The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-31
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 81, 1914
Where We Might Build a
New SchoolhouSe

The compact or village portion of
Skowhegan may be- said 10 extend from
somewhat beyond the junction of Main
and Bloomfield streets, on the south,
to Cold Brook. and from the residence
of Herbert Wentworth, on the west, to
the foot of Eddy Hill. Accepting
these limits as approximately cor
rect. the center of the area thus in
cluded falls on the lots owned and
occupied BY the town for school pur-
poses on Leayitt Street. The Lincoln
school building is doubtless very near
the geographical center OF our village
and the population center would not
vary much from the same point.
This study in local geography is Of
special interest because a new High
School building, or enlargement OF the
old one, is SURE to be discussed at the
coming March meeting, There are
those who recommend buying land ad-
Joining the Lincoln and Garfield area
and building a new building for High
School purposes. The central loca-
ton above noted is an important argu-
ment, though by no the only
II bearing on the question. The
land adjoining the present school
grounds on the east, has a frontage
of twelve rods on Leayitt Street, six
teen rods on North Avenue and four
teen rods on Lawton Street. This in
cludes the Uniyersalist Church lot and
property assessed under the names of
Goodrich, Merrill, Lewia and Atkins.
The valuation for land and buildings,
based on the town assessment books,
is about $4,000. The wners would be
sure to ask more than the assessed
valuation but probably the buildings
could be sold for removal for enough
to keep the purchase price below
$4,000, perhaps down to the $4,000 al
ready mentioned. If any portion of
the property vas held at an eXorbit-
ant price, the town could take it by
right of Eminent Domain.
The purchase of the land above men,
toned and the erection of a new high
school building would be sure to cost
more than the enlargement of the Is
land structure. 1t is reasonable to
expect, however, that the result would
be more satisfactory upon the general
principle, that a new building is bet
ter than an old one %remodeled. The
grouping of three school buildings in
the square, bounded by Court, Lawton,
North and Leavitt Streets, would give
a very fine appearance. Some econ
omies would result in the way of ad-
ministration, |janitor service. etc. On
the other hand, educators always
avoid placing High School pupils in
the same building with grade schools,
or even in nearby buildings where the
Fairgrounds are used in common. In
the above proposition it would be pos
oiDiC W SGT d new DullutHB wen Out
toward North Avenue, SO that it could
have practically grounds of its own,
and yet be in harmony as to location
with the Garfield and Lincoln schools
and the shape of the square
Another possibility as to High
School location occurs in the same
part of the town, the unoccupied area
back or the residences which front on
LeaVitt and Madison Streets, still an
other between Lawton and Winter
Streets. There are doubtless lots
elsewhere sufficiently central, that
would be available. All should be
studied before the town comes to a
decision of SO much Importance.
For SkOWhegan People