Shawnees first school. The first real school, a wooden structure, was built in 1892 about where the Carnegie Library is now located in Woodland Park. In 1898 the city of Shawnee leased a parcel of land on the southeast corner of Woodland Park to the school board. The lease was for 99 years but was only valid if a well was dug on the property for city use. The old wood school in the park was torn down in 1905 and the Carnegie Library was built on that site. In 1899 the city passed an $8,800.00 bond issue to build Central School. Is was opened in 1900 at a total cost of about $10,000.00 and was described as one of the best and most convenient in the territory. The building had four main staircases in a grand central hall and four more that ascended to the top floor. The principal could look over the banisters and see the activities of the whole school. Elementary classes were on the main floor, high school classes on the top floor and labs, along with maintenance, were in the basement. By 1908 the old Central School building had become so overcrowded that half-day sessions had to be held. The old building was sold to the highest bidder, E.E. Collier, for $50. History extracted from SHAWNEE SUN article by Ann McDonald
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:54:43 +0000
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