Downtown in Gary in Lake County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Emerson

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 30, 2022

1. Emerson Marker

Inscription.
Gary School Superintendent William Wirt used the Ralph Waldo Emerson School to be the first to use his new Work-Study-Play system of education, a "Whole Child" philosophy. This philosophy drew international attention to Emerson.

The building opened in 1909 and included an auditorium, gymnasium, pool, and even a zoo. St. Louis architect William Ittner designed the school. There were over seven laboratories, separate band and orchestra rooms, art studios, and rooms for industrial and household arts. Athletic facilities, advanced for their time, included an indoor swimming pool, and an upstairs running track.

Constructed 1909
Architect William Ittner

Erected by Knight Foundation, Legacy Foundation, Decay Devils, Gary Indiana.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 41° 36.269′ N, 87° 20.185′ W. Marker is in Gary, Indiana, in Lake County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East 4th Avenue (U.S. 12/20) and Broadway, on the right when traveling west on East 4th Avenue. The marker is in East Gateway Park mounted on the South Shore Line retaining wall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Broadway, Gary IN 46402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Memorial Auditorium (here, next to this marker); City Methodist Church (here, next to this marker); Gary Public Library (a few steps from this marker); Horace Mann (within shouting distance of this marker); Ambassador Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson Park Water Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Gary’s First Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Gateway Park / Gary Land Company Building / Union Station (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gary.

Also see . . . Emerson High School (Indiana). Wikipedia article.

In 1981, Emerson closed as a high school. For approximately 17 years, the facility housed a performing arts magnet program, which has since relocated and is still in operation. The original Emerson High School facility closed in 2008 due to lack of funds and building dilapidation, including mold.

(Submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana.)

Marker located with several others on the South Shore Line retaining wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 30, 2022

2. Marker located with several others on the South Shore Line retaining wall

Marker located across the street from City Hall and the Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 30, 2022

3. Marker located across the street from City Hall and the Courthouse

Emerson High School July 2023 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle

4. Emerson High School July 2023

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on July 7, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. 4. submitted on July 7, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.