Central High School

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. Central High School Marker

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From the National Register Nomination:
Built in 1936-1937, Central High School (now known as Central Middle School) is a locally prominent landmark that derives its significance from two principal areas: Education and Architecture. The property is eligible for listing in the National Register under for its role in the development of the Devils Lake School System. Central High School is also nominated to the National Register for being an excellent and rare example of a high architectural style, Art Deco, in Devils Lake. In 1935, local architect John Marshall and Nairne W. Fisher of St. Cloud, Minnesota, drew up preliminary plans for a building that would meet present and future needs of the school district. These plans were used as a basis for an application to the federal government

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. Central High School Marker

Located on right side of front/south entrance.

through the Works Progress Administration for a grant of $159,545, which represented 45% of the total costs now estimated at $360,000. On December 5, 1935, the citizens of Devils Lake School District voted to issue $175,000 in bonds. The issue passed by an overwhelming majority of eleven to one. Construction began in June 1936 and was completed in June 1937.

The new Central High School was considered one of the most modern and innovative school structures in the United States. The building housed approximately 1,200 students in thirty classrooms, twelve special rooms, twelve office rooms, fifteen large and small toilets, eleven service spaces, and five janitorial closets. Central High School housed grades seven through twelve until the fall of 1992, when Devils Lake dedicated a new high school on the north end of the city. Central became Central Middle School for grades five through eight. Its exterior appearance remains relatively unchanged. New windows, which mimic the originals, and new doors were installed in 2000.

Central Middle School was built in 1936. It was designed by architects John Marshall of Devils Lake and Nairne W. Fisher of St. Cloud, Minnesota in Art Deco style. It includes a 1964-installed central

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. Central High School (front/south entrance)

The marker is mounted just to the right of the entrance. The inscription above the front door is: Dedicated to the perpetuation of the traditions and ideals of American citizenship.

clock system that rings bells and controls clocks in all classrooms, replacing usage of a pendulum-regulated, original, 1936 clock, which remains in place in a basement below the main office.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

4. Central High School (south elevation)

From the National Register Nomination:  Central High School is a two-story symmetrical building with a partial basement. The building is Art Deco style with hints of Art Moderne. The main level, which is considered the ground level, is approximately 42 inches higher than the front exterior grade level. The grade level around the building is quite similar on all four sides. Entry to the main level is made by a series of stairs located at the exterior and interior entrances. The exterior stairs consist of three limestone risers to the entry doors into the interior vestibule and an additional set of stairs constructed of terrazzo. The stair vestibule leads directly into the main corridor of the school. The entire building is brick, highlighted with limestone. The brick is light cream in color with a wire-cut finish and was manufactured in North Dakota. The building is mainly running bond brick with accents of saw-tooth and some panel areas of header bond located between the main floor window and second floors windows.