Allison Middle School was built in 1920, opened in 1921. It was originally named Mark Twain Intermediate. But residents of West Wichita petitioned the city to change the name to Allison.
James Allison was born in Columbiana county, Ohio on January 1, 1838 . He was educated at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He was the superintendent of the Fredericktown, Ohio public schools.
He moved to Wichita in March 1886. He served on the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce. He was a city councilman and served on the Board of Education. He also bought a great deal of property in West Wichita and was integral in building the Forum and establishing a college, making Friends University a reality in 1911.
Interesting side note: James Allison’s father, Obediah Allison, was the brother of Nancy Allison McKinley, mother of President William McKinley.
Mr. Allison passed away on November 11, 1916. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery.
The building was remodeled in 1928, 1930, 1950 and 1976.
A major remodeling in 2000 changed the face of the school. Adding an ugly façade to the 1920 style. You can still see some of the original stonework.
My mom and her siblings, along with my brother in law all attended Allison.
In 1996, Allison was dissolved, moving students to Hamilton and Hadley.
The following year the school reopened as Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School.
Check out Wichita’s other schools.