Bramwell School History Overview

The Bramwell Public Grade School was established in 1894 with Professor E.S. Baker becoming the first principal ( 1895 - 1900 ) of the school. With private donations from several local coal barons like John D. Hewitt, Jenkin Jones, Harry Bowen and Captain I. A. Welch* the school term was extended from five to twelve months a year for the 200 students and five teachers. High school grades were then added and in 1911 the first four year students were Glenna Pack, Lucille Rowan, Isabelle Toy and Fannie Vincent. On December 13, 1933 fire destroyed a large part of the school. A new school building was completed in 1935. That year Mr. Dwight W. McCormick became the school's new principal. Mr. McCormick came to Bramwell School as a Social Studies teacher in 1935, becoming principal later that same year. He took over with a practically new two-building institution, and largely because of his fine custodianship, those buildings remain in excellent condition today. Mr. McCormick remained principal for 33 years his retiring in 1968. Under his excellent leadership the school provided thousands of students with a superior education. His teaching staff included such well known and respected educators as Miss Ada B. Whitmore, Mr. Herbert Miller, Mr. David Richardson, Miss Maude Smith and many others.

These excellent educators provided outstanding teaching and guidance in subjects from english, math and music. In 1949 the "Bramwell Millionaire" Marching and Concert Band was formed under the direction of Mr. David Richardson. This addition to the school enriched hundreds of students and parents lives. Bramwell High has also excelled in sports; winning the Class A State Basketball Championship in 1967,1971, and 1988. By 1953 the enrollment of the school had grown to 926 students. This growth called for construction of a new gym and cafeteria, thus making room for extensive renovations to the entire school that began in 1962. Bramwell's last class of seniors graduated in May 1991. After another 13 years accomdating only grade school students the school was permanently closed in June 2004. This closing ending the 108 year operations of the Bramwell Grade and High Schools.

To anyone who ever attended Bramwell School, taught there or had children who attended during the first century, know the value of the education and guidance received at this outstanding institution. The indomitable spirit and pride, inherited from the Bramwell School educational environment, has enhanced the lives of thousands of Bramwell High School graduates.

*Captain Isaiah A. Welch was a surveyor for Pocohantas Mines and died in Bramwell about. 1902. Isaiah is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. He was the brother of Ms. Jemima Welch. The town of Welch in McDowell Co., WV was named after him.