| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. Similar to four other West Allis schools (three of which are discussed in the Recommendations Chapter), Longfellow School is Collegiate Gothic in style, rises three stories in height and is faced with brick. A two-story wing extends from the south end of the building and features canted corners. Two entrances are located along the primary facade, each of which is set within a gabled stone surround. Windows occupy the remaining upper level of the slightly projecting, entryway bays which terminate as a gabled parapet and are trimmed with stone-capped piers. The majority of the windows are set in bands and are rectangular; however, a pair of round-arched examples are located along the uppermost level at both the north and south ends. A stone inset inscribed with "LONGFELLOW SCHOOL" rests along the cornice/parapet. Narrow stone trim runs along the top of the raised basement level, as well as immediately above the second-floor windows. Window openings remain intact; however, original windows have been covered on the exterior by translucent material.
Constructed on land purchased from George L. Kappel, the first Longfellow School was built in 1920 and consisted of two rooms. The school was named after poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The existing Longfellow School was built in 1927 at an estimated cost of $45,000 and was designed by the firm of Lindl & Schutte. Within just over one year, a $20,000 addition was constructed at the north end of the building. In 1956, an $130,000 wing (opened in September 1957) was added at the rear of the school (both additions were done by Lindl & Schutte). The school continues to function as Longfellow School and contains grades K4 to 6th.
The subject school was part of a significant school-building program in West Allis between the mid- to late-1920s. Furthermore, the subject school building is a very good example of the Collegiate Gothic style of architecture, a style commonly employed for educational structures. Indeed, the windows have been covered with a modern material, however, the original, multiple-light sash windows appear to remain intact. And although a large addition was made to the rear of the school in 1957, the wing is obscured from view when looking at the structure head-on from S. 60th Street.
2023: The windows were replaced throughout the building, including the additions, in 1984. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Leonard A. Szudy "A Half Century of Public Education In West Allis, Wisconsin, From 1906 to 1959" (College dissertation for the Colorado State College, 1960)78-79. Located at the West Allis Historical Society, West Allis, WI.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of West Allis, Wisconsin, 1927, 1927-1951.
Permit, dated 27 April 1927; permit for addition (to north), dated 20 June 1928; permit for addition (to NW), dated 6 September 1956.
"West Allis Schools Show Large Increase in Enrollment," West Allis Star, 15 December 1927, Section 2; includes photo of Lngfellow. |
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