National and State Registers of Historic Places
Marion Springs Elementary School
316 E 900 Rd
Baldwin City vicinity (Douglas County)
Listed in National Register
2018-09-14
Architect: Radotinsky, Joseph
Category: school
Thematic Nomination: Historic Public Schools of Kansas
The Marion Springs School is significant for its association with rural school consolidation in Douglas County. The Marion Springs School has the characteristics of a Country School, specifically the Country Two- (or more) Teacher Consolidated School sub-type. The school’s location in rural Douglas County also fits well with the description of a Country School, as these schools were typically built on section corners at two-mile intervals reflecting the walking distance of children. Consolidated schools were located in rural communities and were often the first move to a graded school system from earlier one-teacher schoolhouses. The building is also significant for its association with architect Joseph Radotinsky as an example of the Modern Movement style. The school was incorporated into the Baldwin City school district in 1966. National Register listing is pending.
