In 1906 the
Pickett family sold the Figh-Pickett house and adjacent property to
Professor Elly R. Barnes for the new home of his Barnes School for Boys.
Huggar Brothers Construction Company was engaged as the contractor to
convert the residence into a school.
Alterations and drastic changes were made, including removal of the
walls in the parlors on the main floor to create one large open space
(the "Big Room" as it was called by students)for a classroom with steel
columns installed to support the second floor. The four bedrooms on
the second floor were converted to individual classrooms.
The school served a great need in Montgomery by providing a fine education
for young men in this community. Many went on to accomplish great things
for their state and country.
When World War II began in December, 1941, it robbed the school of all
the young male teachers. Since Mr. Barnes and Mr. Timmerman were along
in years, it was decided to close the school following the graduation
in 1942.
Barnes School Graduates
(To Be Added)
512 South Court Street, P. O. Box 1829
Montgomery, Alabama, 36102
Telephone 334-264-1837, Fax 334-834-9292