The state of Indiana has a long history of being a major supplier of limestone for the building industry, and the Lowell Middle School made good use of it. Limestone was used for numerous architectural elements such as scroll work and the words “ Lowell School” inscribed above the entryways.

Much of this limestone, some pieces of which weighed 150 pounds or more, was carefully removed in preparation for the impending demolition of the Lowell middle school. The limestone elements were saved in part due to the work of Mick Moore and five other graduates who formed a committee designed to preserve parts of the school called School Memories. They want to use the elements as part of a monument to Lowell schools.

“We’re upset about this,” said Moore, a graduate of the school (along with his wife).

The first four-year high school in Lowell, the building served Lowell graduates from 1916 until 1969 according to committee member Bud Ballou. Over the years, it was added to no less than four times, and served as a middle school until it was closed last year.

Alas, despite the efforts of Ballou, Moore and others, the Lowell Middle School could not be saved. It could have been made into a nice community center or even apartments, much as some of the factory and industrial buildings in Chicago have been turned into upscale lofts.

The building was impressive when first built, perched at the top of the hill with steps leading to its main entrance. “Imagine what people thought of this in 1914, said Moore, quoted in the Gary Post-Tribune. “Hell, people were still riding horses then. I hate to see the school come down. There are too many memories. It’s sad, very sad. It was beautiful. It’s still beautiful.”

It’s ironic in today’s America that we have money to build new multimillion dollar school buildings, but no money to preserve the old.

As for their future plans for the architectural elements, the big problem is funding, said Ballou. the group plans fund raisers and hopes for grants and donations. Those who would like to participate can call Bud Ballou at 696-3255.