Assumption School Explained

Assumption School
Pushpin Map:United States Chicago Central#Illinois#USA
Address:317 West Erie Street
City:Chicago
State:Illinois
Zipcode:60654
Country:United States
Coordinates:41.8938°N -87.6365°W
Religious Affiliation:Roman Catholic
Established:1899
Founder:Mother Frances Cabrini
Closed:1945
Oversight:Archdiocese of Chicago
Campus Type:Urban

The Assumption School was a Catholic elementary school in Chicago, Illinois, United States, from 1899 to 1945. Located at 317 West Erie Street, it was founded by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American to be made a Catholic saint. The school originally served Chicago's Near North Side Italian American immigrant community[1] and charged no tuition.[2]

The school building, noted for its intricate brick and stonework and copper cornice, was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architect Frederick Foltz (1843-1916).

After the final class graduated in 1945, the structure was mainly used for commercial purposes, and for a time it fell into disrepair. On July 10, 2003, the Chicago City Council named the building a Chicago Landmark due to its historical and architectural significance. According to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, "Assumption School stands as a fine example of a late nineteenth century urban school building, and its legacy is a testament to the work Mother Cabrini accomplished."[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/A/AssumptionSchool.html Assumption School Building
  2. Anthony Lascio. "Chicago's First Italian Church. Pointers in Person. April 22, 2003. Retrieved on October 24, 2009.
  3. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?blockName=Mayors+Office%2fJuly%2fI+Want+To&deptMainCategoryOID=-536882034&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Mayors+Office&topChannelName=Dept&contentOID=536891701&Failed_Reason=Invalid+timestamp,+engine+has+been+restarted&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&Failed_Page=%2fwebportal%2fportalContentItemAction.do&context=dept Assumption School Designated a Chicago Landmark