(Editor’s note: Second of two parts)
After a lengthy debate and two public votes about the location of a new school in Hill City, now North Chattanooga, the Sylvan Park location was chosen, with a vote of 80 to 57. The crowd cheered “amidst great enthusiasm” at the announcement, but some residents remained displeased.
W.S. Beck walked forward and proposed building the new school on Forest Avenue, arguing that the other site was not an appropriate solution for the Northside children and their parents. W.A. Schoolfield, in a speech described as “lengthy” by The Chattanooga News, supported the Sylvan Park decision, countering that the will of the people had already been recorded. As he walked away from the podium, J.S. Bell stepped forward and applauded Schoolfield’s comments. “You have decided the question and should you go contrary to the wishes of the people, there is a way of enjoining you.” Those in disagreement asserted that they were being threatened. W.T. Cooper calmed the crowd while speaking in favor of the Sylvan Park location and encouraging the community to come together for the “greater good.”
A motion to temporarily adjourn was offered and affirmed.
But the question of a new school’s location was not settled; instead, the meeting had only widened the gap between the two major factions. One week later, the Chattanooga News proclaimed: “School Site in Hill City — Location Causes Contest Among Residents” and was followed by two additional headers noting that “Injunction Proceeding may be the Early Result” and “Action of Meeting on Last Saturday Not Binding on Commissioners.”