543 Park Avenue
George Washington School

Historical Photo

Recent Photo

The George Washington School was one of ParkCity’s “presidential schools”. The other two, the Lincoln and the Jefferson, are no longer standing. Initially called theCentralSchool, construction began in 1886 using public funds, with the school completed in 1889. Sandstone, quarried and transported from nearby Peoa, was used to build the T-shaped building. Original plans included: three classrooms, each with wood-burning stove; a two-story foyer; and a central belfry for the school bell. In 1910, the building was remodeled for indoor plumbing and a large stairway added, allowing access to the attic, where an office and additional classrooms were installed. The classroom’s wood-burning stoves were also replaced with a coal-burning boiler and central heating. The school survived the Great Fire of 1898 and continued to operate until  theMarsacSchoolwas completed. The Veterans of Foreign Wars purchased the historic building in 1936 for $200 and used it as a meeting and dance hall. By 1970, no longer able to afford the maintenance, the VFW sold it. New owners restored the fine building and in 1984 opened it as a bed and breakfast called the Washington School Inn, with rooms named after former teachers. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.