Lance Johnson grew up around the mystique of Flint. A self-described history buff, the 23-year-old was enthralled with Genesee County’s past, especially Vehicle City. “I went to Atherton High School, which sits in an area with a rich history all its own,” he says. “I appreciated it for that, but that’s a different story.” The story he’s telling today is about Flint – it’s history and its contribution to the world. It’s about an institution. “It’s about Flint Central High School,” he says. “It was a jewel and one of the leading institutions in the state for a long time, just as all the Flint schools were at one time in the past.”
One of the district’s oldest buildings, the maintenance and possible renovation of the Crapo St. landmark was cited as too costly. Students reported for the last day of classes there on June 11, 2009 and the campus has been abandoned ever since.
In 2022, the board for Flint Community Schools voted on a plan to demolish the vacant campus at an estimated cost of $3 million. The vote was deadlocked at 3-3, thus the proposal failed. Several other elementary schools in the district were closed, as well.
The idea and drive to shine a light on the school came to Johnson while he was attending Mott Community College. “The history and architecture of the area I grew up in has always been interesting to me,” he remarks. “I drove by the Flint Central building every day and was fascinated by it. I thought that someone should preserve its legacy.” As of today, the structure still remains. With all the schools being demolished in Flint, Johnson knew that could change at any moment; so he quickly got to work.
Johnson delved into the building’s history. He perused the archives and became amazed by the school’s impact on the Flint community and beyond. “Flint Central was important, not just to the city, but to the entire world,” he states. “At the start, I didn’t understand just how important it was. For example, (GM co-founder) Billy Durant attended Flint High School, which became Flint Central. Just his contribution alone was enough! He was a big one.” Johnson’s film touches on more than a few stand-out alumni.
For his film, Johnson interviewed numerous people connected with Flint Central. Johnson interviews former teacher Janet Haffner and student Kayce Shepard.
After research, Johnson’s next step was to gather and talk to those who were close to the school. He interviewed historians, teachers and alumni who spoke about what the school meant to them and to the area. With many telling stories of its glory days, the guest speakers include: historian/alumni Gary Fisher, football coaching legend Joe Eufinger, architecture enthusiast/alumni Garry McDaniel, teacher Janet Haffner, alumni Judge Thomas Yeotis, theater instructor Martin Jennings and many others. “I am very thankful that I connected with so many great people with ties to the school,” adds Johnson. “Without their contributions, there is no narrative for the documentary.”
“The stories reflect the spirit of the Flint community; the resilience of its students, the rich diversity of the school and the power of its education really come through.”
Lance Johnson, Filmmaker
The film begins with history and winds its way through stories and memories of Flint Central and its impact on the community. “While working on the project, one of the things that surprised me the most was the amount of pride that people had for the school,” says Johnson. “It was reflected in their stories and in the spirit of the Flint community; the resilience of its students, the rich diversity of the school and the power of its education really come through.”
A significant theme of the film is how Flint Central High School directly mirrored the socioeconomic status of the city at-large, directly reflecting the decisions made in the city and the changes there. It was never a separate institution – it was tied to the community. “For example,” Johnson states, “as soon as General Motors began leaving the city, Flint Central began to change. Everything is affected. It’s all connected – nothing stands on its own. It’s a lesson that applies to every school and city in the country and a message that needs to get out.”
Johnson interviews former central Coach Joe Eufinger at Atwood Stadium.
Another message Johnson wants to share with the world is about Flint, itself. “I’m tired of hearing about all the negative aspects of Flint when I tell people where I’m from,” he says. “They all think Flint is a violent city with poisoned water. Nobody understands the contributions the city has made. Nobody realizes how Flint changed the entire world. Nobody understands the resilience of the people here. I’m hoping that ‘Remembering Flint Central’ can start to change their perceptions.”
While researching the school’s history, Johnson couldn’t help but contemplate its future. “Something needs to happen,” he states. “Whether it’s demolition or rehabilitation, it can’t just sit there any longer to rot. There were so many plans made for the building but nothing has ever happened. We need to finally commit to a vision for the future and move forward toward that. Continuing to do nothing will only make it worse. It’s been too long.”
Former Teacher Dick Ramsdell talks about his time at Flint Central.
“Remembering Flint Central” premiered at the Flint Institute of Arts on March 3rd to a sold-out crowd. “I did not expect it to sell out so fast!” Johnson exclaims. “I thought it might take a week, but it sold-out in five hours!” Another showing is planned for late April at a bigger venue. For more information, visit the Remembering Flint Central Facebook page.
Lance Johnson plans to tell much more of flint’s Story.
With one documentary under his belt, Lance Johnson is busy making plans for many more. “I’m working on several projects that include the big players such as Billy Durant, Charles Stewart Mott, Louis Chevrolet and others. I’m also planning a sports documentary featuring the Flint basketball teams of the 80s, but I’m currently fascinated by the history of the Thanksgiving Day football game between Flint Central and Flint Northern. I couldn’t touch on it as much as I wanted to in the Flint Central documentary – I think it deserves a 30-minute film all its own. I’m not done telling Flint’s story.”
Lance Johnson is looking for more memories! He invites anyone with a connection to Flint Central High School to submit a short video recording of your favorite story or memory. For more information, visit the Remembering Flint Central Facebook page.
