05/28/2026
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we are taking a look at a few of the preservation efforts that were contributed to by the Laurel Historical Society!
Both Laurel High School and the Avondale Mill were nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by the Laurel Historical Society on June 28th, 1978 and approved in 1979.
"Old Laurel High School", as it is referred to in the nomination, was built in 1899 and was the first public high school in Prince George's County. The original building housed high school students for 64 years, until the new Laurel High School was built in 1963. The building continued to be used as a place of education and served as overflow for elementary and junior high students. In 1976, the name was changed to the Edward Phelps Community Center to honor the Laurel mayor who championed the construction of the school. The building is currently occupied by the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, who moved in in 1974 and bought the property in 2002.
The National Register form was completed by Betty Compton, Jane Cole, and Stuart Hurtt, all members of the LHS. Read it here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/106777984
At the time the nomination was written in 1974, Avondale Mill was the only mill structure still standing from Laurel's 19th century industrial period. The mill was built from 1884-5 and originally manufactured cloth before transitioning to a gristmill ten years after opening. It was later used as a lace factory from 1915 - 1917, and was eventually bought by the City of Laurel in 1961 to use for city programs, but it was vacated due to structural integrity issues in the late 1970's. Unfortunately, a fire burned down Avondale Mill in 1991.
The National Register form was completed by Betty Compton, Stuart Hurtt, and Edwin Stretch all members of the LHS. Read it here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/106777906
Images: Laurel High School Circa 1905, taken by Bert Sadler. Sadler Collection, Laurel Historical Society.
Avondale Mill Circa 1907, taken by Bert Sadler. Sadler Collection, Laurel Historical Society.
