Laramie Plains Civic Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Side School
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Laramie Plains Civic Center in 2014
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | 710 East Garfield St., Laramie, Wyoming |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1878 |
| Architect | Peter Hanson |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000610 |
| Added to NRHP | March 17, 1981 |
The Laramie Plains Civic Center is a special place in Laramie, Wyoming. It used to be known as the East Side School. This building is very old! It was first built in 1878. It was the oldest public school building in all of Wyoming. Today, it's a busy center for art and community activities. People use it for performances, art studios, and even small businesses.
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History of the East Side School
The East Side School opened as a high school in 1878. It was the first building made just for a school in Wyoming. The start of its construction was a big event for the town. The school building was made bigger in 1928 and again in 1939. Later, when a new high school was built, it became a junior high school. The school finally closed its doors in 1978.
From School to Community Hub
Right after the school closed, people started planning. They wanted to turn the old school into a community center. This new center opened in 1982. It became a place where everyone in Laramie could gather.
Building Design and Changes
The first part of the school was built in 1878. It had four classrooms on the main floor. It also had two classrooms upstairs. This part of the building looked like the first courthouse in Laramie.
Later Additions and Art
In 1928, the school got bigger. Architect Wilbur Hitchcock designed this new part. It had a simple Gothic style. This means it had pointed arch shapes made of limestone. The addition included more classrooms. It also added an auditorium and a gymnasium.
The auditorium was very special. It had large oil paintings on canvas. These paintings were about 19 feet (about 5.8 meters) tall. They showed important moments from Wyoming's history. Florence Ware painted these amazing murals. Her father, Walter E. Ware, helped with the design. He took over the building plans after Mr. Hitchcock passed away.
A Historic Landmark
The East Side School became a very important building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 17, 1981. This happened as it was changing into the Laramie Plains Civic Center. Being on this list means it's a special historic place.
