Frank Hughes School has stood in the heart of Clifton for more than 100 years. The school has seen many proud and happy days in its long history. Originally named Frank Hughes College, it began as both a college and a grade school. Generations of students from Clifton and the surrounding areas have spent their formative years on the historic FHS campus.
The original building was demolished to make way for the present high school in 1976. The original elementary building burned in 1977, and it was replaced in 1979. The original bell tower has been preserved over these many years and centers the Main Street view of the Frank Hughes School campus. This bell tower is a memorial reminding everyone of the rich history that the school has contributed to the community of Clifton.
The buildings and faces have changed through the years, but the original purpose of Frank Hughes School has stood the test of time. FHS still strives to prepare students from the Clifton area for a better life. As the old cornerstone in the bell tower says, FHS remains “dedicated to the cause of education.” For this reason, care must be taken for our memorials.
Currently, the bell tower is in a state of disrepair. The FHS Parent Teacher Organization has taken on the project of renovating the tower, and they are currently accepting donations for the project. If additional funding can be found, it will not be necessary to diminish any of the contributions that the PTO is already making to the school. The PTO is an active organization providing money for classrooms, athletic teams, clubs, and various other school needs.
Anyone who would like to make a donation may mail it to the attention of Cindy Davis, Frank Hughes School, P.O. Box A, Clifton, TN 38425, or look for the GoFundMe “FHS Bell Tower Restoration” on Facebook.
portions of this article were obtained from the fhslions.com website
