Selma Council Approves Return Of Richard B. Harrison Alumni Building
SELMA, N.C. — The Town of Selma is one step closer to regaining ownership of the entire Richard B. Harrison campus after town leaders unanimously approved an agreement June 23 to accept the return of the Richard B. Harrison Alumni Association building at 405 S. Brevard Street.
The vote came during a special meeting attended by representatives of the Richard B. Harrison Alumni Association, which has owned the building since it was conveyed by the town in 2006.
Under the agreement, the nonprofit organization will voluntarily return the building to the Town of Selma at no cost. The transfer will become final once the deed is executed and recorded. Association leaders indicated the organization no longer uses the facility to the extent it once did and felt the property would be best served under town ownership.
The approximately 6,440-square-foot building is the only portion of the Richard B. Harrison campus not already owned by the town.
Mayor Byron McAllister said the property remains an important part of Selma’s history.
“This is an important building with historical value,” McAllister said. “I hope we can return it to its former glory as soon as possible.”
Town officials said they plan to begin exterior improvements later this year. Interior renovations could begin in 2027 as funding becomes available.
The agreement preserves several features associated with the building’s history, including the Jacqueline Lacy Classroom, Mary Leftwdrige Banquet Room, Myrtle Williamson Kitchen and George Maye Athletic Room. The town also agreed to maintain the building’s traditional blue-and-white Bulldog color scheme and preserve existing Bulldog-themed artwork and signage.
All rental agreements currently scheduled through the end of 2026 will be honored. Future rentals will be subject to the Town of Selma fee schedule and rental policies.
Historic Campus
The Richard B. Harrison School campus occupies an important place in Johnston County history.
The school served African-American students from across Johnston County until the public school system was integrated in 1970.
In 2012, the Richard B. Harrison School complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance.
The transfer will allow town officials to oversee future preservation and improvements while maintaining the site’s historic character.
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Mrs. Mary Leftwridge was my Biology Teacher at SSS High School very long ago, and I dissected my first frog with her in class. It smelled of fermaldehyde, the frog did, but She was a well respected Biology teacher at SSS high school, by all.
I dissected my first frog in Mary Leftwridge’s class at SSS high school, and she always wore a white lab coat over her clothes.
Ms. Jacqueline Lacy was much more than a librarian to me. She was the kindest woman I have ever known who worked in the school. The front door of Richard B. Harrison was approximately 500 feet to my house located next to Professor Wilson’s who was the Principal at RBH for many years. I was in the First class after they changed the school over to Harrison Junior High. I can honestly say that some of the kids and families felt out of place but I felt right at home. I learned Algebra from the one and only E.R. ‘Husky’ Davis, and I loved the woman who oversaw the Cafeteria. She got so tired of us kids taking her Peanut Butter cookies that she would call me in and give me some cookies so I wouldn’t ‘find’ a way in at night. The opportunity to attend H.J. High was one I will always cherish. The Principal who took over Mr. Q.K. Wall became a friend later in life and I went to his home and did a few repairs for him. When Principal Wall got upset he would stutter and I probably caused most of that myself. By living as close as I did to my friends like Terry Mcdougal, Alphonso Richardson, and others Harrison was a blast where i learned a lot about culture.
I also enjoy Richard B Harrison ! those was the good old days I remember Miss Hartley she would always in her l Lettuce🥬🥬 every day! Mrs Jacqueline Lacy in the Librarian she would always say Richardson go get a book of your Choice and it read! And can’t for get about those good peanut butter Sandwiches. In the cafeteria! And what about Mr Fox, Husky Davis! , Mrs Douglas, And Mr. MLWilson he could say Richardson stop that running🏃🏾♂️➡️🏃🏿♂️➡️ in the hall . And I gave my 🚌🚌Bus driver a hard time ! He said if you don’t set down I’m going to turn this bus around and take you back to School ! Tell me I did sit my butt down then! Thanks to Mr Waston 🙏🏽you was looking out for ours safety! 🚌🚌🚌 GOOD OLDIES DAY! RICHARD B HARRISON HOME OF THE BULL DOGS!!!!