Maeser Elementary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Maeser Elementary School
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Maeser Elementary School
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | 150 South 500 East Provo, Utah |
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| Area | approximately 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Richard C. Watkins |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival, Romanesque Revival |
| MPS | Entreprenurial Residences of Turn-of-the-Century Provo TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004177 |
| Added to NRHP | July 26, 1982 |
Maeser Elementary was an elementary school located in Provo, Utah. It was named after a famous educator, Karl G. Maeser. Built in 1898, it holds the title of the oldest school building in Provo. The school was designed by the well-known architect Richard C. Watkins. He also designed other important buildings in the area, like the Provo Third Ward Chapel and Amusement Hall and the Thomas N. Taylor Mansion.
Who Was Karl G. Maeser?
Karl G. Maeser was born in Germany. In 1855, he and his wife, Anna Therese Meith, were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They planned to move to Utah soon after. However, their journey was delayed because they chose to serve several missions for the church. The Maesers finally arrived in Utah in 1860.
In Utah, Maeser ran different schools. He also served more missions. In 1876, he was asked to start an academy for the church. This academy became known as the Brigham Young Academy. Today, it is Brigham Young University. Karl G. Maeser was the director, principal, and instructor of the academy. Heber J. Grant, a president of the church, once said that many successful people gave credit to Brother Maeser's strong character and influence.
History of Maeser Elementary
The area where Provo now stands was settled in 1849. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built Fort Utah near the Provo River. These settlers, often called Mormons, had traveled west from Nauvoo, Illinois. They were led by Brigham Young and settled in the Great Salt Lake area of Utah. Provo was the first settlement in Utah Valley. It was part of a plan to create a chain of communities stretching from Salt Lake City. These Mormon communities were designed using a grid system, as directed by their leaders.
The first schools in Provo were held in public buildings or private homes. In 1851, the Provo City council gained the power to create and support common schools. By 1853, property taxes were approved to help build schools. Before the 1870s, school buildings in Provo were small adobe structures. Then, in 1875, one united school district was formed. This led to an era of better buildings and schools. In 1898, the Board of Education approved plans to build Maeser Elementary. The school was officially opened on November 9, 1898. Karl G. Maeser was the special guest of honor at the dedication.
Maeser Elementary was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. At that time, it was the oldest public school in Provo still being used. It was also noted as one of the best examples of the work of Utah architect Richard C. Watkins.
Maeser School Today
Over time, the number of students at Maeser School, known as its enrollment, became smaller. Because of this, the decision was made in 2001 to close the school. The 6th grade class of 2002 was the last group of students to graduate from Maeser School.
The future of the historic Maeser School building became a big discussion in Provo. The mayor at the time, Lewis K. Billings, called it "The second biggest building controversy in the history of Provo." Eventually, the Provo City Housing Authority redeveloped the Maeser School. It was turned into senior housing. Now, it is known as Maeser School Apartments. This redevelopment project has won several awards. These include a grant from HGTV for historic preservation. It also won a Reader's Choice award from Affordable Housing Finance. It even received a "Best in State" award for City planning.
The Daily Herald newspaper wrote about the school's new purpose. They said it seemed fitting that the historic Maeser School, which once housed young children, now houses senior residents. They noted that older people often remember what it was like to be young. Perhaps, they suggested, some elderly people who attended Maeser School as children might even find a welcome home there in their later years.
- Historic Provo. 2002 Provo City Landmarks Commission.
- Temme, Debbie; Cannon, Ken; Hartman, Cheryl. National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form. United States Department of the Interior Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. Summer 1980.
