Its central location and cherished history make Edison an anchor in Eugene's past - and its future. Most of its students live within walking distance. Several schools awarded honorable mentions are facing the tough issues challenging historic schools nationwide. Three historic schools in Corning, N.Y, may be closed forever, and Webster Elementary School in Collinsville, Ind., may be demolished for a new school. Such threats put America's historic schools on the National Trust's 2000 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Demolition is most often unnecessary.
On the flip side of the issue are contest-winning schools that have been renewed thanks to the foresight and hard work of their communities. Somersworth, N.H. Stewart Ave. Va. The contest was open to non-profit groups, schools, school districts and state and local governments involved in promoting the continued use of older and historic neighborhood schools as educational facilities. Posters were chosen for successfully reflecting the enduring public values and unique contributions of the people who learn, teach, and play in older and historic neighborhood schools, and for illustrating how such buildings provide students with a unique and enriching educational setting, express civic pride, and help anchor traditional, walkable neighborhoods. National Trust and National Building Museum staff reviewed the 145 contest entries.