Archives Closed Schools D-F: Franklin Elementary School

Other Name: Benjamin Franklin Elementary; Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary; Smyser Avenue School

Last Address: 1800 Arlington Avenue

Year Opened: 1910

Year Closed: 1999

Smyser Avenue School was renamed Benjamin Franklin Elementary in 1910.  The school's address was originally Smyser Avenue.  Later its address was State and Prospect Avenue before becoming 1800 Arlington Avenue.  Franklin had the nickname "the little red schoolhouse."  The school was renovated in 1965 and a new addition was constructed then.  Franklin Elementary merged with Breckinridge Elementary in 1999 in a new building at 1351 Payne Street.  The old school building became the location of the Transitional Education program, then was developed into housing for elderly and visually impaired residents and a community center.