Lady With a Legacy
The structure at 700 Main St. is a building that has undergone many changes before reaching its status as a historic site of Edmonds. Known today as the Frances Anderson Cultural and Leisure Center, it is rich in history and has been an integral part of our community throughout the years.
Its origin dates back to 1891 when then mayor George Brackett set aside a plot of land at 7th and Main St. for Edmonds Elementary School. It cost $5,750 to build; a hefty price in those days. But with the lumber industry and the railway line, the population grew, bringing in families from far and wide. By 1909 there were 336 students. It was time for another bond issue to plan for a high school at 4th and Daley St.
Following periodic expansions to accommodate the changes in population, the building sadly closed in 1972. In 1979 the property was bought by the City of Edmonds for use as a multi-use structure. It was named the Frances Anderson Cultural and Leisure Center. Frances Anderson had come to Edmonds from Montana with her family and started school when she was 6 years old; she was in the first high school graduating class of 1911. She received a degree in primary education and returned to her former school to teach second grade for eight years. She went on to serve as the school’s principal for the next 25 years. After 48 years as an educator, Frances retired from teaching in 1959 but remained active in the Edmonds’ community. So it was a joyful and memorable day for Frances to be at the naming celebration with the whole town and many of her students in attendance. She died in 1990 at age 99, after a long life of service to the town of Edmonds and its young people.
Today, when you enter the building on Main St., the busy lady with the big smile who greets you is Debbie Johnson. She has been at that front desk for 17 years with the Parks and Recreation Department. And Debbie is a wealth of information. If it is, was or will be happening with Parks & Rec., she can point you in the right direction and call up what you need to know on her computer. On a typical week day, she answers calls to register for cheerleading class, directs a newcomer to gymnastics and even provides a map to Yost Park.
The old building is a labyrinth of long hallways and heavy doors. Around each corner is a new surprise. The large gymnasium is great for many sports but can also be set up as an art gallery and showroom when the Arts Festival comes to town. Down the hall, music wafts above the giggles of small ballerinas. Remove the barre and it becomes a reception room for live performances, concerts or recitals.
I remember once when they had to change rooms because the energetic 8-year-olds wielding pompoms and chanting game-time cheers were too loud for the meditation class next door!
On any given Saturday morning in the fall, whistles blow while boys and girls of all ages run after soccer balls. But come the spring, the playing field is dotted with stalls of arts and crafts, and nice aromas from the food wagons drift in the air. The enthusiastic crowds can peruse stylish jewelry and ceramic planters, before enjoying bratwurst or fish tacos picnic style on the grass.
The Frances Anderson Cultural and Leisure Center is aptly named. The Edmonds Arts Festival Commission meets here and has a gallery as well. There is the Sculptures’ Workshop, the Sno-King Youth Club has rooms here, as does Edmonds Montessori School and Toddle Times Main Street Kids. The Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round classes too. From adventures in drawing to etiquette for children, jewelry-making, and yoga to ukulele, there really is something for every age group.
The Frances Anderson Cultural and Leisure Center is a true goldmine at the center of Edmonds. And thanks to the foresight of the Preservation Society, the classic old building that was a grade school has been saved to be used again and again. Edmonds has been able to hold onto the romance of the past but able to adapt to the present and anticipate the future.
Want to know more?
Frances Anderson Center, phone 425.771.0230.
Archive photos of the school are found in the 2015 Historic Calendar (FREE) published by the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission
