Our History
The Farm Security Administration initiated the Prairie Farm School in order to meet the needs of school children of Prairie Farms and the surrounding communities. The school’s name was chosen because of the futility, loveliness and richness of the soil. The school was constructed on seven acres of land donated by the Farm Security Administration under the supervision of Mr. T. N. Roberts, Director of the Project.
The school opened as an elementary and junior high school in December 1938. Prior to the completion of the new school, classes were held in Tysonville, a Rosanwald School, until the enrollment became so large that other space had to be sought. From October until December 1938, classes were held in the Tysonville School and at the St. Paul A. M. E. Zion Church.
The school’s principal was Ms. Deborah Cannon, who also served as the teacher. Ms. Cannon (presently Dr. Deborah Cannon Wolfe) had three student teachers from Tuskegee Institute, a nearby Negro College, working studiously with her at that time.
The new Prairie Farms School had its formal dedication service on Sunday, January 29, 1939, with representatives from Tuskegee Institute, Macon County Board of Education and the Farm Security Administration present. The Macon County Board of Education and the Farm Security Administration jointly shared the school.
Ms. Deborah Cannon served as the instructional leader of the school from 1938 to 1941. During her administration the following persons served as trustees: Mr. Dave Lewis, chairman; Mr. Fleming Jackson, treasurer; Mr. Henry Quinn, secretary; Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. James Jackson and Mr. James Grimes.
The fifth principal, Mr. William E. Lightfoote, who began his administration in 1946, was principal of the school for eleven successful years. During his administration, a physical education and athletic program were developed. The school’s first library was organized and headed by Mrs. W. C. Wade. A music program and typewriting skills program were initiated and taught by Mr. Louise D. Hines and Mr. Mack Lee, respectively. A school bus program was begun. Additionally, a driver’s education program was introduced. Also, at the time the first assistant principal of the school, Mr. John Brown was appointed.
Mr. Mack Lee became principal in 1958, at which time the Macon County Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education, Mr. C.A. Pruitt, initiated the construction of a new school to serve as a high school for junior and senior classes. The construction was completed in 1961, and the school was named Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School in tribute to the first principal of Prairie Farms School. During the winter of 1961, Mr. Lee along with the faculty and student body moved the new junior and senior high school: Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School commonly referred to as D. C. Wolfe. The faculty consisted of the new principal, Mr. Lee and twelve teachers. Mr. Lee often expressed his belief in progressive education through quality teaching.
On January 1, 1962, classes began in this beautiful building with approximately 350 students enrolled. The building had eight classrooms, a science room, a library, a home economics department, an agricultural ship with a classroom and a multi-purpose room, which was used as an auditorium and gymnasium. The gymnasium had locker rooms and adequate showers for boys and girls.
In 1965, the landmark desegregation trial of Macon County vs. Lee resulted in the closing of Shorter High School, which was an all white school that accommodated approximately 100 students in grades one through twelve. Principals at Shorter High School included Mr. H. O. Holstun, Mr. C. D. Barefoot, Mr. J. S. Burbage, Jr., and Ms. S. L. Bibb. The school reopened in 1966 as an integrated elementary school, housing students in grades four through six, thus leaving grades one through three at Prairie Farms School. Following the 1965 court decision to integrate, almost all the white students left the school.
In 1972, Prairie Farms School was closed and Shorter Elementary School encumbered the students. Additionally, the elementary program now included Head Start children and a kindergarten program.
In 1974, approximately ten more classrooms were added to Deborah Cannon Wolfe. Also, added to the school were a new, air-conditioned cafeteria, a teacher’s lounge and several large storage areas. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Guy Crawford was appointed the principal at Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School. At the beginning of his principalship the enrollment reached nearly 900 students.
In 1991, Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School and Shorter Elementary underwent more changes due to the economic needs of the Macon County Board of Education. The consolidation movement called for the closing of Shorter Elementary and a reconfiguration for Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School. All high school students grades eight through twelve would be transported to a newly built comprehensive high school in the city of Tuskegee, and Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School was changed to Deborah Cannon Wolfe Elementary that housed grades one through seven. In 1997, Deborah Cannon Elementary School changed its configuration once again, this time serving Head Start through sixth grade. The seventh graders were transported to the city’s middle school.
Since Dr. Wolfe’s administration, the various schools: Prairie Farms School, Shorter Elementary, Deborah Cannon Wolfe High School, and Deborah Cannon Wolfe Elementary School have had several principals who include: Mrs. Ella Hansley, Mrs. Carrie Jackson, Mrs. Ma Ola Charlow, Mr. William E. Lightfoote, Mrs. Mary L. Lightfoote, Mr. Mack Lee, Mr. Reuben Bascomb, Mr. William Peterson, Mr. Guy M. Crawford, Mrs. Ollie Beasley, Mr. Joseph Asberry, Mrs. Ethel Greene, Dr. Dorothy Khonyonwa, Mr. Mason McDade, Mrs. Rosemary Wright, Mr. Lasisi Hooks and currently Mrs. Carolyn Bradley.