After examining Chase family connections to Hungerford last week, there is further evidence in a 1940 letter to the Orlando Sentinel’s “Public Thot” column. [1] In a response to a previous letter from Dr. Fannie French Morse [2], Joshua C. Chase writes to advocate for Hungerford and its contribution to the local community. Chase’s letter confirms the educational and economic benefit of Hungerford. Facing financial problems following the death of R. C. Calhoun and a failed buyout by former principal John C. Jordan, the school was likely in need of external support. [3] Much of this likely came from supporters of other educational institutions such as Rollins College—the recipient of foundational support from Joshua C. and Sydney O. Chase, among others.
[1 + 2] Dr. Morse's and Chase's letters in "Public Thot," a regular column in the Orlando Sentinel
With record enrollment in 1940 and a significant property expansion in 1946, Hungerford seemed on track to continue providing a multifaceted education to the residents of Eatonville and other parts of the ever-expanding Orlando metropolitan area. [4] Despite this, the school had faced administrative and financial problems due to both the Depression and World War II. Economic troubles of the Depression impacted Hungerford’s donor pool, and World War II led to declining enrollments. While Hungerford experienced ups, the problems of its downs would lead to its transfer from a charitable trust organization to control by an educational institution. [5]
[4] Articles evidencing increased enrollment and a planned expansion
The transfer of Hungerford from private trustees to the Orange County School Board not only connects to another point in Black educational history, but also presents a rather unique situation in its transfer. Mary McLeod Bethune offered to incorporate Hungerford—including assets, “estimated at more than half a million dollars"—into Bethune-Cookman’s university system. Not only would the offer connect Hungerford to the resources and educational network of Bethune-Cookman, but the funding would keep Hungerford’s doors open while ensuring its operation remained independent of School Board initiatives and directives.
The stated purpose of McLeod’s offer was "to preserve [Hungerford’s] fifty year status as an independent school with distinctive religious ideals." The Friends of Hungerford—including Hamilton Holt, Rollins president and university booster—recommended acceptance of the offer. Incorporation into Bethune-Cookman’s educational system allowed Hungerford to maintain its mission and curriculum, while allowing administration costs to be shared with Bethune-Cookman. Despite receiving such a beneficial offer, there remained one problem.
A verbal agreement existed between Hungerford and the Orange County School Board to turn the school and its assets over to county administration. The offer was the result of attempts to find an administrative entity willing to take on Hungerford. First tapping "Southern Presbyterian Church to take over its administration," Hungerford trustees then approached the school board to transfer the institution "for use as a County high school." With the school board planning a six million dollar expansion, Hungerford was to become part of the Orange County school system. The agreement was likely made out of necessity if Hungerford continued to face financial difficulty throughout the 1940s. McLeod Bethune’s offer was contingent upon the school board relinquishing Hungerford from the verbal agreement. [6]
[6] "Hungerford School Eyes Bethune College Alliance," Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 19, 1950.
As of now, not much is known about this verbal agreement. More research is required before determining the particulars of the offer and the outcome. However, this verbal agreement—and the failure of the deal—presents a strong potential candidate for the genesis of the ownership question that has plagued Hungerford into the present.
Sources
[1] Joshua C. Chase, “Plea for Hungerford,” Orlando Sentinel, Apr. 19, 1940.
[2] Dr. Fannie French Morse, “Training at Hungerford,” Orlando Sentinel, Apr. 12, 1940.
[3] Jody Feltus, "Hungerford School Unique in the South," Orlando Sentinel, June 27, 1976.
[4] “Record Enrollment in 55th Year,” Orlando Sentinel, Sept. 22, 1940; “Hungerford Lets Contract for Addition,” Orlando Evening Star, Jan. 25, 1946.
[5] Jody Feltus, "Hungerford School Unique in the South," Orlando Sentinel, June 27, 1976.
[6] "Hungerford School Eyes Bethune College Alliance," Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 19, 1950.