395 Broad Street
|
Last updated on July 3, 2025
|
|
Directions from the Colonnade to site 12:
|
|
Mary Frances Awkard Fairfax was born on April 2, 1912. When Mary was nine, her father, Joesph Awkard, built their family home on 395 Broad Street, where they lived for many years. Mary and her siblings attended Effinger Street School and walked to each day. History, English, and Latin were among her favorite subjects. Mary graduated from Effinger in 1930. That same year, Mary was recruited by William H. Keister, the superintendent of Harrisonburg, to teach at a black school in New Market, Virginia. Mary requested that the one-room school, which was in poor condition, be supplied appropriately to start. After two years of teaching, Mary pursued a teaching certificate from Virginia State College and graduated with honors in 1934. Mary continued her studies in the summer months while teaching. Mary earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State College and a master’s in early childhood education from Columbia University in 1956.
Mary came to Lucy F. Simms School in 1942 and taught second grade for 24 years. She was resourceful and brought secondhand books for her students. She used The Normal Instructor journal to craft lessons. Mary was a remarkable teacher who provided a positive environment for her students to grow and be creative. Mary was involved in the Simms School’s choir, operettas, doll theater, and annual May Day celebrations. In 1966, Harrisonburg public schools integrated, and Lucy F. Simms School closed. That same year, Mary married Jim Fairfax and joined the teaching staff at Waterman Elementary. She was among the few black educators hired in the integrated school system. Mary was passionate about music and brought the Simms School piano to Waterman. Mary took her musical talent outside the classroom and played piano for weddings, services, and for the First Baptist Church. As a member of the First Baptist Church, Mary served as chief organist, Deaconess, and church historian.
Mary was an educator until her retirement in 1976. She is remembered as a dedicated community leader and respected role model. Mary died at the age of 94 on April 22, 2006. Before her death, Mary was interviewed by Cheryl Metz of Massanutten Central Library. They discussed the time of Harrisonburg’s Urban Renewal projects in the 1960s, which affected the black community. Mary recalled how she took the check for the property she had received back to city officials downtown. She told them no one was tearing down her father’s house, and the property survived urban renewal. The now privately owned home still stands on the corner of Broad and Gay Streets.
Mary came to Lucy F. Simms School in 1942 and taught second grade for 24 years. She was resourceful and brought secondhand books for her students. She used The Normal Instructor journal to craft lessons. Mary was a remarkable teacher who provided a positive environment for her students to grow and be creative. Mary was involved in the Simms School’s choir, operettas, doll theater, and annual May Day celebrations. In 1966, Harrisonburg public schools integrated, and Lucy F. Simms School closed. That same year, Mary married Jim Fairfax and joined the teaching staff at Waterman Elementary. She was among the few black educators hired in the integrated school system. Mary was passionate about music and brought the Simms School piano to Waterman. Mary took her musical talent outside the classroom and played piano for weddings, services, and for the First Baptist Church. As a member of the First Baptist Church, Mary served as chief organist, Deaconess, and church historian.
Mary was an educator until her retirement in 1976. She is remembered as a dedicated community leader and respected role model. Mary died at the age of 94 on April 22, 2006. Before her death, Mary was interviewed by Cheryl Metz of Massanutten Central Library. They discussed the time of Harrisonburg’s Urban Renewal projects in the 1960s, which affected the black community. Mary recalled how she took the check for the property she had received back to city officials downtown. She told them no one was tearing down her father’s house, and the property survived urban renewal. The now privately owned home still stands on the corner of Broad and Gay Streets.
