Banks School—-CORRECTION—-THIS IS FOURTH WARD SCHOOL… Currently can not find exterior of Banks. Nathaniel A. Banks Elementary School was located at 800 W. Dye Street. It was named for Nathaniel A. “N.A.” Banks, the fourth principal of Lincoln High School. The school opened in September 1912 and was located in the South End community. Banks served as the principal at Lincoln from September 1898 until May 1907. Banks was born on Dec. 26, 1854 in Texas. He led the effort to hold the first Colored Summer Normal School in Palestine. It was held at Lincoln High School every summer from 1899 until 1911. His leadership of the Normal School during his tenure at Lincoln created a tremendous opportunity for many African-American teachers. This summer normal school prepared potential teachers from the surrounding 10-county area for the state exam and Teachers Certification. There would be 300 to 500 people at this school each summer. By 1921, the examination process had ended and all teaching ce...