Wheatley Public School facts for kids
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Wheatley Public School
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Wheatley Public School, October 2014
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | 921 Garfield St., Poplar Bluff, Missouri |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Bonsack and Pearce Inc.; Miller, J.J. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| Part of | Garfield Historic District (ID100001686) |
| MPS | Poplar Bluff MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000037 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 13, 1998 |
| Designated CP | October 2, 2017 |
Wheatley Public School is a historic school building in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. It was built in 1928 and served as a school for African-American students. This was during a time when schools were separated by race, a practice known as segregation. The school continued to operate this way until 1958, when segregation ended.
The building is a two-story structure made of brick. It has a "U" shape and features the Colonial Revival style. This style often includes elements like grand entrances and symmetrical designs. Wheatley Public School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 because of its historical importance.
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A School for African-American Students
Wheatley Public School was built specifically to educate African-American children in Poplar Bluff. During the early to mid-1900s, many parts of the United States had laws that kept Black and White people separate. This separation was called segregation. It meant that Black students could not attend the same schools as White students.
Wheatley Public School provided education for the African-American community for many years. It was a central part of their lives. The school played a vital role in providing learning opportunities during a challenging time. In 1958, segregation officially ended in schools. This meant that students of all races could attend the same schools.
Architectural Style and Design
The school building was designed in the Colonial Revival style. This architectural style was popular in the United States during the early 20th century. It often takes inspiration from the look of buildings from the American colonial period.
The building has a strong, symmetrical design. It features a central gymnasium, which is a large hall used for sports and other activities. The school sits on a strong concrete foundation. It also has a flat roof, which is a common feature in many buildings from that era.
Part of a Larger Historic Area
Wheatley Public School is not just important on its own. It is also a key part of a larger area called the Garfield Historic District. This district includes several other important buildings. These buildings together tell a story about the history of Poplar Bluff.
The Garfield Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. This means that the entire area is recognized for its historical value. Being part of this district helps protect Wheatley Public School and its neighboring historic structures.
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