The Whittier School Building has a rich historical heritage that dates back to its construction in the 1930s. This irregular rectangular building is a vernacular version of many WPA type projects that were constructed during the Great Depression. In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Whittier School was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 2007.
The Whittier School Building is an excellent example of the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style that was popular during the early 20th century. Its exterior walls are made of brick, and a stone belt course exists on all elevations along with modillion blocks near the roofline. A soldier brick course is featured between the top of the second story windows and the modillion blocks. The building has a red clay tile hipped roof. Stone sills and lintels are featured on all the windows. All the windows are original with the exception of five windows.
Despite its age, the Whittier School Building still retains a high percentage of original materials. For instance, the parquet wood flooring in the classrooms, the woodwork trim in the entire interior of the building, the terrazzo floors in the hallways, the plaster walls, and ceilings are all original. The original hardwood shelving in the library has also been preserved.
The building was designed to accommodate the new educational concept of the time, which aimed to provide students with a more comprehensive education. The Whittier School Building is an adaptation to the changing times in the field of education, which had moved on from the one-room school house and was now experiencing an era of innovation and growth.
The Whittier School Building is a two-story rectangular building with distinctive characteristics, including a four-story bell tower located at the southeast corner of the structure. The tower features a clock face on all four sides, and the bell was originally used to signal the start and end of each class period.
The interior of the Whittier School Building is no less impressive than its exterior. The classrooms are spacious with high ceilings, which allow the rooms to remain cool in the hot southern summers. The rooms have large windows that let in ample light, and most of these windows still retain their original design.
The gymnasium is the largest space in the Whittier School Building, and it is located on the first floor of the building. The gymnasium has a raised stage at one end, which was designed for school plays, concerts, and other events. The stage has a beautiful proscenium arch, which is another hallmark of the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The gymnasium is also equipped with a hardwood floor and metal basketball goals.
The auditorium is located on the second floor of the Whittier School Building, and it is accessed from the second-floor hallway. The auditorium has a beautiful, coffered plaster ceiling, which is a characteristic of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The auditorium also has decorative plasterwork around the stage area and beautiful arched windows that let in plenty of light.
The library is located in the northeast corner of the Whittier School Building on the second floor. It is a beautiful space with hardwood shelving that is original to the building. There is also an original fireplace in the library, which was used for heating the space during the winter.
The Whittier School Building is an important landmark in the community, and it played an essential role in the education of generations of students in Durham, North Carolina. It is also an important example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which was a popular architectural style during the first half of the 20th century.
Overall, the Whittier School Building is a remarkable landmark that attests to the rich history and culture of the Durham community. The building embodies the educational and architectural ideals of the time of its construction and is a lasting symbol of the successes of public education in Durham. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places ensures its preservation for future generations of students and visitors to enjoy.
Posted by South Dakota National Register of Historic Places on 2021-01-06 21:37:13