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The Classical Building
The 2003 People's Choice Award Winner!
The Classical Building was built on the site of the old
high school building, which was torn down in 1895. The
three-story building faced south from its position at the
intersection of Beech and Lowell streets. It was the most
modern and well equipped school building in the country at
the time, featuring ornate exterior designs, such as the
slate roof, copper adornments, yellow brick, and the
infamous oval stone plaques engraved with the names of
famous men of classical and modern times. The building also
had such amenities as electric and gaslights, a locked
cupboard for the teacher and even a small marble sink in
each closet with cold running water. Student comfort was
increased with a new ventilation system that could change
the air in the entire building in minutes. This was the most
beautiful and practical school in the country.
The Classical Building was dedicated in September 1897
during a gala event with speeches and musical renditions
being plentiful. Classes in all disciplines, including
cooking, sewing, and mechanics began that month. This
building also contained an astronomical dome that housed the
Alvan Clark telescope, purchased in 1876. As additional
buildings were constructed, classes were moved out of the
aging Classical Building. Today the Classical Building
houses the foreign language, special education, math, and
art departments, as well as a small number of science classes. The Little Green, CHS's award-winning newspaper,
also has its office here. There is also an assistant
principal located in this building. Classical Hall, once the
school's only performance area, still remains in use by the
Maskers and other groups.
Unfortunately, the Classical Building was the victim of
time and poorly executed repairs. Peeling paint covered
beautifully carved tin ceilings. Chunks of paint frequently
fell from the roof and walls of the classrooms, disrupting
class momentarily so everyone could have a good laugh. The
large windows and southerly facing building create intense
heat throughout the building in the summer. Lighting
fixtures frequently dislodged from their attachments,
resulting in many near misses and even some injuries to
students in past years. This building was one of the
greatest and could be again with a lot of work.
In recent years attempts to upgrade the building have
been made. The restrooms were renovated and a ventilation
was installed. The Classical Hall was cleaned and returned
to use as a stage. As with all the physical facilities at
the school, overcrowding is adding to the pressure on this
aging building that has served Central so well over the
decades.
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