Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 19, 2016 4:20 p.m.
February 19, 2016 has taken on added significance for the city of Fernandina Beach. It was a day for honoring, remembering and celebrating. It was also a day long in the making. Under breezy, sunlit skies the Peck Alumni Association, joined by many friends and supporters, proudly gathered on the campus of what was once Peck High School to unveil a Florida State Historic Marker honoring this former school that served the African American community from 1927 to 1969.
In securing funding to build the school, Principal William H. Peck tenaciously gathered support from within the community and from the Rosenwald Foundation, a program for African-American school construction funded by Julius Rosenwald of Sears, Roebuck & Co. The former school is one of the few remaining Rosenwald Schools in Florida. Peck, who died in 1950 and is buried at Bosque Bello cemetery, was widely respected in the community and recognized in the state’s Great Floridians 2000 program.
Virtually abandoned following desegregation and the building of a new Fernandina Beach High School, the building fell into such a state of decay that many considered tearing it down. But community activists, preservationists and local government officials rallied to save the building. With intensive private fundraising efforts, community support and two significant state preservation grants, the once abandoned building was transformed into the Peck Center, where today it serves many needs as a community center.
The Peck Alumni Association, under the leadership of President Neil Frink, organized a public marker installation ceremony that included speakers, song, poetry and of course, the marker itself. A very special guest attended and delivered remarks: Veronica Pace, the great granddaughter of Professor William H. Peck, for whom the school was named. Accompanying her were her nephew Leon Scott and world-recognized Gullah artist friend Jonathan Green. Mrs. Pace, the family genealogist, proudly referred to her great grandfather as “Papa.” She said, “Papa’s real legacy is the Peck graduates.” She thanked all who had played a role in the building’s restoration adding, “Don’t stop here!”
On behalf of the City of Fernandina Beach, Mayor John A. Miller read and presented a Proclamation to the Peck Alumni Association. Two former Mayors—Charles Albert and Ron Sapp–delivered remarks. Albert, who both attended and taught at Peck High School, stressed the importance of parents in pushing their children to seek and value a good education. He relayed stories stressing the importance of building relationships of trust among students and teachers that reinforce discipline and pride of accomplishment.
Former Mayor Sapp’s remarks related to the work of restoring Peck, which had been left to decay after the Nassau County School District no longer had use for it. He commended local activists Lewis Faison, Francis Mote, Glynn Pope, Willie Mae Ashley, Ele Colborn and former State Representative George Crady for their determination to secure about $4M in state, local and private funding to return the building to its former glory and new purpose as a community center.
The Peck Ensemble, attired in Peck High School colors of blue and gold, performed for the assembled audience in the Willie Mae Ashley Auditorium. Following two numbers, they led former Peck students in singing the school song, written by Rychard S. Cook, Class of 1951.
Following the program in the Willie Mae Ashley Auditorium of the Peck Center, the audience of close to a hundred people moved to the marker site, where Neil Frink and Veronica Pace performed the unveiling. Many Peck alumni and alumnae took advantage of the fine weather to be photographed in front of the marker.
After the unveiling, attendees proceeded back indoors to enjoy refreshments provided by the Alumni Association.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
A wonderful tribute to one of our most important community assets! The Peck Center is a treasure for all of us. Thanks to everyone who worked to have Peck added to the Historic Register and those who made sure that this building was renovated and restored.