“Imagine historical figures holding lamps of enlightenment.” This is just one of the many details that make Fulton Elementary School special. This historic school building sits in Philadelphia. It is in the Morton neighborhood.
Fulton Elementary School has a rich history. The school was designed by Irwin T. Catharine. It was built between 1935 and 1937. The building’s construction cost $450,000. It was formally dedicated on October 8, 1937. The school replaced four older buildings. These buildings had a combined capacity of 700 students.
The old Fulton School was built in 1866. Harmer School was built around 1897. It was formerly part of St. Methodist Church. The two Lafayette School structures dated back to approximately 1874 and 1786. The new building could accommodate 1,200 students.
Fulton Elementary School was named after Robert Fulton. He was an industrialist, an inventor, and an artist. Fulton helped develop steamboating. He turned it from an experiment into a success. He also designed inland waterways. Fulton created a submarine. He also designed a steam warship.
The architecture of Fulton Elementary School is striking. It is a three-story building. It is made of brick and limestone. The school was built in the Moderne style. It features ribbon bands of windows. Large brick piers support the structure. A main entrance tower stands prominently.
Fulton Elementary School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Sadly, the school closed in 2013. This was due to declining enrollment. The closure was a loss for the community.
The closure impacted teachers and students. State Representative Stephen Kinsey argued to keep Fulton open. He wanted it to feed into a K-12 facility. The School Reform Commission decided to expand Roosevelt. Fulton was folded into Roosevelt’s roster.
Teachers worried about their former students. Some Head Start programs were shut down. Teachers felt that the children would not have access to resources. Some students had to travel farther to get to school.
Today, Fulton Elementary School stands as a reminder of the past. Its architectural details still inspire. It represents a time when education was a community priority. Though closed, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who attended. It lives on in the neighborhood it served. The school’s history is etched in its walls. Its story continues to be told.