Solomon Calhoun Community Center

Solomon Calhoun was a long-time educator, mentor, and coach in St. Johns County. St. Johns County is pleased to honor this long-time educator and community activist by naming the Solomon Calhoun Community Center after him. The naming was initiated by residents, requested by the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), supported by the St. Johns County Recreation Advisory Board, and approved by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on April 7, 2009.

Born in 1905 in Alpine, Alabama, Calhoun grew up in Alpine and Talladega before spending two years at Clark College in Atlanta, where he studied and played football. He then transferred to Florida A&M University, excelling both in the classroom and on the football field. Calhoun holds the distinction of being the first Florida A&M football player to be named first-team All-American, an honor he received in 1934.

Calhoun also earned a bachelor’s degree in 1936 and a master’s degree in 1955, both from Florida A&M University. He also studied at Ohio State, Florida State, and the University of Florida and spent most of his life as an educator, teacher, coach, mentor, and community leader in St. Johns County. In December 1936, Calhoun married Linnie Lucinda Smith; together, they reared and influenced many youth in the community, too numerous to name. Calhoun passed away in 1989 after a full and productive life.

Calhoun’s long resume includes the Hastings (FL) Vocational Training School, Excelsior High School (St. Augustine), Bunnell Carver High School (Nassau County), and Florida Memorial College. Calhoun also worked for the Florida East Coast Railroad Company, served as principal of Excelsior Elementary School, was director of Pupil Welfare in St. Johns County, and owned the Chapin Street Grocery and Washeteria in St. Augustine.

Calhoun’s community service was vast, impacting many individuals throughout his lifetime. He was a charter member of the St. Johns County Chapter of the North East Florida Community Action Agency, was an active member and Sunday School teacher at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, and also served on the committee for the naming of the renovated Orange Street School Administration Building. He held memberships in the NAACP, Grand United Order of Oddfellows, San Sebastian and Elks Lodge, St. Johns County Retired Educators Association, National Retired Teachers Association, St. Johns County Mental Health Association, Venetian Club, and Clique Social Club.