Old Dillard Museum Plans Centennial Celebration

By Lillian E. Small

(Fifth in a Series)

Moving to the newly constructed school in 1950 was not only an exciting new experience for the students, but also a mammoth undertaking for the faculty and staff. Easing the overcrowding that had been the lot at the original school was more readily accomplished than other tasks that were set before them. For sure, the greatest tasks were those of class changes from one subject to the next with achievement levels being a major focus for curriculum development.  The school had been built with future growth in mind and could very easily accommodate a few of the six grade classes on the last loggia to further assist in the overcrowding at the old Dillard facility. It had also been built with academic offerings such as shops, agriculture classes, science class and laboratory, home economics, band, and chorus rooms. Students of the early fifties had already navigated these new norms and  each following class needed only to travel the paths that were laid.

In September 1942, following the death of Clarence C. Walker who had served as principal of Dillard High School, Mr. S. Meredith Moseley became the principal. He was the principal continuously for 21 years, its longest tenured leader. He was Dillard’s fifth principal for which the science building at Dillard High is named. Northwest 27th Avenue between Broward Boulevard and northwest 18th court is also named S. Meredith Moseley Boulevard. Many saw him as one who could “walk softly but carry a big stick.” His skills and leadership acumen were unmatched for the times.

The school’s first accreditation took place under his administration. Much of his finesse could well have come from following through with plans that were laid by Clarence C. Walker whose death came following the loss of negotiations with the school board in Clarence C. Walker Civic League et.al. v. Board of Public Instruction for Broward County, Fla.

During the 21 years as Dillard’s administrative leader, and in addition to the usual housekeeping duties, Mr. Moseley was instrumental in the organizing of its first band in 1948, under Band Director George A. Dean who was succeeded by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and Rufus Curry (a graduate of 1952). Leaving the original Colored School behind to cross over into new territory, it was renamed the Dillard School and later Clarence C. Walker Elementary (1937-1942). The new Walker Elementary was built on adjacent land in 1960. Mr. Moseley retired in 1963 and died in 1969.

Three buildings now stand with strong histories and ties, one to the other; Two of them attached to the roots of the iconic building once known as the Colored School and now known as the Old Dillard Museum. (Next Article in Series – The Old Dillard High School National Register Designation)