Today in Wheeling History: July 29--A site for the first public school building on Wheeling Island was purchased for $275 (1862).
Madison School, located on Wheeling Island in Wheeling, West Virginia, has a rich history spanning over a century. A pivotal moment in the school's history occurred on July 29, 1862, when a site for the first public school building on the Island was purchased for $275. This site, located at the south-east corner of Maryland and North York Streets, would become the foundation for the school's future development.
The school's origins date back to 1864 when the first public school for Island pupils opened in the upper story of the Market House. Following the 1862 land purchase, the first "red brick" school building was erected on the site, opening on January 10, 1866, with 150 pupils.
As the student population grew, additions were made, including an 18' by 62' section in 1873. A second brick building was proposed in 1889 and opened in 1890 to accommodate further growth. The current Madison School building on Zane Street, designed by architect Frederick F. Faris, was constructed in 1916 at a cost of $90,014. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1916, by the Knights of Pythias, and the school opened to students on October 6, 1916.
Throughout its history, Madison School has adapted to numerous changes. Initially one of West Virginia's largest schools with over 900 students in grades 1-9, it transitioned over time to a smaller elementary school. The school weathered significant events such as the Great Depression and a devastating flood in 1936. Under the leadership of principal Roger Warren from 1985 to 2001, Madison achieved state and national Blue Ribbon status by 1996.
The school has been an important part of the Wheeling Island community. Former principal Warren noted the strong parental involvement, with PTA meetings often drawing 200 people. The school also adapted to demographic shifts, including periods of declining enrollment and an increase in transient students.
Madison School celebrated its centennial in 2016 with a series of events organized by special education teacher Barb Randolph. These included opening time capsules (one from 1916 and another from 70 years prior), a recreation of the 1916 opening parade, and a celebration dinner. The dental clinic at the school, started by Dr. William Grubler in 1967, was also honored during these events.
Today, Madison School continues to serve the Wheeling Island community as an elementary school with fewer than 300 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 5. The school now features modern amenities such as "Madison Square Garden" for outdoor activities, a cafeteria providing free meals, and the continuation of the on-site dental clinic. Under the leadership of Principal Andrea Trio as of 2016, Madison School maintains its role as a "beacon of stability and strength" for the Wheeling Island community, carrying forward its legacy of education and community involvement that began with that crucial land purchase in 1862.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/kmLBr) (https://shorturl.at/98rrR) (https://shorturl.at/0x7gs) (https://shorturl.at/BMf9x) (https://shorturl.at/JuL6j) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
Madison School, located on Wheeling Island in Wheeling, West Virginia, has a rich history spanning over a century. A pivotal moment in the school's history occurred on July 29, 1862, when a site for the first public school building on the Island was purchased for $275. This site, located at the south-east corner of Maryland and North York Streets, would become the foundation for the school's future development.
The school's origins date back to 1864 when the first public school for Island pupils opened in the upper story of the Market House. Following the 1862 land purchase, the first "red brick" school building was erected on the site, opening on January 10, 1866, with 150 pupils.
As the student population grew, additions were made, including an 18' by 62' section in 1873. A second brick building was proposed in 1889 and opened in 1890 to accommodate further growth. The current Madison School building on Zane Street, designed by architect Frederick F. Faris, was constructed in 1916 at a cost of $90,014. The cornerstone was laid on June 25, 1916, by the Knights of Pythias, and the school opened to students on October 6, 1916.
Throughout its history, Madison School has adapted to numerous changes. Initially one of West Virginia's largest schools with over 900 students in grades 1-9, it transitioned over time to a smaller elementary school. The school weathered significant events such as the Great Depression and a devastating flood in 1936. Under the leadership of principal Roger Warren from 1985 to 2001, Madison achieved state and national Blue Ribbon status by 1996.
The school has been an important part of the Wheeling Island community. Former principal Warren noted the strong parental involvement, with PTA meetings often drawing 200 people. The school also adapted to demographic shifts, including periods of declining enrollment and an increase in transient students.
Madison School celebrated its centennial in 2016 with a series of events organized by special education teacher Barb Randolph. These included opening time capsules (one from 1916 and another from 70 years prior), a recreation of the 1916 opening parade, and a celebration dinner. The dental clinic at the school, started by Dr. William Grubler in 1967, was also honored during these events.
Today, Madison School continues to serve the Wheeling Island community as an elementary school with fewer than 300 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 5. The school now features modern amenities such as "Madison Square Garden" for outdoor activities, a cafeteria providing free meals, and the continuation of the on-site dental clinic. Under the leadership of Principal Andrea Trio as of 2016, Madison School maintains its role as a "beacon of stability and strength" for the Wheeling Island community, carrying forward its legacy of education and community involvement that began with that crucial land purchase in 1862.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/kmLBr) (https://shorturl.at/98rrR) (https://shorturl.at/0x7gs) (https://shorturl.at/BMf9x) (https://shorturl.at/JuL6j) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3) (https://tinyurl.com/2tmw3bt3)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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