| City/Town: • Shawnee |
| Location Class: • School |
| Built: • 1936 | Abandoned: • 2004 |
| Status: • Abandoned |
| Photojournalist: • Michael Schwarz • Mary Evans |
Washington School – Shawnee was one of the three new ward schools built in 1904. Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington were all built on the same two-story floor plan with a basement and of the same architectural design. Washington was replaced by a newer building in 1937. The plot in Farrell Park where Washington stands was leased from the city for 99 years. In the 1980s when the school system went to grade centers, Washington housed all the Shawnee fifth graders as Washington Academy Middle School. Use of the building was discontinued in 2004.
Gallery Below
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I was in 5th Grade here in 1979/80 class. the Art teacher was the same teacher my dad had when he was in school there. Sad to see so much history of Shawnee left to rot.
I know it’s crazy how they let it just get this bad my heart is breaking just seeing the pictures
That’s was my elementary it use to be so beautiful I remember we thought we was the shit cause it was such a big school and beautiful
I went to this school in 93 and 97 I hate seeing it like this! our local government have failed this is what you call preserving history ??? You have let this historic building rot! They should fire all you bums and bring in a new city council and save this land mark from ruin.
My question is why are they leaving items that still could be used. They could be used for other school save the tax payers some money. Love the pictures thanks for sharing.
You are bit judgemental, don't ya think? I live 1/2 a block north of the school. If the neighborhood was so horrible, and you think it wouldn't be optimal for bringing a "crowd worthy of investment", then why don't you stay on the north side of Shawnee and shut your trap. My husband and I happen to have very high IQ's, and my four children are healthy, smart, athletic, and make straight A's. I also happen to know a lot of very "worthy" people and their kids who live in this "horrible neighborhood". I would much rather live here than… Read more »
great school wonderful playground I remember mrs harrriston ms yancy ms Arnold what great memories
This was my favorite school I went to other than the old Jr high School over on highland I went there when it was the 5th grade center
They said the Shawnee School System owns the building and they leased the property from the city of Shawnee for 99 years.
There's only 2 or 3 of these old WPA built schools left in Shawnee I'd like to see at least 1 of them saved for posterity!
I will all ways remember my friends an the classes I took here I hope their lives are wonderful an fulfilling
I wish I could go back to this school again I had a good attitude__
if someone had the money they could turn it into low income apartments or a homeless shelter….Shawnee has a lot of homeless people
I went to school here 1954-60, sad to see it like this.
I remember this old school building
I went to this school in the 60's, 1rst through 3rd grade, sad to see it like this!
Totally fire proof building, concrete floors and roof. Solid as a rock.
I went to school there. i have some good memories of that place. its sad to see it like this.
The third shot into this entry caught my eye..I like the architecture of this building–if it is sound enough–maybe it should be saved and repurposed!
It should not be demolished. Should be restored and turned in to something useful. Keeping old buildings is a way to stay in touch with your past.