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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, April 4, 1021, pg. 8 We conclude our series of the history of Washington Gardner High School in Albion. After a series of legal challenges in the early 1960s, a new Albion High School was erected on Watson Street. The new Albion High School (named after nobody) opened for classes on January 9, 1967. The class of 1967 was the first to graduate at the new high school. The Washington Gardner building then became a Junior High School consisting of grades 7 through 9. On a personal note, this writer remembers how crowded the school was the first semester that 1966-67 year, and it was "three to a locker" for us Junior High students. After the high school students moved out, we got to have our own individual lockers—a luxury for us. The hallways were also "bare" compared with the first semester. In 1971, the 9th grade classes were moved to Albion High School. Soon afterwards, the 6th grade was added to Washington Gardner, and its designation was changed to a Middle School. In later years, various combinations of grades were taught at Washington Gardner, including the popular "Open School" program. In 1996, Albion voters approved a bond issue which resulted in the extensive remodeling and upgrading of the Washington Gardner building. The pool was removed, a handicap-accessible ramp was added, an elevator was added, new windows were installed, new offices and storage space was added, two enclosed fire escapes were constructed, the auditorium was remodeled, and technological upgrades were installed. An atrium area was decorated with historical photographs, and the school bell was placed there. Renovations were made in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Unfortunately, because of Albion’s low tax-base, it took longer than expected to pay off the bonds, and Albion taxpayers were stuck with the remaining amounts for many years. The bond issue outlasted the school, for on December 8, 2009, the Albion Board of Education voted to close the Washington Gardner Middle School as quickly as possible as a cost-savings measure, due to a declining enrollment. At that time, a total of 200 students in grades 6-8 were taught there. The last day of classes were held on Friday, June 11, 2010. Thus ended the Albion Public Schools portion of this building’s history. The school board approved a proposal from Albion College to acquire the building for free, on August 9, 2011. Albion College President Donna Randall stated, "Albion College wishes to acquire the Washington Gardner School to ensure that it does not become a blighted property that would impede the Albion community’s economic recovery and, as the building borders Albion College, that would make it difficult for Albion College to attract students." It should be noted that the APS district taxpayers however were still liable to pay off the bond issue from 1996. What is the future of this building? Albion College has great plans for the facility. Classes are now being held here, and the College has plans to move its education, music, and theater departments here. In addition, the YMCA of Battle Creek is operating exercise classes, and COVID-19 testing is occurring in the gymnasium. What should we call the building? The Albion Middle School? The Junior High School? The correct answer is found printed on the front tower of this magnificent structure which states: "Washington Gardner High School." From our Historical Notebook this week we present a photograph the Honorable Washington Gardner (1845-1928), the namesake of Washington Gardner High School in Albion. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the "HIGH SCHOOL 1922" cornerstone in the west wing. Wouldn’t it be great if there could be a cornerstone opening event next year to reveal the items in the box there? This concludes our series about this topic.  Washington Gardner WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL Part 1 WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL, Part 2 WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL Part 3 WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL, Part 4 WASHINGTON GARDNER HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETED IN 1928, Part 5 All text copyright, 2024 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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