The first Brainerd High School, known as “Washington High School,” was built in 1885 and lasted another 43 years before being destroyed by fire in 1928. The current building was constructed, occupied and dedicated on the same site in January 1930. The Educational Services Building (WESB), as it is now known, was added to in later years, but the now 94-year-old building has undergone improvements to heating, cooling and airflow throughout the facility, modern security additions, and the installation of energy-efficient heating. I had never experienced anything like that. , cooling and lighting technology, or modernization of interior spaces, including toilets.
Brainerd Public Schools (BPS) is nearing the end of BluePrint 181 building and facility upgrades, a project that was approved by the public seven years ago, completing everything that could not be accomplished during WESB’s long tenure. did.
The public is invited to attend a free celebration at WESB on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. The gala is an exclusive, optional tour of the first floor of his four-story building (including the basement). The tour includes commentary on old and new preserved features, important archival discoveries that occurred during the construction process, and new security arrangements. Also included are detailed observations and accompanying stories about the new Welcome Center, new historical exhibition space, historic gymnasium, and iconic Tonstrom. auditorium.
Superintendent Heidi Hahn will host the “New Washington” rededication program at Tornstrom at 5 p.m. During the program, an unopened time capsule of what was then Franklin Middle School will be opened by former Franklin teacher Barb Anderson and Hilary Swanson, a former Franklin student and current director of the Crow Wing County Historical Society. Both were enrolled at Franklin. When the time capsule was sealed in 1993.
The 2024 time capsule that will be opened in 2074 will be sealed into a new time capsule by the selected fourth graders who wrote letters to the future. The contents of this time capsule are based on what BPS archivists know to be historically relevant and interesting, including letters to the future from 30 Brainerd High School students, state, national and local newspapers, 1924 and Includes the 1974 Brainerd High School yearbook and some national newspapers. Regional Magazine, 2024 Farmers Yearbook, Taylor Swift’s CD, Crow Wing County Electric Vehicle Charging Station Map, November 2023 BPS Lunch His Menu, and more.
We invite you to take a look at this wonderful educational resource and cheer for what the 1993 time capsule told us, as this school stands ready to serve BPS families and the greater community well into the late 21st century. Celebrate the living artifacts of the building.
