New Gymnasium

In 1938, Clemmons students and local residents began raising funds for a much-needed gymnasium. Their dedication paid off when, in 1940, a new gym was built by Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers—a New Deal program designed during the Great Depression to create jobs and strengthen community infrastructure. This gymnasium quickly became more than a place for sports and assemblies. During World War II, its basement was transformed into a community cannery, where families brought meats, fruits, and vegetables to preserve in tin cans. Managed by Alma “Ma” Hampton, with assistance from Luther O. Crotts, the cannery was a lifeline during wartime rationing, symbolizing the school’s vital role as both an educational and community hub.