Charlena Giddens Hall
Let us not forget every teacher. The first graduating class of the Lee County Training School in 1932 produced several educators. Three were from the same family. Charlena Giddens Hall graduated with her brothers John and Darnell who both started a school above John Byrd’s store when the Lee County Training School hit hard financial times.
Born around 1909 in Opelika, Charlena was one of at least 10 children. Her father passed away when she was around 3 years of age leaving her mother to care for her and her siblings while they all worked a farm off Farmville Road.
The farm was likely too much for the struggling family and by 1930 they moved to a house in Auburn. It was at this time that Charlena and her brothers trekked the mile and a half on muddy, unpaved roads to the Lee County Training School. After graduating in that historic first class of 1932, Charlena soon became a teacher—earning approximately a third of the salary of a white teacher.
Charlena soon met a young man who did service work at the Sigma Mu fraternity house and in May of 1937, they were married. One can only image the joy and excitement shared by the new couple. Tragically nine months later, the young teacher unexpectedly passed away. Unable to afford a burial in one of the area’s segregated city cemeteries, Charlena was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in George Gidden’s backyard near what is now known as Tiger Town.
With permission and help from the landowner, efforts are currently underway to restore George Gidden’s cemetery and to remember and honor the lives of those interred. In that way, Charlena can continue to teach others of Auburn’s Black history through her story.
Born around 1909 in Opelika, Charlena was one of at least 10 children. Her father passed away when she was around 3 years of age leaving her mother to care for her and her siblings while they all worked a farm off Farmville Road.
The farm was likely too much for the struggling family and by 1930 they moved to a house in Auburn. It was at this time that Charlena and her brothers trekked the mile and a half on muddy, unpaved roads to the Lee County Training School. After graduating in that historic first class of 1932, Charlena soon became a teacher—earning approximately a third of the salary of a white teacher.
Charlena soon met a young man who did service work at the Sigma Mu fraternity house and in May of 1937, they were married. One can only image the joy and excitement shared by the new couple. Tragically nine months later, the young teacher unexpectedly passed away. Unable to afford a burial in one of the area’s segregated city cemeteries, Charlena was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in George Gidden’s backyard near what is now known as Tiger Town.
With permission and help from the landowner, efforts are currently underway to restore George Gidden’s cemetery and to remember and honor the lives of those interred. In that way, Charlena can continue to teach others of Auburn’s Black history through her story.
Contributed by Carmilla Tindal