“The Rox” Greenwood School and Normal College was built in 1891 by the Greenwood Community. It was the center of learning in the community for almost 60 years, at various times housing The Greenwood Normal College (grades 1-8 and 9-12) and later the elementary school.

 

The structure was literally built from rocks quarried nearby and wheelbarrowed to the site. It was constructed in the Italianate style and was two stories tall. In 1905 the building was doubled in size, but retained the same style of architecture.  In 1953, a new elementary school was built and The Rox was closed. The late Means Wilkinson, a member of the school board who completed grades 1 through 12 at the Rox, couldn’t stand seeing this beautiful landmark vacant, so he bought it in 1958. After extensive renovations, he and Elizabeth “Betty” made it the Wilkinson home, where they raisedfour children.

 

In 2005, plans began to pass the Rox to Ed Wilkinson and his family, including his wife, LaDonna Wilkinson, and son, Daniel Wilkinson, the next generation of Wilkinson descendants. The Rox Wilkinson Estate underwent its third renovation in 2008.  The architectural firm of WD&D, lead by Chad Young, A.I.A., painstakingly designed The Rox’s restoration in its Neo-Classical style to a level that would have made renowned 16th century architect Andrea Palladio beam with pride.