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Vintage Photos Document Parkland Grade School History

The deadline for photos has passed, and Linda continues to post photos on the Parkland Elementary Grade School Facebook page for help identifying students and faculty members for photo captions in the book. 

More than 500 photos of Parkland Grade School classes, clubs, teams and faculty from as early as the opening of the landmark building in 1908 are being compiled in Landmark: Parkland Grade School 1908-1982, a large-format professionally printed soft-cover book. A fundraiser for the Parkland Community Assn that is purchasing the historic structure for conversion to a community center, this book promises a history of Parkland Grade School both before and after consolidation, with newspaper reports and memories of double-shifting, classrooms in the Lutheran and Methodist churches, school carnivals, graduations and holiday programs.

It includes descriptions of the 1920, 1937 and primary wing additions, names of teachers from opening in 1908 until closure in 1982, memories of the Pierce County Library branch established in the school building, and notes on early-day Garfield Street businesses, including Parkland Light & Water.

To reserve a copy of the 550+ pages book, mail a contribution of at least $125 to Parkland Community Assn, Attn: Memory Book, P O Box 45355, Tacoma WA 98448-5355 prior to Dec. 30. All funds in excess of printing and delivery costs are a donation to the building fund and may be tax-deductible. The association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Books should be available in February 2025.

Landmark: Parkland Grade School is being edited by Linda Carlson, a member of a two-generation Parkland Grade School family, and author of a regional history published by University of Washington Press, Company Towns of the Pacific Northwest.

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Linda Carlson is working on a wonderful project to create a memory book for Parkland School, with a focus on both preserving memories and raising funds to help complete the purchase of the school. The deadline for submitting photos and captions is December 1st, and she’s providing an order form for those who want a copy of the book.

Here’s a summary of the important details:

1. Submission Deadline for Photos and Captions: Dec. 1, 2024
2. Order Form for the Book: Available on the school Facebook page and as an attachment. Orders are pre-paid.
3. Fundraiser Purpose: Proceeds will help with the next payment on the building, and any contributions exceeding the production cost may be tax-deductible.
4. Prepaid Orders: At least 50 checks are needed by Dec. 15 to ensure the project moves forward.
5. Expected Delivery: If everything goes as planned, books may be ready by Valentine’s Day.

It’s a meaningful project for alumni and supporters to come together, reliving memories and supporting the school. If you know any fellow alumni or interested parties, it’s a great opportunity to help fundraise and preserve the school’s history!

Consider purchasing several books and providing them as gift to friends and family and to sell as a project for various community events.

Here is the PDF of the order form. Below is an image.