Lyons High School

The Clinton Daily Herald November 21, 1905 p. 6  submitted by Mike Kearney

Remarkable progress is being made on the new Lyons high school by the contractors.  Last week saw work commenced on the second story of the magnificent structure and according to the contractors, the roof will be on n a little over a week.  Work was commenced on the building about eleven weeks ago and it is hoped that it will be completed about May 1, 1906.

When it is complete, the citizens of Lyons will indeed have a school that should fill them with pride.  No effort or expense is being spared to make the building one of the most beautiful, modern and complete high schools in the state.  Every modern convenience will be installed.

The basement plans call for a complete heating system, including steam and the hot air fans.  A large gymnasium will also be afforded space in the basement.  One of the features that will be greatly appreciated will be the large manual training quarters.  The toilet rooms will take up the remainder of the space.

On the first floor will be a large assembly room with seats for 400 students, five recitation rooms, the principal’s office and an office for the meetings of the school board.  On the second floor will be a large study room with individual seats for 220 pupils, 4 recitation rooms, a science room, and a laboratory.

It is estimated that when completed the building will cost $40,000.  The interior will be finished entirely in oak.  Marcus M. Hall of Cedar Rapids, is the contractor.

The Clinton Daily Herald December 12, 1905 p. 6

The bricklayers on the new High school building today completed their work and have made way for the carpenters.  With fairly good weather for the next week, the carpenters will be able to complete the roof on the building and then there will be little danger of interruption. 

When the roof has been completed the heating system will be installed and the plasterers will begin on the walls and ceilings.  These will be followed by the finishers and then the new High school will be completed and ready for its occupants.

The contractors and sub contractors who are engaged on the building have much to be thankful for.  They have been especially favored by the weather.  Had the usual conditions prevailed it is doubtful whether of not the building could have been so far along by this time.  Very few bad days have been lost on account of bad weather. 

When the building is completed it will be one of the finest school buildings in the city.  Situated, as it is, on the main street of Lyons, it will also be one of the most conspicuous buildings in this portion of the city.