When Central School first opened its doors to students around 1884, handicap accessibility wasn’t a consideration. This accessibility wasn’t incorporated at any time during the long history of the school, which was continuously open until it closed at the end of the 1979-80 school year. It’s time for change.
We are currently in phase 1 of a handicapped accessibility project, which would add a wheelchair ramp to the north side of the building. We received a $5,000 grant from the Calhoun County Community Foundation this spring. We’ve also received support from the Lake City Alumni Association and other donors.
We plan to begin Phase 1 yet this year. We’re also planning ahead for phases 2, 3 and 4 for subsequent years. These phases will include a power door, a chair lift to the second floor and a handicapped-friendly family bathroom.
We welcome your financial support for this project and other ongoing projects at Central School. Since acquiring the building after its closing, Central School Preservation, Inc., a non-profit (501 © (3)) corporation has endeavored to preserve Historic Central School as a cultural heritage center for Lake City and the surrounding area.
We receive no federal, state or local tax funds for these purposes but depend on donations and grants for all of our operating funds. During the last thirty or so years, the iconic bell tower has been restored, windows have been upgraded, a new roof installed, the building tuck pointed, trim painted and the physical plant maintained in an admirable manner. In addition, partially through a Calhoun County Community Foundation grant we have begun a project of cataloging and labeling of the collection of historical memorabilia which we have acquired through the years.
Help us fill Historic Central School’s wish list
If Historic Central School is to reach its potential, we need the support of all of those who are interested in remembering and preserving the uniqueness of small-town Iowa.
Our list is a long and in some cases expensive one, but then, it’s a valuable piece of our heritage that we’re trying to preserve. We don’t expect to accomplish it all this coming year, but here goes:
- Handicapped accessibility. As noted above, Phase 1 for this year is a wheelchair ramp. Phases 2, 3 and 4 for subsequent years will include a power door, a chair lift to the second floor and a handicapped-friendly family bathroom.
- Digital imaging of the newspaper. The newspapers in our collection of back issues of the Lake City Graphic are becoming more brittle and fragile with age. The Graphic collection is as complete as exists and is invaluable in researching Lake City history. Limited collections from neighboring towns will also be included as funds are available.
- Building climate control. A century-plus old heating infrastructure and a younger, but still aging, boiler leave a lot to be desired in efficiency and ability to maintain a stable interior climate conducive to preserving some of the valuable antiquities which we strive to save for future generations.
All financial support is welcomed and appreciated. Donations can be mailed to Historic Central School, 211 S. Center Street, Lake City, IA 51449. For more information, call 712-464-8639, or e-mail centralschool@windstream.net. Thank you for being a friend of Historic Central School!