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Originally published in Landmark Report, Volume XXI, Number 6, April 2003, pp. 6-8. Reprinted with permission from the Landmark Association of Bowling Green/Warren County. Photographs used with permission from the Department of Library Special Collections, Western Kentucky University.

Abstract

Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), merchant and philanthropist, learned the clothing business from his uncles in New York City, and eventually opened his own establishment in Chicago. In 1895 Rosenwald invested $75,000 in Sears, Roebuck and Company. By 1908 he was the company’s president. Rosenwald’s philanthropic interests were numerous. He was particularly interested in rural and agricultural development, better education for African Americans and improved race relations. His School Building Program provided seed money to build over 5,000 African American schools, shops and teacher’s homes across the southern United States. Between 1917 and 1920 Kentucky built its first 33 Rosenwald Schools in 25 counties. The Fund supported three schools in Warren County, one each at Delafield, Rockfield and Bristow.

Delafield_WarrenCounty.jpg (41 kB)
The Delafield School, Warren County KY

Rockfield_WarrenCounty.jpg (49 kB)
The Rockfield School which still stands. It has been adapted into a private residence in Warren County (KY).

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