Davenport in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Davenport School1927
Photographed by Diane Murphy, January 8, 2025
1. Davenport School-1927 Marker (front)
In 1883, Reverend James E. Bowen and Francis M. Gill built and opened the Bowen Settlement School, that became the first school in the northeast section of Polk County. In the early 20th century, population growth prompted the need for a new school and a two-room, wood-frame school building was established.
By August 1921, the Florida Land Boom and an increase in population trends necessitated a more substantial building. Plans and specifications were approved, and a new yellow brick grammar school was constructed and completed in 1922.
Architectural plans by James M. McMichael were approved and Streater Brothers of Lakeland was selected to construct the new Davenport School, completed in 1927. This school became the first high school in Davenport to offer grades one through twelve. The educational needs of both the Davenport and Loughman communities were served by this school.
By 1931, the school was reconfigured to accommodate grades one through nine. It was thereafter known as the Davenport Grammar School. It continued to serve junior high students until the 1963 school year. In 1964, the school became Davenport
this page online
In 2000, the Davenport Elementary School became the Davenport School of the Arts. It served the Davenport community as a school of choice until it outgrew the facility. In 2011, it relocated to a new building constructed near the original site of the Bowen Settlement School.
The 1927 school building was restored with extensive additions utilizing Classical Revival architectural features for both the restoration and new The Davenport Elementary School welcomed students in the newly restored building in August 2020.
A Polk County Heritage Site sponsored by the McKnight family in memory of former trustee of Davenport District #38 Mrs. Johnnie A. McKnight
Erected 2022 by The Polk County Historical Commission, Davenport Historical Society, and Polk County School Board. (Marker Number PCHC-030.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1927.
Location. 28° 9.425′ N, 81° 36.034′ W. Marker is in Davenport, Florida, in Polk County. It is on Palmetto Street West west of South Suwanee Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map.
Photographed by Diane Murphy, January 2025
2. Davenport School-1927 (back)
Regionally, this marker is in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Peter Rust Civic Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Davenport Historical Society (approx. 0.2 miles away); Davenport City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Oakland Neighborhood Business District (approx. 2.8 miles away); Historic Oakland High School (approx. 2.9 miles away); Historic Myers & Wiley Athletic Field (approx. 3 miles away); Oak-Hill Cemetery (approx. 3.3 miles away); Originally the State Bank of Haines City (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in
Photographed by Diane Murphy, January 2025
3. Davenport School-1927 Marker
Photographed by Diane Murphy, January 2025
4. Davenport Elementary School
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2025, by Diane Murphy of Saint Cloud, Florida. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 8, 2025, by Diane Murphy of Saint Cloud, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
