The Washington herald., 1921-12-11

one of the present members with
twinkle in his eye.
The school question is the one
most dear to the hearts Of the
members, however.
I'VE alone are responsible for the
erection of the lexington school
building" said it's present presi-
dent, Seldom NJ. Ely. The assocla-
ton had no school in that entire
district when they first organized.
Accordingly they gathered a school
children's census and presented il,
with other arguments, at a hearing
Of Congress. Commissioner Trues-
dale supported the association in its
plea for a public school. But he
also discouraged them by saying he
felt certain Of a lack OF response in
Congress.
Congress Responds Mt Once.
However, the undaunted members
of the association asked for esti-
mates and declared their intention
of trying. Truesdale willingly drew
up the estimates and the association
representatives appeared before a
special hearing of a subcommittee
VI NAAC appAOpA ldNlOHS Tee OL
Congress and argued their urgent
need. To their surprise, Congress
did respond at once and appropriat-
ed money for the building and site.
The site was chosen at First and
Quincy streets and the school erect
ed. 1t was filled to ovrfiowing al
once, and a new struggle for a sec
ond school doomed before the mem
bers at once.
About the same line of attack
was followed with the result Of a
new school-the Emery School on
Lincoln road and Prospect street
northwest. 1t was an eight-room
building, later enlarged to twelve
rooms to accommodate the steadily
growing population.
No school was now in the still
more northern district. which had
been settled by this time and the
lexington Association realized this.
Their own schools were receiving
the overflow of children from the
new district. The Gage School at
Second and U streets northwest.
was obtaind for that district.
battle for High school.
In 1919 the growing agitation for
a high school of their own in the
Bloomingdale district was taken
up by the association in earnest
and a drive was begun for an Eek
ington High School There was no
high school in all the northeast
section and there still is none. Sta
tistics were gathered by the presi-
dent and the Old routine battle I'M
dortaken. 1t resulted in the grant
Trarr Of
appropriations of $4,000 for a site
and 100000 for the commencement,
of the building. The site is A rve
acre lot on 7 street northeast, be-
tween First and Second streets and
running back to SeatOn street.
1t is supposed to be one of the
highest and most beautiful sites in
Washington with natural gradInE
for huge amphitheater and a
view looking out over Washington.
The movement began in the North
Capitol and lexington Citizens
Association and was soon taken
up by all surrounding associations
who felt the need of such a high
school. Those most active in CO.
operation with lexington were the
North WASHINGTON Association, the
Rhode Island. Central. Trinidad and
Brookland Citizens associations.
Need Not Filled.
However, the creation of a Junior
high school does not satisfy the
need. according to the executive
committee of the association. of a
genuine senior high school. for
which they have not given up hope
vet While the excellent site has
been chosen. no building has been
begun and the association is exert