Washington School was built in 1896 at a cost of $9,000. Originally named The Number Nine School (after its City Ward), it was later renamed Washington School in honor of President George Washington. This four-room building opened its doors to 150 students in grades 1 through 5 for the first time on September 14, 1896. The building was considered to be "thoroughly modern in every respect, well lighted, well heated, thoroughly ventilated and supplied with excellent slate blackboards, automatic flushing closets and other conveniences."
Rapid growth of this part of town soon made it necessary to add another section to the school, so the school's original bell tower was razed in 1905 to make room for additional classrooms. Except for the bell tower, the original 1896 structure is still in use and proudly sits on the corner of Washington and State Streets.
