Media
There Went The Neighborhood: The Closing of Jones School
As part of Ann Arbor 200, the Ann Arbor District Library and 7 Cylinders Studio (7CS) have produced a documentary film about the closing of Ann Arbor's Jones School. In 1965, the Board of Education closed the majority-Black school. Ann Arbor joined a nationwide trend of school desegregation during the Civil Rights Era. But for these young students, the loss of a neighborhood school foreshadowed changes to their close-knit community. Gentrification came to Ann Arbor on the heels of desegregation.
In the making of this film, 7CS filmmakers and AADL archivists interviewed over thirty former Jones students and Black community leaders. They shared memories of Jones School and "The Old Neighborhood"—the areas now known as Kerrytown and Water Hill. A filmed walking tour, studio interviews, and historical photos form the core of the film. Run time is approximately 40 minutes.
The AADL Archives has many additional materials to explore relating to these topics, including a history of Jones School and dozens of Ann Arbor News articles that appear in the film:
Tappan Junior High Students Mike Dora and David Mcnee learn new camera equipment, with principal Gene Maybee, February 1969 Photographer: Jack Stubbs
Year:
1969
Ann Arbor News, February 16, 1969
Caption:
Camera 'Pros' Mike Dora, a student at Tappan Junior High, learns how to use the school's new portable camera while principal Gene Maybee shows an eight-inch television monitor and tape recorder to another student, David Mcnee. The new video tape equipment was purchased with funds raised by more than 400 Tappan students during a magazine subscription campaign, and is being used in a variety of interesting ways at Tappan, such as taping drama rehearsals. (News Photo by Jack Stubbs)
Jones School Student Dick Freeman With Principal Gene Maybee, March 1950
Year:
1950
Newly-elected Student Council officers of Tappan Junior High School during inauguration ceremonies, September 1958 Photographer: Duane Scheel
Year:
1958
Ann Arbor News, September 26, 1958
Caption:
TAPPAN COUNCIL OFFICERS: Principal Gene Maybee (far right) administers the oath of office to newly-elected Student Council officers of Tappan Junior High School during inauguration ceremonies. New officers (left to right) are Sue Goldberg, secretary; William Newton, president; Marty Buhr, vice-president; and Thomas Sanderson, treasurer.