Spokane Falls Bets on a Grand New Schoolhouse

Spokane Falls is plainly to be the educational center of a large section of the Northwest as well as its manufacturing and distributing point. The town has been busy with building and business, but its people have not lost sight of good schools. Last winter the children were taught in a building that had become too small and too worn for the growing population. The trustees called an election to vote a direct tax for a new schoolhouse, and the proposition carried almost unanimously. After weighing several sites, the authorities chose a block at the southern extremity of Howard Street, then belonging to the railroad. The location was excellent, within easy reach of every part of the city, and the railroad officers generously donated half the price of the block. An architect prepared an elegant drawing of a frame building suited to the purpose, and the plan was accepted. Mr. Oliver was the successful bidder and began gathering material. The building is to front north, with a projecting entrance and bell tower. On the ground floor are two school rooms 24 by 32 feet, cloak rooms, wood closets, and a private reception or recitation room. The second floor has two more school rooms 24 by 32, a private room, closets, cloak rooms, and an ample hall. Blackboards, platforms, and necessary furnishings are to match the exterior and interior. Particular attention is being paid to ventilation and comfort. The house is to be hard finished and putty painted throughout. The trustees have ordered the best improved furniture and intend to spare neither expense nor trouble. An able corps of teachers will be employed, though the selection has not yet been made. The entire cost of the addition to the city will amount to some $3,000. It will meet present needs and will always be an attractive educational institution. When the schoolhouse is finished and the departments are in place, Spokane Falls will possess as fine a public school as could be desired.