What a Beaut’: Jefferson Middle School
Since 1998, the city’s Most Notable Property (MNP) Program has been highlighting and celebrating the historical significance of properties in Columbia, Missouri. The Program is managed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. In order to be considered for MNP recognition, a residential or commercial property must be at least 50 years old, within the city limits, and possess historical or architectural significance unique to Columbia. To make a nomination or find more information about the MNP Program visit https://www.comopreservation.org/most-notable-property-program. Applications are due by the end of the year.
Jefferson Middle School, 713 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO
Photo taken by Chris Creasy July 2023
Built in 1910 this property was recognized as a Most Notable Property in 2003. As described at that time by local Historic Preservation Consultant, Deb Sheals, in the Most Notable Property archives:
“Jefferson Junior High School has been a Columbia Public School for over a century. It opened as Columbia's only high school in 1911, and became Jefferson Junior High in 1927.
There have been a total of three school buildings on this lot. The first was built ca. 1881, and another was added to the west side of the property ca. 1900. The 1880s building was used as both an elementary and a high school at various times, and for several years in the late 1890s, it was used for both. The second building was first called Columbia High School, but it was renamed Jefferson School in 1902 after it started to be used as an elementary school.
Jefferson Middle School, 713 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO
Photo taken by Chris Creasy July 2023
The 1880s school was razed in 1909 to make way for the building that still occupies the property, now Jefferson Junior High School. Groundbreaking for the new school took place in March 1910, and the first classes were held there January 3, 1911. It served as the Columbia High School until Hickman High School was completed and placed in service in 1927, at which time it became Jefferson Junior High School. (The ca. 1900 building on the property was abandoned in 1927, and after attempts to update it failed, it was razed in the mid-1930s.)
Jefferson Junior High was the only junior high school in the community until the last third of the 20th century, and it was expanded several times to accommodate increasing numbers of students. An auditorium/gymnasium was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1934, a wing was added to the west side of the building in 1956, and a library was constructed in 1989. The school is now one of three junior high schools in Columbia.”
CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces is necessary for Columbia’s residents, students, and visitors to achieve a sense of place and also for our city’s continued economic success.
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Sources
Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission. “Most Notable Properties-What Does It Mean To Be A Most Notable Property?” City of Columbia Community Development, Columbia, MO.
"Most Notable Properties Database." Prepared for Columbia, Missouri’s Historic Preservation Commission, by Historic Preservation Consultant Deb Sheals, https://www.como.gov/boards/historic-preservation-commission/most-notable-properties-program/. Accessed September 26, 2023.
