logan, we really appreciate the information!
The school has been moved or demolished. It no longer sits where it used to.
Oh no! Thank you for this update, we will try to find out what happened definitively, we appreciate the help.
I attended Pryor school through the 4th grade. At that time in 1956, it was closed. We began attending Southside Elementary School. It is my prayer that the school will continue to be preserved.
Wonderful to hear of a personal connection, we can only hope the same for this incredible place from our history. Do you have any memories of the place that stood out? How things ran, how many teachers there were, what your favorite subjects were or how the normal day went? It is so fascinating to hear the stories of these places that are closed now.