Brought to light recently, more information about the Bethune Cookman deal reveals the extent to which Hungerford served as a piece of a larger whole regarding the administration of black schools within the Orange County school system. It can also point to how the school board persisted in its acquisition, despite other plans offered to keep the school available and in operation by other black educational institutions. The deal presented several benefits in connecting Hungerford to larger educational initiatives throughout Florida—including the addition of Bethune to a new Board of Trustees, “the invaluable aid of [the university’s] advice and counsel, publicity in the college catalogue, and a referral of all inquiries of secondary school education.” [1]
However, further details of the deal complicate a cut-and-dry narrative. Although the Bethune-Cookman offer seemed ideal for preserving Hungerford’s identity as a Black educational institution, it is not known at present if the offer was truly sufficient to sustain the historically cash-strapped school as the plan did not “propose to under-write the school financially.” It is also important to mention that the trustees negotiating the transfer to OCPS “were court-appointed and did not live in Eatonville”—seemingly a common theme in regards to determining and steering future development of the community. Meeting minutes and other documents related to the transfer do not appear to reflect any consideration of the plan by the trustees. Despite continuous efforts by Bethune-Cookman representatives to have school board officials consider the plan, it was deemed insufficient to solve the school’s needs following a March 18, 1950 meeting. [1]
Regardless of the motivations of the different parties involved, the transfer proceeded in 1952 after pro-segregationist Justice John E. Mathews’ declared Hungerford incapable of supporting itself financially. [2] The transfer proceeded against the wishes of “Robert Hungerford’s daughter Constance Hungerford Fenske, Nobel Peace Prize winner John Mott and Bethune-Cookman University founder Mary McLeod Bethune.” Thus, the trustees in charge of the school approved the sale of “the school, 11 buildings, and 300 acres of land appraised at more than $220,000 for just over $16,000.” Given these terms, it is not difficult to see why such a transfer was seen as less than beneficial to the community than would be a partnership with Bethune-Cookman.
It is a contention that exists today, despite the history of the transfer and the details of the deal remaining unknown to many within the community. For those now aware of this piece of the property’s history such as community and preservation leader Ms. N.Y. Nathiri and school board representative to Eatonville Lauren Roth, it is an important reminder that instances of racial paternalism by outsiders or decisions by those disconnected from Eatonville have not and will not benefit the community as much as actions and guidance by those who have set down and spread roots in the community. [3]
Although much remains unexplored regarding Hungerford’s history, the themes and narrative presented throughout this project establish a chronology of the challenges faced by Black communities to ensure educational accessibility and equality. They also establish a chronology of efforts made to advocate for and protect heritage institutions and historical assets within the community. This remains especially relevant as members once again undertake similar efforts to protect the school and its legacy from hostile takeover and development from outsiders to Eatonville.
Desiree Stennett, “Hungerford heir, Bethune opposed Orange district’s takeover of Black school,” Orlando Sentinel, March 3, 2023.
Sources
[1] Desiree Stennett, “Hungerford heir, Bethune opposed Orange district’s takeover of Black school,” Orlando Sentinel, March 3, 2023.
[2] Stennett, "Hungerford heir..."; see also, “Negro School Gains Cited by High Court,” Orlando Evening Sun, Mar. 12, 1952, posted on Week 13
[3] Stennett, "Hungerford heir..."
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