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Allen County, Indiana Schools
Elementary Schools
This is Not a comprehensive research list of Allen County schools. Most information is collected from photos posted and discussions appearing on social media. Eventually web sites, addresses and phone numbers will be added as time permits. Because there are so many schools a separate page exists for Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
Silence! Not a word! "Tis the hour when the witches are about. And this is their rendezvous. It is the "haunted" house.
Something like above is supposed to express the feeling trepidation which twenty young school teachers are supposed to feel this Saturday night as they enter the old house on the Leo road for a Halloween party and for the purpose finding and accosting the spirit which is supposed to have cast its spell over the structure. The teachers are young ladies from the Bloomingdale public school and will be accompanied by their principal, Miss Margaret MePhall. The house belongs to the family of Miss MePhall. The teachers spent a happy time together last summer at Lake James, and to renew their good time once more in a social way they have accepted Miss McPhall's invitation to enjoy themselves together in a Hallowe'en celébration in the historic residence on the Leo road.
The house is an old one, dating back to Fort Wayne's early days, and was formerly occupied by the first citizens of the town. The house was first owned by Mr. Aveline, and used as a private residence. This was as early as sixty or seventy years ago. It later became tavern or inn, so familiar in the history of that time and was used for a meeting place for various organizations. It was about this time, when the country was infested with horsethieves and general lawbreakers of all kinds, that the ancient dwelling became the headquarters of an organzation for the apprehension of thieves and the protection of citizens. The members of the organization were known as "regulators" and many a session they held in the historic house. It was here that one of the regulators was killed, and since that time the house has been haunted, so they say. [ See the Aveline Family an early area famly of fur traders or Aveline Hotel ]
And why should there be any doubt about it? Is it not in strict accord with the traditions that have been handed down to us by our grandmothers on Hallowe'en that the scene of such a murder shall be frequently visited by the spirit of the victim? And have not strange sights been seen and strange sounds heard time and again in the old relic-ridden house? Yes, it is shrouded in mystery and the old doors never creak on their hinges but to send the visage of a ghost flitting across its ancient corridors thus it is whispered about.
But Fort Wayne's, "haunted house" has probably been the scene of more gala occasions than grewsome ones. In the days when it was used as a tavern, It was the rendezvous for oyster suppers and parties in general. The young society people of the town would run out to the little inn to enjoy a merry evening, and in the winter it was a favorite stopping place for sleighing parties, where there was a redhot fire in the old box' stove and good hot things to eat.
After the house had outgrown its use as a tavern it was rented by private families and was so occupied until a few months ago. It is now owned by Mra. J, A. McPhall.
And so the old house will be the scene of another party tonight which promises to do credit to those of oyster-supper fame of the days gone by. To hold a party within the confines of the walls about which many a fascinating yarn has been told and to investigate the "ghost" stories as a Halloween lark appeals to the spirit of the fun-loving teachers. Thus, afraid and undaunted, they will hie to the scene of Fort Wayne's haunted house tonight, and the erstwhile tavern, famous for its one-time occasions. will once more contain a big, happy crowd, having a big happy time with games and stunts befitting the Halloween occasion.
Merle J Abbett Elementary School
Named for Merle J. Abbett, who was FWCS superintendent from 1932-1952. The school, dedicated November 5, 1950, was the first built in the city after World War II. See photo posted July 5, 2018 by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schools on Twitter. July 21, 2022 post on Facebook with photo states: Abbett Elementary has been an anchor in its neighborhood for more than 60 years and is still going strong. New classrooms will be added to the building to alleviate overcrowding in the building #TBT
Dedicated in 1972. Before the Board of School Trustees decided to name the school after Ralph Bunche, the school had been temporarily called Greenfield Elementary. See the 1972 program posted in a September 20, 2018 Tweet by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Croninger Elementary School is named for Fred Croninger, who served as principal of Central High School from 1921-1947. He was present when the school was dedicated the school in his name in November 1966. The communication magnet program started in the fall of 1988 and focused on communication in its various forms, including housing its own television studio. #MeetTheMagnets#Croninger#ThrowbackThursday
Named for Frances Slocum the Quaker girl taken by Indians from Pennsylvania to Indiana in 1778. The school was at 2529 Curdes Avenue opened in 1925 in portable classrooms as Grassmere Heights, then in a new building in 1936 as Frances Slocum, then closed in 1981.
