John Watson Moore was born on this day in 1891, in Japan. He came to North Carolina in 1902. He graduated from Davidson College, and came to Winston-Salem in 1912 to teach science and math at City High School.
He is credited with starting the school’s athletic program, and helped the students organize teams, locate uniforms, and learn about football.
He served in the U. S. Army during World War I, and returned to Winston-Salem, where he became principal of City High School in 1921. He was principal when City High School burned in December 1923. He organized the move to the new Reynolds High School, which was not quite ready for students.
Moore received his master’s degree in 1932, and became superintendent of the city schools in 1933.
The new school that was built on Knollwood Street (shown above) was named in his honor in 1952. He retired in 1956.
Moore passed away in 1968.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
