Adams School opened in the fall of 1951. It was built to be a two-section school. The new building was dedicated in January of 1952. The cost of the building was $650,000. The growth in the section made it necessary to increase the size of the building. New wings adding additional classrooms were added in 1957 and 1968. In 2001, renovations were made to provide a new entrance. Also, the media center (library) was moved to much larger quarters. Donald Dean was the first principal and served for 24 years.
Blue Grass School was built in 1957 with an addition in 1963.
The Blue Grass District merged with the Davenport Community School District in July 1966. It was a K-8 school and continued to operate as a K-8 school until 1971 when grades seven and eight were sent to Junior High School. Addition and renovations were made in 1978. Harold Moore was principal at Blue Grass when it was merged with Davenport and served until 1982.
In 2000 a new school opened to serve the students of he Buffalo School area.
The Buffalo School became a part of the Davenport Community School District on July 1,1966. At that time Buffalo was operating in two buildings as a K-8 school.
The lower grades were housed in a two story brick building that had served as high school. Other grades were housed in a cement block building, which contained a gym in addition to classrooms. Some renovations were made to provide special services space, library, science, and art.
The new building at 1000 Jefferson Street provides facilities for the latest in a total elementary program.
In December of 1951 the Davenport School District purchased thirty acres of land in the 2000 block of Jersey Ridge Road in anticipation of growth in that part of the district.
Work was started on a new building on that site in 1968. The building was occupied in 1969. This provided relief for crowded McKinley School.
Since the opening of Eisenhower, additions and renovations have been made in 1996 and 2001. Included in these projects were the moving, enlarging, and updating of the media center.
Fillmore School (Ridgeview Park School) was built in 1955 to provide classrooms for children in a new housing development called Ridgeview. Additional classrooms were added in 1957. The school operated as a K-8 school.
On July 1,1959 Ridgeview merged with the Davenport Community School District. Bill Quiram served as principal. Fillmore was the name selected for the new addition to Davenport in 1960. Howard Backous was named principal.
Additions and renovations in 1983 and 2002 added more classrooms and facilities for new programs.
The first section of Garfield School was built in 1923. It was a primary school serving grades K-3. Additional classrooms were added in 1938-1939 to make it a K-6 school. In 1950-1951 an addition of a gymnasium-auditorium was made. Facilities at Garfield were then comparable with the new elementary schools being built. Since then Garfield had additions and renovations in 1994 and 2001. These included upgrades for technology and an updated media center.
An independent school district to the north of the Davenport, Central Elementary, merged with the Davenport District in 1959. It had operated as an independent district since 1953, having combined several rural schools that had served the area.
Bill Quiram served as principal for the first year. The following year a presidential name was given, Harrison. Jim Picht became principal. The programs offered in other schools in Davenport became standard in the new Davenport School.
Additions and renovations have been made to Harrison in 1960,1968,1983, and 2004 to provide for growth in that area of the district and to provide the latest in instructional methods and materials.
An early map of the city of Davenport shows this plot of ground being owned by the Davenport Independant School District. This site was used as an athletic field until Brady Street Stadium was developed. Funds were approved in a bond referendum in 1923 to build a primary school until 1939-1940 when it was enlarged to a two-section K-6 school. A large gym and other facilities were improved in 1950-1951. Other renovations and additions were made in 1999-2001. Presently a pre-school, which renovations provided for, is operating in the Hayes school.
With the financing received from the Federal Government and a successful referendum, six new elementary schools were built and opened in 1940. Jefferson was one of the six. It was a four-section school for K-6. Students from Polk, Jackson, and Taylor provided most of the student body. Enrollments increased and additions and renovations were made in 1952, 1961, 1994, and more recently, the media center has been updated. In 1998, an agreement was made with a private company, the Edison Company, to provide a special curriculum and special material and methods.