#TBTGrasmere Heights in 1931. Does anyone know about this one? Two portable classrooms were put up in 1925 at the corner of Curdes Ave. and Rolston St. The school was replaced by Frances Slocum School, which opened in 1937.
Frances Slocum School in 1936. The original school on Curdes Ave. was called Grasmere Heights and was made up of portable classrooms. The new building was dedicated in 1937 and closed in 1981. #TBT
Frances Slocum School in 1936. The original school on Curdes Ave. was called Grasmere Heights and was made up of portable classrooms. The new building was dedicated in 1937 and closed in 1981. #TBT
Frances Slocum Elementary School on Curdes Ave. on a snowy day in 1957, 20 years after it opened. #TBT
Frances Slocum Elementary School, which was built at 2529 Curdes Ave. in 1936. At the time of its opening, Benjamin F. Geyer was President of the Board of School Trustees, Merle J. Abbett was Superintendent and Mable K. Holland was Director of Elementary Grades. All three would later have schools named in their honor. #TBT
Was built in 1969 and named for J. Wilbur Haley, a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent of instruction with FWCS for 36 years. Haley students feed into Blackhawk or Lane middle schools and Snider High School. In 1929 Haley started as a teacher at Bloomingdale Elementary School, according to an online FWCS biography. Haley taught at Franklin Elementary School and Central High School and was principal at Miner Elementary School, Washington Junior High School and Central High. In 1954, he was appointed director of elementary and special education and in 1963 as assistant superintendent of instruction. He died in 1992. From the About Haley Elementary School web page and Haley Elementary marks 50th anniversary by Jamie Duffy published October 24, 2019 in The Journal Gazette newspaper. A photo of the school was posted December 13, 2018 by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schoolson Facebook.
Harmar School in 1946. When the land for the school was purchased in 1868, the School Trustees paid $1,700 for three lots. #ThrowbackThursday
Harmar Elementary School in July 1977. The school was built in 1914 at the corner of Harmar Street and Jefferson Boulevard and at one time, housed more than 1,000 students. #TBT
Harmar Elementary School in July 1977. The school was built in 1914 at the corner of Harmar Street and Jefferson Boulevard and at one time, housed more than 1,000 students.#TBT
W & D's No. 3 in the 10 part series for "Throwback Thursday" which was run in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette in 1937!
W & D's No. 3 in the 10 part series for "Throwback Thursday" which was run in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette in 1937!
Headline: Do You Know . . . . Why Fort Wayne Has A "Harmar School and Street"
Harris Elementary School
Harris Elementary under construction in 1968. The school is named for Robert C. Harris, the first principal of South Side High School when it opened in 1922. #TBT
Harris Elementary under construction in 1968. The school is named for Robert C. Harris, the first principal of South Side High School when it opened in 1922. #TBT
Harris Elementary School, which opened in 1968 on Thorngate Drive. The school song at the time of dedication in 1969 was "This Land is Your Land." #ThrowbackThursday
Harris Elementary School, which opened in 1968 on Thorngate Drive. The school song at the time of dedication in 1969 was "This Land is Your Land." #ThrowbackThursday
Harrison Hill Elementary in 1967. The school was originally built in 1924 and had more than 1,200 students at one point. #TBT
Built in 1924 and had more than 1,200 students at one point. The architect, Charles Weatherhogg, left a large legacy of creativity and great buildings in Fort Wayne.
We’re headed back to school for this week’s Throwback Thursday to this historic image of the c.1925 Harrison Hill Elementary School building. The architect, Charles Weatherhogg, left a large legacy of creativity and great buildings in Fort Wayne. Did you go to school here? Remember any unique features of the building? If so, please share your memories. #TBT
We hope to see you at Harrison Hill Elementary School tomorrow from 2-4 p.m. for their 100th Anniversary Event. Don't...
