You’re standing in front of the Bache-Martin School, a place where history and education intertwine. It’s a reminder of Philadelphia’s rich past, a testament to the city’s commitment to learning. Bache-Martin is more than just a school. It’s a complex that houses two buildings, each with its own unique story. Across the street, you see the three-story Bache School. It was designed in the Romanesque style, with elaborate arched windows and a prominent gable. It was built between 1905 and 1906, named in honor of Alexander Dallas Bache, a renowned physicist, scientist, and surveyor from Philadelphia. Bache’s legacy is evident in the school’s dedication to fostering scientific inquiry and exploration.
The Martin School is a one-story brick structure, designed in the Georgian Revival style. It was constructed in 1936 with WPA funding. This building is where the story takes a different turn. The Martin School was the first in Philadelphia to cater to physically handicapped students. It was named after Willis and Elizabeth Martin, a Philadelphia jurist and his philanthropist wife. This building served a critical role in making education accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Bache-Martin is a testament to the evolution of education in Philadelphia. It represents a commitment to providing quality education to all students, from the early days of scientific advancement to the important work of inclusivity. Today, Bache-Martin is a vibrant school, still serving students with the same dedication to learning that has defined it for over a century. These buildings are not just a place of learning, they’re also historical landmarks that speak to the city’s enduring commitment to making a difference in the lives of its children.