This area in the school district was served by an aged building that had been added to many times. The building was also on the same site as JB Young Jr. High. A suitable large home on the corner of Brady and Locust Streets was obtained and demolished as the site as prepared for the new school building. “New” Madison School opened in the fall of 1940. It was a two section K-6 school. Students came from the old Madison School and Tyler School. In 1954 four classrooms were added. A year later eight classrooms and a lunchroom were added in a wing to the north. In 2003 renovations were made which provided for a new media center. The main entrance was relocated to the side of the building.
A new school was built in East Davenport to accommodate the growth that was taking place in that section of the district. McKinley School opened in the fall of 1940. It was a two-section school serving K-6 students. Students came from mainly Pierce School. Others came from nearby schools that were closing. In 1954 four rooms were added to accommodate increased enrollments.
The area continued to grow and in 1960, an eight room addition plus a large lunchroom provided needed space. More recently further renovations were made which provided a media center and technology provisions.
Truman School opened in the fall of 1978. It had been built to meet the needs of special education students. Classrooms had been built to accommodate the varied needs of children with a variety of disabilities.
In 1992 Federal and state regulations forced the closing of Truman School for handicapped students. It was mandated these students should be served in non-segregated settings. The school year of 1992-93 was used to make the transition for special needs students.
In the fall of 1993 Truman School opened as a regular education school serving K-6 students. The following year the sixth grade was moved to the middle school.
The Walcott Schools became a part of the Davenport School District in 1956. This includes the elementary and junior high school students. The school now provides for the K-5 elementary and for grades 6-8.
Since becoming a part of the Davenport School District various additions and renovations have been made to the facilities at Walcott, benefiting the elementary and intermediate school.
As Davenport grew to the north and west an elementary school to accommodate K-3 students was opened. Students went to Johnson for grades 4-6.
The area continued to grow and the increased enrollment made it necessary to add to the building. Additions and renovations were made in 1958, 1962, 1967, and 2001. The gym was enlarged. A library was added and updated in a later renovation. Classrooms were added and renovations were made to accommodate advancements in technology and other methods of instruction.
1919: Opened for classes in February. Called West Intermediate School. Served grades 7-9
1923: Nine rooms added to building
1937: Renamed Frank L. Smart Intermediate School for district superintendent 1907-1936
1950: Board designated Intermediate Schools as Junior Highs
1963: A bond referendum provided money for a new addition, including a new kitchen, cafeteria, library, and classrooms, plus renovations to the original part of the building
1993: School designated and Intermediate School with grades 6-8
2003: Addition of auditorium/gym, as well as renovations to the classrooms, offices, and other areas
1919: Opened for students in February as East Intermediate, serving grades 7-9
1921: Board renamed East Intermediate for Phebe Sudlow, long time district employee and superintendent 1874-1878. She was the first female superintendent in the United States.
1923: Nine rooms were added to the building
1950: Intermediate Schools were renamed as Junior High Schools
1963 - 1965: Addition and renovations made to the building. New cafeteria, kitchen, and media center, as well as additional classrooms and renovations made throughout the original building
1993: Sudlow was changed from a Junior High School (grades 7-9) to an Intermediate School (grades 6-8)
2003: New auditorium was built and renovations were made throughout the building
1965 (July,1)- Walcott School District merged with the Davenport School District, Walcot had been operating a K-9 school, sending their kids to Davenport for High School.