We hope to see you at Harrison Hill Elementary School tomorrow from 2-4 p.m. for their 100th Anniversary Event. Don't miss this opportunity to take a trip down memory lane at 355 S. Cornell Circle. Learn more about the event here 100 Year Celebration#Happy100thBirthday#HarrisonHillHarrison Hill Elementary
Hillcrest Elementary as it looked in 2013. It was built in 1929 as part of Wayne Township School Corporation and became part of FWCS in 1957. It closed in 1978 because of low enrollment and was sold in 1981. #TBT
A newspaper article called Competing dreams could bring end to old school, man's 30-year-old babes-in-toyland vision Vacant Hillcrest School stands in the way of veterans' apartments -- and progress? by Kevin Leininger was published August 24, 2013 in The News-Sentinel newspaper.
Hillcrest Elementary was built in 1928 at Hanna Street and Tillman Road. It closed in 1978 because of declining enrollment. #TBT
Hillcrest Elementary was built in 1928 at Hanna Street and Tillman Road. It closed in 1978 because of declining enrollment.#TBT
Hoagland Elementary School
February 7, 2019 post by Fort Wayne Community Schools on Facebook and Twitter: Hoagland Elementary was built in 1898 at Hoagland Ave. and Butler St. It closed in 1982 because of the age and condition of the building. #TBT
For "Throwback Thursday" we share this picture taken by Carl A. Hofer on October 2, 1982 of the Hoagland Elementary School located on Butler and Hoagland Avenues in Fort Wayne.
Holland Elementary on a winter day many years ago. The school is named for Mabel K. Holland who was in the first class to graduate from Fort Wayne High School and served as an educator for FWCS for decades, retiring as Director of Elementary Education in 1954. #TBT
Irwin Elementary School, c. 1927, is Arts and Crafts style mixed with Classical Revival, plus some more modern additions. The original building is two stories with a central three-story section with parapet walls. The main entrance on South Anthony Boulevard has smooth round Doric columns supporting a carved stone frieze that says “John S. Irwin School.” John S. Irwin served as superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools, 1875-1896. A former doctor at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, he was forced by poor health to change careers. He came to Fort Wayne, working in the banking field for 20 years. Again, his poor health forced him to resign, but in 1865 he was appointed to the city school board. In 1875, Dr. Irwin was elected superintendent of the city schools. ARCH is proud to present this edition of Throwback Thursday, part of its work as the historic preservation organization serving the greater Fort Wayne area, made possible by ARCH members and donors. Thank you.
Irwin Elementary School was built in 1927 and is located at 3501 S. Anthony Blvd. Its name honors John S. Irwin, who served as superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools from 1875-1896. Irwin became Fort Wayne Community School’s math and science magnet school in the fall of 1989. #Irwin became Fort Wayne Community School’s math & science magnet school in the fall of 1989 and in 2022 it was our first school to become STEM certified by the Indiana Department of Public Education. #History#MeetTheMagnets#ThrowBackThursday
Photos posted September 18, 2024 on True Fort Wayne Indiana History on Facebook. Lincoln Elementary School - Intersection US 30 & 33 (Original School Building) - Fort Wayne, Indiana. "The first school building was built in 1915 in Washington Township at the intersection of US 30 & 33. It was closed and demolished in 1965." Original Building Architect: Mahurin & Mahurin.
Lincoln Elementary School from a distance. When the school opened in 1975, Lester Grile was Superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools and Dr. Helen Lee was the School Board President. #TBT
Lindley Elementary School in its early years. At the 1968 School Board meeting when it was decided to name the new elementary school after Aaron T. Lindley, former superintendent, the Board also chose the names for Wayne and Northrop High Schools. #TBT
Was on Lafayette/Spy Run, somewhat South of the old bend that used to curl around the Old Crown brewery buildings, and North of Lawton Park. Photo states it was built at Spy Run and Ruth St., in 1931. It later became the Special Ed Center and sold in 1982 as posted May 11, 2017 and December 28, 2017 by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schools on Twitter.
The December 2024 Allen County Lines Volume 49 Number 2 publication on page 28 discusses a 22-page booklet Rudisill School (1906-1968):outlining the history of Rudisill School that was compiled to commemorate its closing as an elementary school at the end of the 1967-1968 school year. It continued as a school, this time serving special-needs students until closing for good in 1981. The building was demolished in 2004.
There is a public Rudisill Elementary School Facebook group that states: Rudisill School was officially an elementary school in the Fort Wayne School System from 1906-1968 that has lots of shared photos.
