Manuscript Collection
The Opportunity Schools and the Founder Wil Lou Gray - Accession 1022 - M448 (499)
Files
Identifier
Accession 1022 - M448 (499)
Inclusive Dates
1942, 2000
Restrictions
Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections
Collection Size
2 bound volumes, 10 pieces
Language
English;
Historical Note
Wil Lou Gray was born in Laurens County, SC in 1883. Dr. Gray dedicated her life to fighting illiteracy. After graduating from Columbia College in 1903 she taught in a one-room school in Greenwood County. In 1918 she urged the creation of the State Literacy Commission and was appointed its first chair. In 1921 she founded the South Carolina Opportunity School where anyone could receive a second chance at education. The Opportunity School would eventually be known as the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. She would be inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1974. Dr. Gray died in 1984 at 100 years old.
Scope and Content Note
The Opportunity Schools and The Founder Wil Lou Gray is a booklet written by George M. Smith, Director of Development at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in August 2000. The booklet offers a biography of Wil Lou Gray and a history of the Opportunity School she founded. Also included is a handout used for adult education titled “Our United States” compiled by Wil Lou Gray and Mary Major, Adult Department, State Department of Education in 1942 which details the history of the United States.
Provenance
The Opportunity Schools and the Founder Wil Lou Gray collection was given to the Archives by the Opportunity School on September 18, 2000.
Copyright
For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.
Finding Aid Citation
Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "The Opportunity Schools and the Founder Wil Lou Gray - Accession 1022 - M448 (499)". Finding Aid 666.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/666
LC Subject Headings
Gray, Wil Lou, 1883-1984; Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School; Adult education--South Carolina--History; Evening and continuation schools--South Carolina--History; Literacy--South Carolina--History; United States--History
