Today in Wheeling History: June 25--The cornerstone of the new Madison School building on Wheeling Island was laid in an elaborate ceremony led by the Knights of Pythias, featuring a large parade, patriotic speeches, and performances by schoolchildren, marking a significant moment in the school's history and the community's commitment to education (1916).
Madison School in Wheeling, West Virginia has a rich history spanning over 150 years. Founded in 1865, it initially served Island students who previously attended the Second Ward School on 10th Street. The first Island school building, erected at the corner of Maryland and North York Streets for $6,483.54, opened on January 10, 1866, with 150 pupils. As enrollment grew, additional buildings were added, including a second brick building in 1890. In 1916, the current "modern" Madison School at 91 Zane Street was built, designed by architect Frederick F. Faris. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1916, in an elaborate ceremony led by the Knights of Pythias, with Supreme Chancellor Young delivering a patriotic address. Over the decades, Madison School adapted to changing needs under principals like Samuel Boyd, A.M. Stevenson (who served for 27 years), and Roger Warren. Initially housing over 900 students in grades 1-9, it transitioned to an elementary school with fewer than 300 students by its centennial. Throughout its history, the school has been central to the Wheeling Island community, with strong parental involvement evidenced by PTA meetings drawing up to 200 people. In 2016, Madison School celebrated its 100th anniversary with events including time capsule openings and a parade, honoring its legacy of education and community impact in Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4ac2arcr) (https://tinyurl.com/2jvsbdyw) (https://tinyurl.com/2twh59yf) (https://tinyurl.com/4cdat4cp) (https://tinyurl.com/4zysv8yw)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling, WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
Madison School in Wheeling, West Virginia has a rich history spanning over 150 years. Founded in 1865, it initially served Island students who previously attended the Second Ward School on 10th Street. The first Island school building, erected at the corner of Maryland and North York Streets for $6,483.54, opened on January 10, 1866, with 150 pupils. As enrollment grew, additional buildings were added, including a second brick building in 1890. In 1916, the current "modern" Madison School at 91 Zane Street was built, designed by architect Frederick F. Faris. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1916, in an elaborate ceremony led by the Knights of Pythias, with Supreme Chancellor Young delivering a patriotic address. Over the decades, Madison School adapted to changing needs under principals like Samuel Boyd, A.M. Stevenson (who served for 27 years), and Roger Warren. Initially housing over 900 students in grades 1-9, it transitioned to an elementary school with fewer than 300 students by its centennial. Throughout its history, the school has been central to the Wheeling Island community, with strong parental involvement evidenced by PTA meetings drawing up to 200 people. In 2016, Madison School celebrated its 100th anniversary with events including time capsule openings and a parade, honoring its legacy of education and community impact in Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4ac2arcr) (https://tinyurl.com/2jvsbdyw) (https://tinyurl.com/2twh59yf) (https://tinyurl.com/4cdat4cp) (https://tinyurl.com/4zysv8yw)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling, WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
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