The Whittier School, located in Boise, Idaho, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 25th, 2007, due to its significance in architecture. The building was built during the 1930s as a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects, and its exterior walls are made of brick, along with a stone belt course that runs across all elevations. The building has an irregular rectangular shape, and the roof is made of red clay tiles, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The Whittier School building is a vernacular version of WPA-type projects constructed during the 1930s. The building features many original materials, including parquet wood flooring, woodwork trim, terrazzo floors, plaster walls and ceilings, and original hardwood shelving in the library. The building is well-preserved, and even the windows are original, with only a few replacements.
The building has significant historical importance, and it played a significant role in the history of education and architecture. Furthermore, the building is a reflection of the government’s response to the economic depression that gripped the country in the 1930s, and the WPA projects aimed at creating employment opportunities for the unemployed.
The Whittier School is an example of the emerging styles of architecture that were evident during the 1930s, including the Art Deco style, which is reflected in the terrazzo floors, curved walls, and smooth surfaces. The building also features stylistic elements from the traditional forms, such as the brick and stone exterior walls and the hipped roof, that give the building a sense of solidity and permanence, while the Art Deco elements testify to the building’s modernity.
The building’s design and construction are representative of the practical needs of the school, and the WPA’s emphasis on the use of cost-effective materials and simplified construction methods. The building was designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for children, with classrooms that are well-lit and provide ample space for teaching and learning, and the library that features original hardwood shelving that reflects the building’s functional and aesthetical purpose.
In conclusion, the Whittier School building is an excellent example of the government’s response to the economic depression of the 1930s and the importance of education to the community during that period. The building’s well-preserved architecture and original materials make it a treasure of historical importance, while the building’s design reflects the emerging trends of the 1930s and the WPA’s commitment to cost-effective construction methods. The Whittier School building is still standing today, and it is a testament to the enduring value of education and history.
Posted by South Dakota National Register of Historic Places on 2021-01-06 21:37:14