Jesse Jackson can recall the first day he stepped foot into the old Statesville High School building.

The retired history teacher and coach of 28 years remembers the shiny wooden floors that squeaked with every step.

He remembers walking by the wooden lockers on the third floor and hearing the tale of the ghost that lived there.

Jackson remembers staying late to grade papers and hearing footsteps and doors closing only to find no one was around.

Those and a string of other memories will continue even though the place where they were created has met its demise.

A portion of the building built in 1942 came tumbling down last Saturday as crews began demolition on the school.

"It was a good place to work," Jackson said. "Some people dread going to work, but in 28 years, I never dreaded going to work."

The old building will be replaced by new administrative offices, classes and a media center in 18 months, according to Principal Larry Rogers.

The biggest difference between the old and new schools isn't in the renovation, Jackson said, but the accomplishments of the faculty and students.

For him, the most humbling experience is knowing he had a hand molding students into good citizens, he said.

Jackson lives two blocks away from the school and feels a bit nostalgic by the thought of a new building.

Although he is extremely proud of having been a part of the history, he is excited to see the direction the new state of the art facility is taking.

"The people of Statesville will be proud of the facility once it's complete, and I hope people of Statesville will continue to support Statesville High academically and athletically," he said.

In just five years of being principal, Rogers has conjured many memories there.

He was on site last Saturday as crews took down the building as students, community members and alumni looked on.

It was an exciting and emotional time, he said.

"It was sad to see it go down, but we have to look to the future," he said.  "We have to have a facility to meet the needs of the children."

Alan Eisele, a 1962 graduate, had 10 siblings attend the then-three-year high school.

Eisele was the first drum major under local music legend Jim Calabrese, wrote for the school newspaper, served as president of the Spanish club and was in drama club.

His fondest memory was made outside the walls of the school with a band trip to Washington, D.C.

His siblings have held titles of quarterback and beauty queens, and attending the school helped form who they have become.

"I'm really happy to see the school is being re-done," Eisele said. "I'm glad they kept it where it is, because for generations, it's been the focus of high school education, and it's good for a community to maintain tradition and physical heritage."

 
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