Franklin School
The school , built in 1892 on Walnut Street on the city ’ s east side , housed elementary and junior high students until 1972 , when junior high students went to Walsh Junior High . The elementary school closed after the 1982-83 school year , and elementary students were sent to the current Wilson Elementary School .
The Franklin School , which served both elementary and junior high students , as it is seen in 1969 . The school was built on Walnut Street , serving Ottumwa ’ s east side . / The Lemberger Collection
Garfield School
The elementary school was the fourth to be built in the city , and took on much of the same monolithic architecture as its predecessors . Constructed in 1882 , it was located at 304 N . Ash St . to accommodate students on the east side of the city . It ceased operations in 1951 , when a bond referendum to improve the quality of schools led to the creation of Wilson , just west of the property .
“ We had a great janitor , Ivan Blomgren . He struck the fear of God in your heart , and he looked very gruff , but he had a heart of gold , and he took care of that building , like it was his own home .”
-Molly Myers Naumann
Hedrick School
The school served students on the northwest side for 79 years between 1889 and 1968 . It was built between Douglas and Fairview schools on Summit Street , one of the steepest streets in the city . The school featured terrific views of the city , especially the west end of the Des Moines River and Turkey Island . Rail lines ran near the school as well .
The Hedrick School , built in 1889 on Summit Street , is one of the highest points in Ottumwa . The school served elementary students until 1968 . / The Lemberger Collection
We Are Ottumwa 9