St. Joseph Central Elementary School Showcase Video Dec 11, 2020 on YouTube St. Joseph Central Elementary School cultivates collaboration between all members of the community to promote academic, physical, emotional and social growth for every child. Together we strive to challenge each learner to think critically, and to solve problems creatively in a safe and caring environment. Learn more at www.fortwayneschools.org/stjosephcentral
Breaking ground for St. Joseph Central Elementary in 1935. The building recently underwent a major renovation. #ThrowbackThursday photo shown on the right was posted November 28, 2019 by Fort Wayne Community Schools on Facebook.
Photo of St. Joseph Central Elementary School prior to the most recent renovations. The school's facade has changed several times since it was built. Even the school's name has changed. Originally, it was known as St. Joseph Township School. #throwbackthursdayJanuary 13, 2022 by Fort Wayne Community Schools on Facebook.
September 15, 2016 post by REPAIR FWCSIf you happen to be driving by St. Joseph Central Elementary today you'll see a blast from the past! Our project architects, Barton Coe Vilamaa, are working with a local contractor to perform some investigative work on the building envelope. The goal is to determine the condition of the existing structure beneath all of the metal panel siding and determine if we can bring back some of the previous life to the building. Design work is in progress and the full renovation project will be set to start construction next spring and be complete by the 2018-2019 school year! #ThankYouFortWayne #SeeWhatWeDo
January 1, 2023 a post by Genealogy Center on Facebook stated: Happy New Year! In this picture, students at St. Joseph School in Monroeville got a visit from Sheriff Harold Zeis and deputies at the start of the year in January 1953. Rev. Augustyn Kondziela & Sr. M. Verissima standing in rear. This image comes from our Ternet Collection. View this picture and hundreds more in our Community album: Monroeville Ternet Collection.
South Wayne Elementary School - About Us with historic photos states: South Wayne Elementary School was built in 1923 and is named not only after the neighborhood in which it is located, but also from a rich part of history. South Wayne was once a town separate from Fort Wayne. It was incorporated in 1889 and was a separate entity until 1894 when it became part of Fort Wayne.
The L.C. Ward School building patiently awaits its next life as the home of Neighborhood Health, non-profit community health care provider. In 2021, Fort Wayne Community Schools donated the building to the organization. ARCH Inc. was quietly part of that decision as an advocate for the building and is proud to have received thanks from FWCS when the donation was announced. Such advocacy is one of ARCH’s strategic goals as it works to achieve its mission of celebrating, preserving and protecting the historic built heritage of our communities, work we couldn’t do without our members and donors. You can join the good work at archfw.org. The school opened in 1931 and was named after FWCS superintendent Louis C. Ward. It is a great example of a Tudor Revival-style education building. The structure has irregular massing, with a grand central entrance under a castellated parapet. The building was designed by architect Leighton Bowers.
LISTEN: A Fort Wayne public health provider has big ideas for a closed school in the city’s southeast Oxford neighborhood. Now, they’re seeking financial backing to make it happen with the $20 million Oxford Project capital campaign.
Photo Waynedale Elementary in May 1977, five years after the school opened. posted May 31, 2018 on Twitter by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schools. Photo and discussion June 16, 2017 and January 18, 2019 on You are positively from Fort Wayne, if you remember... Archived group only visible to existing members on Facebook. October 6, 2022 photo of 1917 school posted by ARCH ( Architecture and Community Heritage) on Facebook stating: Throwback Thursday is back at ARCH! This 1917 Waynedale School was state of the art for its time. The Mahurin & Mahurin-designed school replaced an older structure. Besides classrooms, the school had an auditorium that could accommodate 200. At the same site, this building was replaced by the 1971 new Waynedale Elementary School.
Photo of Whitney Young in 1977, two years before it became the District's first fine arts magnet school. At that time, it was known as Young Elementary School June 14, 2018 Tweet by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schoolson Twitter. Same photo with different caption of Whitney Young in 1977 when it was still an elementary school. In 1979, it became an arts magnet school, and in 2001, it was converted to an early childhood center. was posted June 28, 2017 by FWCS, Fort Wayne Community Schoolson Twitter.
