In Clarksburg, Mr. Wells desired to retire to a farm following years of government duty. Relocating from her small town in Tennessee to the country’s capital, Ms. Wells was a contemporary woman during her relocation to Washington. With the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Ms. Wells obtained the privilege to vote, highlighting the significant changes that have occurred since that time. The world was consumed by World War I when Ms. Wells and her spouse relocated to Washington. Ms. Wells served in the War Department during World War I and later the IRS, while Mr. Wells worked for the organization now recognized as the Secret Service. Both Ms. Wells and her spouse held positions in the federal government, and Hallie Wells Middle School is named after a local Clarksburg resident.
This site is not located on the original farmstead, only a few blocks away from Wells Middle School. While Hallie Wells herself did not want to see the beautiful vistas and bucolic nature of their parceled land turned into unrecognizable lots, she felt that the future of Clarksburg’s development would be held by preserving the rural farming community. At the time of the donation, Clarksburg was a rural farming community, and the Wells’ felt that it was important to protect the green space for future generations. As a result, they donated 290 acres of land to Montgomery County Parks. In addition, there is also a small farm called Red Wiggler, where disabled adults work on the land. After moving to Clarksburg, Ms. Wells and Mr. Wells quickly became active and respected members of the community.
The Middle School Wells Hallie was named with unanimous support from the Committee Steering Naming School Middle Wells Hallie. The committee carefully followed the procedures and policies set forth by the Board of Education in reviewing the naming procedures and processes for a school. The members of the community and parents’ committee met to review and discuss the importance of a name, which reflects more than just a label, but also establishes the reputation of a school. Ms. Hallie Wells’ connection to Clarksburg and her philanthropic example influenced the committee’s preference for this name. The Committee Steering Naming School Middle Wells Hallie unanimously supported the submission of this name to the Board of Education, which was then named Middle School Wells Hallie. The community wishes to establish a school that cares for others and honors green spaces, reflecting the importance of a name in establishing a reputation. Previously known as School Middle Damascus/Clarksburg, the Montgomery County Board of Education officially named the school on March 4, 2016.
Hallie Wells Middle School welcomes parents and students on August 24, 2016.
The Proud Residence of the Mustangs.
The Carousel Hershell-Spillman, which operated at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.’S Mall for many years (around 1910-1915), was purchased by Ms. Wells in 1981. This mascot holds a special meaning to the school. We, the proud Hallie Mustangs, have a special meaning to this mascot!
Adequate amount of park visitors were present when it was mentioned that the carousel would be relocated to Park Wells Hazen Ovid in Montgomery County Parks, at that time. The carousel was temporarily placed in a temporary location at Wheaton Regional Park during the time of its purchase. Therefore, Ms. Wells decided to purchase a carousel for Park Wells Hazen Ovid in Clarksburg. It was a popular and well-known gathering place at the National Mall in Washington DC. Ms. Wells noticed how much children enjoyed the carousel during her years of service in Washington DC.