Similar story as many other abandoned North Side schools: the Samuel Cupples Elementary School was designed by revolutionary architect Rockwell M. Milligan in 1918, and it now sits empty.
It’s a very simple design, and I like its reserved Tudor Revival style.
I strongly suspect there was additional ornamentation on the two flanking wings on the east and west ends of the building. If there was, it had already been removed by 1951, when the above historic photo was taken.
The central trunk is one of the most unadorned of all Ittner/Milligan schools.
But the compound chimneys break the monotony of the roofline.
This was my elementary school K-8th grade. A lot of great memories. I remember so many phenomenal teachers and principals. I formed some amazing friendships that as endured through six -plus decades. When I go home to visit there are several places that I like to go by and just reflect. Even though I no longer live in St. Louis it will always be home. 💜
I have so many memories of this school. I attended kindergarten through 8th grade so many great teachers. Mr. O’Dell Clark, Mrs. Worth, Mrs. Evans , Ms.Haskins. ETC.. I can go on and on. Mr. Ellsworth Evans was the Principal he would visit each and every classroom.
I attended Cupples Elementary from 2nd grade thru 8th grade, 1962 to 1968. It was a beautiful school on the inside as well. It had 2 beautiful marble stairwells, one leading to Mr. Evans’ office, who was the principal at the time. I can name other teachers such as Ms. Phillips (in the portables), Mr. Ray, Mrs. Tandy, Mrs. Holliday, Ms. Sheppard, Mrs. Rich, etc. Cupples had a school song that I remember singing. I still have lifetime friendships with some of my classmates from Cupples.
I attended Cupples Elementary from 1969 to 1978. We lived a couple of blocks from the school on 4936 Lotus St. We would run down the alley across the open field to school. We could hear the bell ringing as we raced toward the building. Mr. Evans was the principal when I started, Donald Laddy was the principal when I graduated 8th grade. Interestingly My kindergarten teacher was also my 8th grade teacher! Mrs. Harris. I also remember another favorite teacher of mine, Mrs. Holliday. I remember one teacher named Eve Zintel, in 3rd grade I believe, passed suddenly upon getting the news that both of her parents had passed at or near the same time. I remember Mrs. Gooden, Mrs Tandy. I would be interested to know where some of these people are now. I remember running track with my best friend at that time, Charles Simmons. I think I still have my class 8th grade photograph somewhere in my basement with all of my memorabilia over the years. I graduated 8th grade 48 years ago!