About the Project

Preserving Black History through saving historic spaces is a conviction of Crockett and Tonya Oaks, the owners of Lincoln School, that sparked the Lincoln School Project.

Crockett W. Oaks III grew up hearing his father’s stories about his time as a student at Lincoln School. These stories always emphasized the closeness that belonging to Lincoln School offered. It connected an African American community as they stared into the face of the oppressive society and time that marginalized and isolated them.

That legacy struck Crockett Oaks III and sparked joy in his soul. He and his wife, Tonya, felt a profound obligation to restore the building and share the stories of those who attended there.

In July 2023, they purchased the building from the City of West Plains and began restoring it on August 7, 2023. While the building had never really been vacant, it had been neglected and needed numerous repairs. Lincoln School was restored through the Lincoln School Project, giving the historic building the love it deserved after all these years. The community members of West Plains rallied around this project and came together to assist in its completion.

While much of what is now seen at Lincoln School is new - like the wiring, light fixtures, paint, siding, kitchen, and more - old bones exist in Lincoln School. When you enter the building, you will see the original brick chimney floo from its time as a school, the six windows on the East-facing wall that were framed in original construction to let in as much light during the day (before electricity was in the building), and the wood flooring, 87% of which is original to the school with only repair pieces replacing the original boards.

And, of course, artwork all throughout Lincoln School pays tribute to the past, serving as a reminder of our shared history here.

The Oaks family feels that the shared past and collective memory of West Plains, Missouri members is shrouded in Lincoln School. Restoring the school and opening it up for community use has enabled the community members to face the difficult reality of racism within their own town, homes, and hearts in a very healthy way. By joining resources, hands, spirits, and minds to save a symbol of division, it released the community of its ugly past and paved the way for a brighter future.

You can learn more about the preservationists Crockett and Tonya Oaks here!