1974- The K-9 platform was changed to a K-6 elementary and a 7-9 Junior High
1993- Walcott then became a K-5 elementary and a 6-8 Intermediate School. The 9th graders were sent to Davenport for High School
(Several renovations and additions have occurred since they joined the Davenport Schools)
1905 (June, 19)- Cornerstone Laid by Superintendent JB Young
1907 (January 14)- Building Completed
1907- First Classes held at Central (then known as Davenport High School): George Edward Marshall was first principal (1907-1932)
1915- Kemper Hall Purchased
1930- New George Marshall Gym Built
Athletics
1893- First Football Team: Vic Littig was first coach
1910- First Baseball Team
1923- Jesse Day starts Teaching Career: Football Coach (compiled win-loss 153-43) Originated the Davenport Relays as Track Coach
1928- Paul Moon Starts his 24 year Basketball Coaching Career: Won 7 state championships, most consecutive appearances at state
1936- The Blue Devil was Adopted as Mascot: School colors were Harvard Red and Yale Blue (1893), Previously known as the “Mooners” or the “Hill Toppers,” Paul Moon suggests new mascot
1937- Wrestling becomes a Major Sport
Courses
1886- Physical Education Introduced
1888- Cooking Introduced
1889- Manual Training Introduced
1907- Typing and Stenography Introduced
1943- Vocational Guidance Introduced
1950- Drivers’ Education Introduced
In 1910, there were seven courses of study, each 40 weeks long and “sufficient to meet the wants of all students of high school age.” Academic disciplines 100 years ago covered Latin, German, science, English, commercial business, manual training (for those entering industrial and technical careers) and domestic science. One hundred years later, much different courses of study are in place.
Extra Curriculars and Teachers
1899- First “The Red and Blue” Newspaper Printed
1910- Arthur E. Keiber starts 40 year Teaching Career: Debate Teacher, frequently coached or judged events
1919- ROTC Program Started
1923- Kent Gannet starts 29 year Career: Vocal Music Teacher, practically started the program
1934- Forrest Mortiboy starts 36 year Career: Instrumental Music Teacher, participation in Band and Orchestra skyrocketed while under Mr. Mortiboy’s wing
1939- First Minstrel (Variety) Show: Mostly Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Music Programs
2013: Davenport Osteopathic Hospital purchased by Davenport Schools for $2.5 million
2014: Renovated for $8.5 million using statewide penny sales tax money
Fall 2014: Classes begin at Mid City High
2015: Construction on south side of building for a gym, and areas for music and shop activities
For more information, visit the Davenport School Museum
There was only one public Davenport high school for the first 100 years. But then along came the baby boomers and the need for a second high school. In the fertile fields on the west edge of Davenport, a new high school arose: “Davenport West High School.” While not yet totally completed, the doors were opened to students on the Tuesday after Labor Day 1960!
The school’s cafeteria was remodeled in 2006 to bring it to a style similar to the food court style being used by Davenport North High School, which received national recognition when it was featured on ABC’s 20-20
The library was moved from the upstairs of the building to the main level into a newly renovated media center in 2001. The new library has four computer labs as well.
The building offices were remodeled in 2001 as well as the main entrance.
Anticipating growth in this area of the School District, in May 1960, ten acres of land were purchased at this site on North Fairmount Street to be used for a school building. A bond referendum passed in 1969. Additional land was bought and construction of a new building was begun. The building opened in January of 1971.
Loren Stouffer was the first principal of Buchanan School.
In 2001 some additions and renovations were made to the building, updating for technology and an expanded media center.
In 1901, the Davenport School Board purchased block #14 of Grant’s Addition in the North part of Davenport for a future school. Ten years later a successful bond referendum was held to approve the sale of bonds to erect and equip a new school on the site. Grant school opened the next year, 1912. After the opening of the Intermediate schools in 1919, Grant became a grade K-6 school. In 1939-1940 renovations were made to equip the building to accomodate the updated programs being provided in the new elementary schools that were being built. In 1954 an addition to the building provided an all purpose room that served as a gymnasium and an auditorium. The school board voted to close the school at the close of the 2001-2002 school year and send students to the neighboring schools. The following year the building was sold to be used as a church.
As district school enrollments increased in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, the Davenport School Board considered ways to accommodate the students. The location of Washington School in relation to busy streets caused the Board to opt for a new building to house the increased numbers. A site was purchased on Spring Street and River Drive for a K-3 building. Hoover School was the name selected and September of 1955 was set for opening date. Delays in construction resulted in delaying the opening until the fall of 1956. When students completed third grade they went to Washington School, located at East Locust and Eastern Avenue. In 1975 the front porch was enclosed to provide for a library. In 1990 the school adopted an innovative plan and became the first “year round” school in Iowa. A flexible schedule provided for instructional times and enrichment or “remedial” time. Enrollments decreased and the Board decided to close Hoover as a regular school at the close of the 1997-98 school year. The following year 1998-99, Hoover opened as a pre-school. It is now called Children’s Village at Hoover.
