1907-1929
Architecture
As it was constructed in 1907, the building is styled collegiate architecture. It consists of an upper level auditorium, a first floor walk in vault, a basement wherein there had been a large cistern (a tank for storing water). There are numerous glass windows, and the doorways are arched to remain consistent with the style of the building. The total cost of constructing the building was roughly $70,000, which today translates to $1,320,000.00. At the time, this price was thought to be exorbitant. In fact, on April 9th 1906 an entry in the Neenah Times encouraged the school board to cut "some of the expensive and really unnecessary interior works such as bathrooms." Unfortunately, no information can be found to account for a contractor or architect because the building resulted from the city's design.
Initial Function of Building
In 1907 (the time of construction), John A. Kimberly had been Board President for the Neenah Schools. Kimberly also co-founded the Kimberly Clark Corporation, which today employs nearly 600 Neenah residents, and over 50,000 people worldwide. Thus, as the building was constructed under his advisory, it was named Kimberly High School after him. One hundred thirty-six students attended Kimberly High School of Neenah under principal Edward. M. Beeman, who worked for the district until his death in 1917. Succeeding Edward M. Beeman was Charles F. Hedges who served as Superintendent and Kimberly High School's principal.
Reason for Construction
As the Neenah community grew, the student population grew. A need for a larger school specific to high school students resulted, and prompted the construction of Kimberly High School in 1907. Thus, Kimberly High School was created to better accommodate Neenah students and their families.
Architecture
As it was constructed in 1907, the building is styled collegiate architecture. It consists of an upper level auditorium, a first floor walk in vault, a basement wherein there had been a large cistern (a tank for storing water). There are numerous glass windows, and the doorways are arched to remain consistent with the style of the building. The total cost of constructing the building was roughly $70,000, which today translates to $1,320,000.00. At the time, this price was thought to be exorbitant. In fact, on April 9th 1906 an entry in the Neenah Times encouraged the school board to cut "some of the expensive and really unnecessary interior works such as bathrooms." Unfortunately, no information can be found to account for a contractor or architect because the building resulted from the city's design.
Initial Function of Building
In 1907 (the time of construction), John A. Kimberly had been Board President for the Neenah Schools. Kimberly also co-founded the Kimberly Clark Corporation, which today employs nearly 600 Neenah residents, and over 50,000 people worldwide. Thus, as the building was constructed under his advisory, it was named Kimberly High School after him. One hundred thirty-six students attended Kimberly High School of Neenah under principal Edward. M. Beeman, who worked for the district until his death in 1917. Succeeding Edward M. Beeman was Charles F. Hedges who served as Superintendent and Kimberly High School's principal.
Reason for Construction
As the Neenah community grew, the student population grew. A need for a larger school specific to high school students resulted, and prompted the construction of Kimberly High School in 1907. Thus, Kimberly High School was created to better accommodate Neenah students and their families.
Works Cited:
Behnke, Duke. "Century of Service." News-Record [Neenah] 19 Dec. 2007: 1+. Print.
"Back to School." Future Neenah Magazine n.d.: 6. Web.
"Measuring Worth - Results." Measuring Worth - Results. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.
“School History” by Neenah Joint School District Employee, Mrs. Helen L. Roberts. Compiled in December of 1997 and January of 1998
"Spotlight on Neenah, Wisconsin." Kimberly-Clark. Kimberly-Clark Corrporation, n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.
"410 S Commercial St (WAS 326)." Wisconsin Historical Society. Wisconsin Historical Society, n.d. Web. 29 May 2014
"Back to School." Future Neenah Magazine n.d.: 6. Web.
"Measuring Worth - Results." Measuring Worth - Results. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.
“School History” by Neenah Joint School District Employee, Mrs. Helen L. Roberts. Compiled in December of 1997 and January of 1998
"Spotlight on Neenah, Wisconsin." Kimberly-Clark. Kimberly-Clark Corrporation, n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.
"410 S Commercial St (WAS 326)." Wisconsin Historical Society. Wisconsin Historical Society, n.d. Web. 29 May 2014