The North Atchison school, Sixth and Division streets, was occupied for school purposes in September, 1885. The lots cost $800 and the building, equipment and retaining walls, $5,381.94. On October 5, 1892, the name of this school was changed to “The John A. Martin School.” This building was used till the last of May, 1915. Immediately after the close of school, May 28, 1915, it was wrecked to make way for the new building now in course of construction. The added ground, secured by condemnation, cost $6,200 and the building, equipment and improvement of grounds will cost, approximately, $56,500. During the year 1915–16 this school is housed in the Ingalls building.
The West Atchison school building, named Franklin school, February 2, 1880, was, originally, a three-room, one-story brick, costing $2,617.10. This was changed to six rooms by the addition of a second story in 1883, at a cost of $2,498, and was remodeled and changed to an eight-room building in 1908, at a cost of $12,500, and reoccupied early in 1909. The lots cost $400. During the change in Franklin, the pupils were housed in the “Green-Tree House” and in a vacant store room at 1521 Main street.
The Lincoln school (colored), Eighth and Atchison streets, was originally a three-room, one-story brick building erected in 1871 at a cost of $2,425. The lots cost $750. In 1883, this was changed to a six-room building at a cost of $2,498. This is the only school building in the city not modernized.
The records reveal some interesting things. In 1878 it was decided that “the work of the grades should be completed in eight years.” In 1884 an attempt was made to establish a branch high school in South Atchison. While this failed, it was voted that “a sub-junior grade be maintained in the Washington school.” This was discontinued within a few years.
In March, 1883, it was ordered that the schools close because of lack of funds. The city council came to the rescue and appropriated $4,000 for school purposes. The schools re-opened March 29.
The school year was shortened several times in those early days.
The school spirit is in splendid condition. The increased material equipment is adding greatly to the educational opportunities. “Continuation schools” have been conducted for several years, with good attendance.
The improvements have been made without bonds, excepting the $100,000 issue for the high school in 1908. The total bonded indebtedness (January, 1916) is $122,000. Of this amount, $4,000 will be paid July 1, 1916. Of the issue of 1908, $94,000 remain unpaid, and will fall due in 1923. The $24,000 refunding bonds issued in 1913 will be due in 1933. The board of education is not using the full limit of its taxing power.
It is only fair to add a tribute at this point to the faithful, enthusiastic and efficient work rendered by Prof. Nathan T. Veatch to the public school system of Atchison. During the period of his service here, Atchison has seen its greatest development in its public school system, and this has not only been brought about by the fine public spirit that exists here but by the splendid co-operation which Prof. Veatch has given it.