West Plains, Mo. – West Plains Bank and Trust Company recently donated $5,000 to the Lincoln School Project. Lincoln School was built in 1920 and served as the only black school in West Plains until 1954, when it integrated with the larger school district following the landmark Supreme Court case Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan. Renovation and fundraising efforts are being led by West Plains residents Crockett and Tonya Oaks to restore the 103-year-old building, which will become a cultural center for the community.
Once complete, the space will serve as a home for events and offer educational resources that honor the building and all it symbolizes.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company President/CEO, David M. Gohn shared, “The restoration of the Lincoln School building will offer a deeper look into an important piece of our community’s history. We are proud to support and bring awareness to this campaign, and I know the Oaks’ will preserve the space in a manner which honors the stories and lives of those who spent time learning there.”
The estimated cost of this project is $350,000. To learn more, or to donate, visit lincolnschoolproject.com and like and follow their Facebook page, ‘Lincoln School Project’, for updates.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company opened its doors to customers in 1883, making it the oldest continually operating business in the area. With more than 140 years of service to the local region, total assets of West Plains Bank and Trust Company have grown to more than $630 million with seven locations and a loan production office.
