BEALSVILLE EVENT PRESERVES HISTORY OF GLOVER SCHOOL.
On March 29, the fourth annual Jazz Under The Trees happened at William Glover School in Bealsville. A $50 ticket secured a barbeque with two sides, free parking, a tour of the school, and live performances by Al Chisholm, the present-day Guitar Slim, Jabez, Crysandra Scott, and David Bathen. The first year, around 300 people showed up for the event, but that number has kept increasing, and came to 650 people this year.
Rodney Mackey, a 1980 graduate of Plant City High School, founded Jazz Under The Trees to provide funds for the historic Glover School in Bealsville. The site is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
“The funds help support Glover School, and the history, and legacy of the school throughout the year—to secure the legacy of the school and the community,” Mackey said. “We have history at the school. In 1980 it was closed down. This is for its preservation. It brings members from the community back home. It also tells people from the surrounding communities that come to the event what is going on with the history of the community and the school.”
In 1932, Bealsville residents raised $1,100 to build a school, and Ben Glover donated 10 acres to the Hillsborough County School Board. In 1933, builders erected a new, wood-framed school that, in 1935, was named after William Glover, the father of Ben Glover. In 1945, Hillsborough County added a three-room block building to the site. Black students from Keysville, Coronet, Hopewell, Trapnell, Picnic, Dover, and Wimauma were transported to Glover School. In 1949, a second wooden structure was added to the campus.
“I was born here. I grew up here,” Tanya Escalante, a graduate of Plant City High School, said. “I went to elementary school here—kindergarten all the way through sixth grade. I live in Bealsville. I am here to support this historic site for it to continue. It is a beautiful event. I was here last year, and I came back this year.”
The desegregation of schools in Hillsborough County changed everything for Glover. In 1971, when a court ordered county schools to adhere to a federal judge’s recommendation of a “black-white ratio of 20 to 80” in each school, former Glover students were bused to previously all-white schools. The Glover School was converted to a sixth-grade center, and the county bused in white students from surrounding areas. The school served this role for 10 years until the county decided to close it because of low enrollment and funding shortfalls. So, in 1980, William Glover School permanently closed. The Hillsborough County School Board handed over the 10 acres of land and the building to Bealsville Inc.
“I’m originally from New York, and now live in Palm Coast,” Adrienne Shelton commented. “I regularly attend jazz events throughout the country. While this was my first time attending, it definitely will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was an unforgettable experience that showcased talented artistry and fostered a strong sense of community. The musicians delivered amazing performances that truly engaged the audience. And, oh yes, good food was served. This event not only highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the area, but also brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by their appreciation for jazz. The camaraderie amongst the attendees was touching, as strangers became friends and family gathered together like it was a reunion. I met other jazz enthusiasts that attend big jazz events throughout the country like myself. My take…Jazz Under The Trees is not only a celebration of music, it showcases a togetherness that embodies the spirit of Plant City’s local community. I will be back next year, and I’m spreading the word in my community. It is a must-attend jazz event.”
