A black and white photo postcard of a Central school class in Bisbee, circa 1916. The postcard is unused, and the publisher is unknown. Hazel Kennaugh collection.

In 1883, the Copper Queen Mining Company built Bisbee’s first school, a one room adobe building. As the population grew so did the need for more schools. The city first considered using the former cemetery for a new location, but determined that the area was too small and decided to demolish the older school to make way for a new modernized school house. The Central School was built in 1905 adjacent to the YMCA and was designed by the architect Franklin C. Hurst in the Italianate style. S.W. Clawson served as the city’s superintendent overseeing the schools construction. As part of the Central Schools plans, it was also intended that the building also be used for City Hall and fire departments functions. Charles F. Philbrook , another superintendent of Bisbee’s schools, served as Central School’s first principal. The school received a playground in 1906 that was installed in front yard. Today, the building houses the Central School Art Project. The Central School Art Project began in 1982, formed by a tenants association of artists. In 1985, they were incorporated and received their 501 IRS status in 1986. The former school was purchased from the school district in 1994 and the Central School Project made renovations on the building. It remains a home for the art community in Bisbee.

1974.129.11