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Armstrong Manual Training School
Armstrong Manual Training School.jpg
Friendship Armstrong Academy is located in Central Washington, D.C.
Friendship Armstrong Academy
Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location 1400 First St., NW
Washington, D.C.
Area less than one acre
Built 1902
Architect Waddy B. Wood
Architectural style Renaissance Revival
NRHP reference No. 96000893
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP August 16, 1996

Friendship Armstrong Academy is a public charter school in Washington, D.C.. It is located in the Truxton Circle neighborhood. This school is housed in a historic building. It was once known as the Armstrong Manual Training School. It was also called the Samuel Chapman Armstrong Technical High School. This school has a long history, especially for African-American students.

A Look Back: The School's History

The Armstrong Manual Training School opened in 1902. It was built on land that cost about $15,000. The school was first called Manual Training School No. 2. Later, its name changed to Armstrong Manual Training School. It was named after Samuel C. Armstrong, a Union General.

Education for African-American Students

At that time, schools in Washington, D.C., were separate. This meant students of different races went to different schools. Armstrong Manual Training School was created for African-American students. Another school, William McKinley Manual Training School, was for white students. These schools taught practical skills, like trades.

On October 24, 1902, a famous educator, Dr. Booker T. Washington, spoke at the school's opening. The school is located on P Street, between First and Third Streets, Northwest. In 1918, the school building was even used as a hospital. It helped African-American patients during the influenza outbreak.

Growing and Changing

The school grew over time. An extra building, called the Armstrong High Annex, was added. It was officially opened on April 24, 1927. Important city leaders and school officials attended the ceremony.

Armstrong High School stopped being a high school in 1958. After that, the building was used for different purposes. From 1958 to 1964, it was Veterans High School. Then, it became the Armstrong Adult Education Center in 1964. The D.C. Board of Education closed the school in 1996.

A New Chapter

The building was recognized as a historic place in 1996. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the building is home to Friendship Armstrong Academy. It now serves as an elementary public charter school.

Building Design and Features

The school building was designed by Waddy B. Wood. He was a well-known architect in Washington. Construction started in 1900 and finished in 1902. The building and its site cost about $140,000. The equipment inside cost another $38,800.

Architectural Style

The school's design is in the Renaissance Revival style. This means it looks like buildings from the Renaissance period. It has a balanced look with a central part that sticks out. Classical details, like fancy carvings and columns, make the building look grand.

The outside of the building is made of yellow brick. The decorations are made from limestone. The windows have flat arches above them. In the middle section, tall columns separate the windows. The main doors have special carved limestone designs.

Inside the School

The school had its own power plant. It used two large engines and boilers. These created electricity for lights, heat, and power. The entire building was lit by electricity.

Inside, there were classrooms for regular subjects. There were also four science labs. Students could do experiments in physics and chemistry. The school had shops for practical skills. These included machine work, wood-turning, and carpentry. Students learned a lot about mechanics.

Later additions were made to the building. An annex was built between 1924 and 1927. These new parts were designed to match the original building's style.

What Students Learned

The school's teaching plan followed ideas from Samuel C. Armstrong and Booker T. Washington. It focused on training African-American students in various trades. The idea was that all types of work, whether with your hands or your mind, are important.

When the school first opened, it had 24 teachers. There were 342 students, but only 303 seats. To help with this, the school board asked for more money. They wanted to build more seating and shop areas.

As the school grew, it offered many subjects. Students learned both academic topics and technical skills. The new annex was built to help students get ready for jobs. This was especially for those who might not go to college after high school.

Notable People

Many interesting people have been part of the Armstrong Manual Training School.

Principals

  • Wilson Bruce Evans, 1902 – 1912
  • Garnet C. Wilkinson, 1915 – 1916
  • Carter G. Woodson, 1917 – 1918
  • Benetta B. Washington
  • Francis A. Gregory
  • Lashawn Brown
  • Jeffery Scanlon
  • Dr. Joseph Webb

Faculty and Alumni

See also

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in the District of Columbia
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