In 1909 Edward and Julia Stevens founded a school for Philadelphia's African American children in the Black Masonic lodge near Wilson Street. In 1922, the Neshoba County School moved into a new building on Rea Street funded by the Rosenwald Foundation. Following renovations and a change in curriculum in 1939, the school was renamed Neshoba County Training School. In 1948, a new school was built on Carver Avenue and named Booker T. Washington High School. The school closed in 1970 due to integration.