214 S Elizabeth St, Wichita, KS 67213
Franklin Elementary School is named after Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was an American publisher, diplomat, writer, printer, statesman, scientist, inventor, and political philosopher. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin wrote and signed the United States Declaration of Independence.
The school’s history dates back to 1886 with a small brick building. Construction on the current art deco building started in April 1941.
My mom and her siblings attended Franklin as they lived down the street on Dodge.
According to A History of Wichita Public School Buildings, during construction, students were sent to ten different schools. The principal, Miss Gertrude Dowd rode a bus from school to school and was given the nickname of the “Circuit Riding Principal.”
The building was remodeled in October 2002. One of the things I appreciated is that the remodel took cues from the original structure, adding the same decorative flare to the new buildings.
Did you go to Franklin? Add a fond memory or a favorite teacher in the comments.
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