Pipestone Schools Through the Years

1879 to 2020

INTERESTING FACT:

Since 1879 did you know that there were four different school buildings constructed on the now empty block on Hiawatha Avenue in Pipestone?

REBUILDING THE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WE KNEW

The High School building we remember was constructed after the second Central High School burned down in 1917. Some of the decorative stones from the second school building were salvaged and used again to trim the famous front entrance turrets of our old High School

❖ Before the school was rebuilt, classes were held throughout the city for the remainder of 1917 and all of 1918

❖ Stone salvaged after the blaze was used to trim the lower portion and the two front turrets on the new central school

❖ The High School building we remember was ready for use for the fall of 1919

❖ There were 34 faculty members and 1,050 students enrolled

GOODBYE TO THE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING in 2019

❖ By the mid-1990s Central School needed replacement. The building no longer met critical fire and safety codes. Though it took 3 tries, a bond issue was passed, and work began on a new building that would serve the district’s middle and high school aged students

❖ The last classes held in Central School dismissed for Christmas break in December 2002. When school resumed in January 2003, it was in the new facility

❖ The Central School building was sold to Dick Haase of Iowa for $1.00 in January of 2004. Mr. Haase stated plans to create senior living/retirement apartments in the facility

❖ In February 2006 Mr. Haase attempted to sell the building to Pipestone County due to personal health issues. A valuation for the property could not be agreed upon and the property remained in Mr. Haase’s possession

❖ In July 2013 the Central School building fell to tax forfeiture and become the responsibility of Pipestone County

❖ Central school was torn down / razed in 2019

NOTE: Photos and information courtesy of the Pipestone Historical Museum https://pipestonecountymuseum.com/

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