The 1873 Annual Report recommended the purchase of a suitable site in the south part of the city, at an early day, and that a three story brick building be erected thereon next season, some what similar in construction to No's 5 (Fountain) (Mistake, must find report and check again. )) and No. 8 (Lexington) - that is, to build a center and wing first, so arranged that it can be added to as the room may be needed, hereafter. That plan was changed later as described in Annual Report 1875:
The subject of changing our present style of school buildings was referred to by me in my last annual report and a change recommended. It was to build, for thinly settled parts of the city, buildings of less capacity, not exceeding two stories in height, plain, tasteful, convenient, and well ventilated. The Board has so far adopted the plan as to erect a school building on school lot No. 2, on Spring street, 32 by 74 feet, two stories, containing four school rooms, sittings for 200 pupils, well and substantially built, with inside blinds, windows all with box frames, hung with the best cord and weights, ample halls and closets, easy stairways, well seated, and well ventilated.
It is my opinion that buildings of this capacity and height, of the new and less thickly populated portions of the city, are the most desirable, as they will be built nearer to each other, in smaller districts, and consequently be more accessible and safer for the small children, who will always necessarily occupy them.
Sheldon became the first school with this plan followed by Pine, Henry and Coit.
This early photo of Coit School built in 1880 represents this style.
