While you probably know that Wallingford Center was once the Interlake Public School, did you know about the school’s history? I sure didn’t, so I did a little bit of reading on HistoryLink and the Seattle Public Schools website here’s what I learned:
- The Interlake Public School was the first school to be built in Wallingford in 1904 (Latona was built in 1906 and Lincoln opened in 1907).
- Interlake closed in 1971, and the building sat empty for 15 years until Wallingford Center opened in 1986.
- Interlake was the largest elementary school in Seattle during the 1920s, partly because of the many new homes in the Wallingford area. In 1926, K–8 enrollment totaled 1,062 and the small playfield to the east of the building was nearly covered with portable classrooms.
and our neighborhood beekeepers will love this cool little factoid:
- In the early 1940s, the principal was C.E. Gibson, an amateur apiarist who ‘believed children can learn valuable lessons from bees.’ Gibson installed a hive in a classroom. Language classes watched the bees at work and prepared oral and written reports on their observations. Civics classes were asked to view the bees as ‘fine examples of cooperative effort.’ Math classes created problems based upon the annual honey harvest, which totaled about 45 pounds.
You can read more about Interlake’s history by clicking here.
If you’re a former student of the Interlake Public School, the folks over at Wallingford Center would love to hear your stories:
The Wallingford Center Merchants Association is looking for stories and memorabilia from former Interlake Public School students and teachers. The association is planning a two week event celebrating the history of the Wallingford Center and the days when its halls were filled with students, September 17-October 2. In addition, a reunion will be held on Sunday, September 18 from 2 to 4 PM. To share your stories or request more information, visit the Wallingford Center School Days event page.
Just a couple days ago I walked past the building and wondered about its history. Thanks for putting together this awesome list of interesting facts and links!!
I was in Mrs. Winkles 4th grade class in 1962 (?). I remember her as kind, smiling, helpful and a good teacher. She had white hair and looked grandmotherly. I really enjoyed her class, unlike my third grade teacher who will remain nameless.
About twenty years ago my sister and I were leaving Food Giant. Two elderly ladies were standing in front waiting for transportation, as was usual at the time. I did a double take, it was Mrs. Winkle and I assumed her mom.
I went back and said, “you probably don’t remember me but I was in your class.” She looked at me smiled and said, “Patty _____, of course I remember you. I remember all my children.” I was very touched and amazed. She must have had hundreds if not thousands of kids over the years.
I also remember the librarian Mrs. Farrel. Another grandmotherly woman who energetically encouraged us all to read.
I am so glad Interlake wasn’t torn down and turned into a mall, as was planned at one point.
I went to Interlake from 1950 to 1955. The day Dick’s Drive In opened, we got to walk to Dicks for free french fries and a coke because one of the owner’s son, David Ghormley, was our classmate.
I’m still in touch, regularly, with one of my classmates from Interlake. We both went on to Hamilton and then to Roosevelt High School. Recently we had an impromptu Hamilton reunion. “They” got old.