Ouachita County Training School Receives Donation for Anthony Timberlands

Bearden, AR (December 13, 2024) – The Ouachita County Training School Historic Committee (OCTS) received a $10,000 donation from the Katherine Anthony Foundation. It is the largest gift awarded to the organization dedicated to restoring the formerly all-Black school, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We are happy to support the work of the Ouachita County Training School committee in their efforts to maintain the infrastructure and grounds of the training school, which is such an important part of the Bearden community,” said Steve Anthony, CEO of Anthony Timberlands and the nephew of Katherine Anthony.

The National Park Service listed OCTS on the National Register in 2023. The property is owned by the Greater Bradley District Association, a consortium of Baptist churches.

“We want to thank the Katherine Anthony Foundation for its support,” Virginia Ashley, committee president said. “It is imperative that we renovate and preserve OCTS because of the pivotal role it played in educating hundreds of young people.”

From 1949 to 1971, OCTS educated Black students in Bearden, a small southern town south of Little Rock, which became known internationally for The Little Rock Nine and their efforts to integrate Central High School. In Bearden, several Rosenwald Schools were consolidated to create the larger OCTS campus that educated students from the first through the 12th grades.

Pearlie Newton, committee executive director, graduated from OCTS.

“Our primary goal is make sure this campus remains a vital part of our community,” Newton said. “It provides a powerful connection between our past and our future.”

For more information about OCTS, please visit the website: https://ouachitacountytrainingschool.com.