*Post written by Mona Meyer, Archives and Special Collections Metadata Librarian.
Let’s take a look at the history of one of the schools in Evansville. The meaning of the title of this blog is literal….the construction of the school and its razing. The school in question here is Evansville High School/Central High School.
Education in the early days of Evansville was a private affair–private schools and academies for those who could afford to send their children there. In 1852 the Indiana legislature passed an act that provided for free, public schooling. By 1854 public schools were available in Evansville, with early classes being held in other available facilities. “In 1868 the splendid new Evansville High School building was completed on Seventh Street. Three stories in height, it contained six classrooms, a study hall, an auditorium, lunchrooms, and central heating. (However, there were no indoor toilets in the building until 1894.)” This was probably the first free public high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. (quotation from p. 43 of McCutchan, Kenneth P. et al. Evansville at the bend in the river: an illustrated history. Sun Valley, CA: American Historical Press, c2004. General Collection F534.E9 M38 2004)
Drawing of Evansville High School at 203 NW 6th St. MSS 157-0450, the Schlamp-Meyer CollectionThis photograph dates to 1901. MSS 184-0886, the Brad Awe CollectionCirca 1910. RH 033-0532, the Evansville Postcard CollectionFront view, undated photo. MSS 157-0451, the Schlamp-Meyer CollectionManual Training School at 215 NW 6th St., formerly 2-6 Upper 6th St. Built in 1903, it became incorporated into the old Central High School that stood next door. It was razed in 1973 along with that facility. RH 033-546, the Evansville Postcard CollectionCirca 1918. RH 033-0540, the Evansville Postcard Collection
Note that the postcard just above now says Central High School, not Evansville High School. By 1918 the population of the Evansville had grown to the point where another high school, further west, was needed and Francis Joseph Reitz High School was built. At that time, the facility seen here became known as Central High School.
Instead of a postcard, this is a “real” photograph, dating to 1920. It was taken by Thomas Mueller, a self-employed photographer who also worked for the local newspaper until 1945. MSS 264-1232, the Thomas Mueller Collection
Although the 1937 flood did not spell the end of this building, it would be impossible to document the history of the school, given its location, and not show images of the flood.
This image shows the school on the right, and the gymnasium on the left, with NW 6th St. in the center. NOTE: see last photograph in this blog for more about this gymnasium. MSS 272-0884, the Great Flood of 1937 CollectionThis view is taken from just a bit further left than the one above. MSS 272-0150, the Great Flood of 1937 CollectionThis image shows a car driving through the flooded street by the school, with water up to its front bumper. MSS 272-0229, the Great Flood of 1937 CollectionThis photographic postcard shows the peak of the flood: the river crested at 53.7 ft. on January 31, 1937. MSS 272-1103, the Great Flood of 1937 CollectionFlooded boys’ restroom. MSS 157-0485, the Schlamp-Meyer CollectionFloating debris. MSS 157-0479, the Schlamp-Meyer CollectionDisplaced furniture and warped floors. MSS 157-0485, the Schlamp-Meyer CollectionNine man clean-up crew standing amidst flood debris at Central High School. MSS 272-0337, the Great Flood of 1937 Collection
The school recovered from the 1937 flood and continued in operation for over 30 years. The time came when this location was no longer a good fit for population growth patterns and could not meet the technology and other needs of students. In 1971 the 6th Street location closed and the school moved to a new location at 5400 First Ave. (If you’ve ever wondered why a school in that location would have been named Central, now you know!)
Demolition took place in 1973.
Hallway during demolition. MSS 034-0301, the Gregory T. Smith CollectionInterior, possibly the gymnasium, during demolition. MSS 034-0302, the Gregory T. Smith CollectionRooftop during demolition. MSS 034-0304, the Gregory T. Smith Collection
Demolition process. MSS 181-0755, the Darrel Bigham Collection
Demolition process. MSS 181-0800, the Darrel Bigham Collection Demolition process. MSS 181-0805, the Darrel Bigham CollectionThis gymnasium, built in 1927, was not demolished at the time the rest of Central High School was. At the time of this photograph, (1977), ISUE was Indiana State University Evansville, a branch campus of Indiana State University, which opened in 1965. Before the current campus was built, classes were held in an old school on 12th Ave. The first buildings on the current USI campus were built in 1969, but there was no gymnasium, thus the continuing need to use this building. Since 1980, this building is no longer used by the university.At one time this gymnasium was used as part of the downtown YMCA, although that organization has moved to a different location. This gymnasium still stands, although it is unclear if it has a current use. MSS 183-059, the Brad Awe Collection
Stay tuned for more blogs about The Rise and Fall of other Evansville landmarks.
amUSIngArtifacts 
Leave a comment