The very first post for Tower Grove South was way back in April of 2009, almost two years after I started St. Louis Patina, and it was about the threatened demolition of Mann Elementary School. That seems like a million years ago, figuratively, since the school is doing very well, with a strong enrollment and little chance of being demolished now.
Opened in 1901, the school memorialized Horace Mann, the famous revolutionary Nineteenth Century educator. It is also typical of some Ittner/Milligan schools in that it does not have a central portal, but rather flanking twin entrances, similar to Mullanphy Elementary in Shaw and Dunbar. Perhaps it is not surprising, but as can be seen below in this photo from c. 1901, the school seems to have been designed and built in phases.
I like the design of this school, as it is simple and streamlined, and I would describe it as Tudor Revival, even if there are much more elaborate examples of that style in the St. Louis Public School system.
It is also one of those schools where there is a giant asphalt playground out front, which was certainly not the original landscaping plan, but nonetheless is what is now the present situation.
The most detailed ornament is on the compressed arch above one of the two main entrances.
The two copper cupolas also are a nice touch to the otherwise simple roofline.
Hello
I was a student at Horace Mann during the 1964-1965 (yeah, I’m a geezer!), and was wondering if there were any photographs of the interior taken around that time frame. Mostly, I’m interested in any of the decorative elements (lights, windows, stairwells, etc.) that may have existed around that time.
You have some excellent exterior photos on your web site. Glad to hear the school wasn’t demolished and is still being used.
Thank you!
There are some photos of classrooms and students from the 1960s. I can post them in a couple of weeks–not necessarily of the hallways, though.
Thank you!
Started school there in 1955!
I started at Mann school in 1945. First grade was Carol Pickering and eighth grade was Irene Coogan. I clearly remember all the teachers and their rooms. My parents also attended Mann school.
Everything about the school and that whole area was lovely then.
I only attended Mann school for Kindergarten, 1962-63. I have fond memories of Miss Pickering, our teacher.
I remember when I used to go to that school. I remember Ms.Dubbs, I forgot how to spell her name but I know it’s pronounced like that. I miss going there and I want to relive that memory but I know I can’t. Sometimes I even wonder if they still remember me like I do !! I miss being a kid and having to attend school there. I also remember when my male teacher always used to give me and my classmates these seasoned delicious breads !! I still sometimes eat them to remember that moment. I hope you guys are having a wonderful time now days. I really miss you guys and hope to visit my old teachers but I don’t know if I will. Lastly, thank you for having me and letting me attend this school and giving me memories to remember these times.