J B Young as it appears today – The J.B. Young Opportunity Center was created following the closure of J.B. Young as a K-8 school with the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The Davenport Community Schools decided to use the first floor of the facility to house services that would be assets for the neighborhood. For more information as to how the building is being used now, click here.
1874 – What would become Lincoln Elementary School was built as Davenport High School at 7th and Rock Island St. (now Pershing). Thomas Nast created the first cartoon in which an elephant is depicted as the Republican Party symbol.
1875 – Davenport High School opened. The principal was John B.Young until 1878.
1907 – This building remained a high school until 1907 when the “new” high school at 1120 N. Main St. opened. The “old” high school became an elementary school, known as School No.15.
1910 – Around 1910, the elementary schools in Davenport were named for U.S. presidents. The “old” high school was named Lincoln.
1940 – “Old Lincoln” was torn down. Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, McKinley, Monroe, and Washington Elementaries were built, World War II began, and 17 percent of the American work force remained unemployed.
1940 – The “new” Lincoln school opened at 318 East 7th St.
1952 – Lincoln School added 4 classrooms.
1961 – Lincoln School added 8 classrooms.
1978 – Lincoln became Lincoln Fundamental School.
2013 – Lincoln School closed as an elementary school. Memorabilia from the school is now at the Davenport School Museum.
In 1868 a new three story building was built in the 1600 block of West Third Street to replace a small stone structure that had served the area since 1858. The Davenport School Board obtained Federal Funds to be matched by local funds to build new buildings. A site at 1926 West 4th Street was purchased to erect a new building to serve the area. New Monroe opened in the fall of 1940. This was a four-section school serving K-6 students. In 1955 several classrooms were added. In 2003 extensive renovations were made to provide a new media center, lunchroom, and other needed upgrades and improvements.
In 1953 several one-room area schools were combined into a new multi room building. The building was named H. M. Perry School for Hartzel M. Perry who was County-Superintendent at the time.
The school became a part of the Davenport Community School District in 1959. In 1961 an addition was built to provide a gymnasium, office complex, and upper grade classrooms including science and art.
At the close of the 1999-2000 school year the building was closed and students were sent to the new Buffalo School. The building now houses a commercial enterprise.
The village of Rockingham was annexed to the city of Davenport in 1926. At the same time the village school, Rockingham, became part of the Davenport School District. Rockingham operated a K-6 school until the close of the 1939-1940 school year. The school was closed and the students were sent to Hayes school. At the start of the 1945-1946 school year the school reopened as a K-3 school. In 1955 the Board gave it a presidential name, Roosevelt. The same year, three rooms were added to the building. At the close of the 1997-1998 school year was closed and the students were sent to Hayes. The Building was sold to the City of Davenport. It has been converted to a Community Center to serve that part of the city.
Using Federal Funds matched with voter approved local funds, Washington was one of the six new elementary schools that opened in the fall of 1940. Students from old Washington, Pierce, and Tyler Schools, which were closed, provided students to the new building. The building provided faculties for a completely revised elementary school program, providing special teachers for math, art, science, music, and physical education. Since opening in 1940, four classrooms were added in 1952. Another classroom was added in 1994. In 2005 extensive renovations were made, relocating thr instructional materials plus other needed facilities. Former students from old Washington School persuaded the demolition crew to save the bell and the corner stone. They collected money to have these preserved in a “shrine” on the former school site.
1965 (July,1)- Walcott School District merged with the Davenport School District, Walcot had been operating a K-9 school, sending their kids to Davenport for High School.
