A 100-year-old elementary school like Forest Park has lots of fun stories to tell. But gathering all the tales, lists, memories and bits and pieces can be a lot like an anthropological dig. A century has left a layer of dust and sediment over memories that were once shiny and new. Wonderful mementos lie beneath the surface in attics and basements, just waiting to be unearthed and rediscovered. But the task can’t be done alone. A project of this size needs more than a team; it requires an entire community. Luckily, there are plenty of locals and Forest Park alums up to the challenge.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Allen family, which has graced the halls of Forest Park for three generations. Julie Allen attended Forest Park during the 1955-56 school year and fondly recalls being served lunch in the cafeteria with milk and a sugar cookie. Her son, Blair Allen, president of Robert M. Goff & Associates, attended Forest Park from 1975-79. He and his wife, Katherine, are very active in the education of their sons, Thomas and Wallis, who are current Forest Park students, and Jackson, a former FP student. Katherine even served as Forest Park PTA president in 2008-2009.
Built in 1913 at the end of a trolley line, Forest Park is steeped in history. It is the one of the oldest public elementary schools still operating in the same location in the district. Although the original school building was destroyed by fire in 1924 (along with any paper records), the building was soon replaced and still serves as the school’s anchor.
The Allens, together with other Forest Park families, teachers and administration, are committed to collecting long-lost and more recent memories to celebrate the school’s 100-year anniversary in the fall of 2012. They are encouraging the community to get involved as well.
“Since we are a neighborhood school,” says Principal Theresa Courtney-Ketcher, “Forest Park’s centennial anniversary will be a community event. It is a chance to reunite our teachers, staff and former students and celebrate the success of our school. After almost 100 years, Forest Park’s enrollment is high, our test scores are very strong, and we have been recognized by the community as ‘Best of the Best’ in public elementary schools. We are in the early stages of planning a series of community events, beginning in the fall of 2010.”
“Neither the Little Rock School District nor Forest Park Elementary has much in the way of photos, historical records or other memorabilia,” Courtney-Ketcher contines. “Our focus now is to build our historical collection and create lists of former students, teachers and staff. We are eager to hear from the community—to collect photos, videos and stories. We hope to be able to create an exhibit and an anniversary video, as well as gather the early history before it is lost forever.”
Forest Park Memories
Julie Allen
What is your fondest memory from your days at Forest Park?
One is being a student of Mrs. Rose Berry! She was one of the most incredible teachers, and the entire year was memorable, which is pretty amazing if a first grader could recall so much after all of these years! We raised hamsters, churned butter, [went on] great field trips and so much more. A few years ago, a few of my classmates from first grade went to lunch with Rose, and she brought each of us copies of our class pictures and journals she had written about what we did each week. She must have an incredibly large file cabinet!
How have things changed at Forest Park since you went to school?
The southeast corner of the building was the cafeteria; this area is now classrooms. We were also so crowded during part of my time there that there were trailers out back used as classrooms. They also divided the auditorium into three classrooms for a while.
Blair Allen
What is your fondest memory of Forest Park? How have things changed at Forest Park since you went to school?
Making friends that I still have today.
Interestingly, not a lot has changed. Physically, the auditorium and cafeteria have become one to allow for more classrooms. The school now has pre-K through 5th grade. The atmosphere, quality teachers and administrators and unbelievable parental support are all as they were in the 1970s.
What is your favorite Forest Park event?
I love the end of the school year “graduation.” The kids are rewarded for their achievements and are excited about summer.
Jackson Allen
When did you go to Forest Park?
From first grade through 2009, when I graduated.
What is your favorite memory about Forest Park?
My field trip to Space Camp in Alabama.
What did you like most about Forest Park?
The teachers.
Thomas Allen
What grade are you in?
Fourth.
What’s your favorite subject?
I like them all, but reading is my favorite.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to be a lawyer or a famous basketball player.
What characters have you played in school plays?
I was a mean bug, a reindeer and a tricky arm man.
If you could be the principal for a day, what would you do?
Make the biggest painting in the world.
Wallis Allen
What grade are you in?
Second.
What characters have you played in school plays?
A lion in the circus.
What are you excited about for second grade?
Learning multiplication.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
The ice cream truck man.
If you could be the principal for a day, what would you do?
Capture the flag with the teachers and students.
If you or your family has memories to contribute, there are several ways to do so. Visit ParentsAtThePark.org or the school’s Facebook page, Friends of Forest Park Elementary, or email ForestPark.100@lrsd.org. You can send snail mail to Forest Park Elementary, 1600 North Tyler, Little Rock, AR 72207. For anniversary-related questions, contact Kelly Eichler at 247-5360.