Sumner was established around 1870 and is known as the oldest city between Albany and Waycross. The city was developed on land belonging to John C. Sumner and was named for him. Sumner has taken on a progressive attitude with the recent community effort to rennovate the Sumner School for use by Moultrie Tech and cultural organizations.

Census Data:
2000 - 309 population (47.8% growth rate)
1990 - 209
1980 - 213

Map

Sumner Workforce Development Center
Excerpts from The Sylvester Local News, July 17, 2002
Once a center of education in Worth County, the Sumner School sat abandoned until 1995 when an effort began to transform the historic structure into a site for new hope and second chances at higher learning. Owned by the Worth County Board of Education, the school serves as a satellite campus of Moultrie Technical College. It is registered with the National Register of Historic Places (Building #96001035) The local Head Start program, located adjacent to the campus, benefits as three intern positions are available from the Early Childhood Care and education classes. Additionally, parents can enroll their children in Head Start and then attend the technical college next door.

Moultrie Tech has offered courses in early childhood, business and office technology, adult literacy and GED preparation. "But the curriculum is flexible", says Bob Craft, acting president of Moultrie Tech. "We are capable of offering other programs as there's a need", said craft. Moultrie Tech also provides transportation from Sylvester to the Sumner School.

Sumner School Auditorium
A unique feature of the Sumner school is the beautiful auditorium which is allowing the facility to not only be a center for education but for culture as well. The auditorium is unlike any other in the county, with its sloped stage and original theater-style seats. It is already used for gospel sings and reunions with plans for many other activities.