Seventh Street School, Douglas

The Seventh Street School in Douglas, Arizona, was established during the city's early development in the early 1900s. After Douglas residents approved a bond issue in early 1902, the school was constructed as a two-story brick building. It officially opened its doors in December 1903 under Principal Thomas Grindell with eight classrooms. The school immediately faced overcrowding; over 400 students were enrolled by opening day, necessitating double sessions and the use of portable "chicken coop" classrooms. Late in 1905, the first high school classes in Douglas were taught at the Seventh Street School before moving to a newly-built Grammar School in 1907. For much of its history, the school served as a segregated institution for Mexican-American children. Notable alumni, such as former Arizona Governor Raul Castro, recalled that while Mexican children had to walk miles to the Seventh Street School, Anglo children were provided bus transportation to other nearby schools.

"History of Seventh Street School, Douglas, AZ" prompt. Gemini3, OpenAI, 16 Jan 2025.

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