New Building
Factoids
We acquired the building “as is” from the Philadelphia School District. “As is” included at least 20 boxes of books to help us start our own library. “As is” also included a preschool wooden climber and 13 boxes of text books, all of which were donated to nonprofit organizations.
The Thomas Durham School was a part of the Philadelphia school system from 1909-2003. In its last years before closing, the school served as a private childcare center.
Thomas Durham, for whom the school is named, was born near Belfast, Ireland in February of 1823. He was a well-known flour dealer. His business was located at 1700 South Street. During his lifetime, Philadelphia’s schools were organized into geographic sections. Durham was elected Director of Schools in 1872, was chosen President in 1880 and 1886, and was chosen President of the Board of Public School Directors of the Seventh Section in 1891. Durham died in the early 1900s, shortly before the school was built.
The Thomas Durham School building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Henry deCourcy Richards of Cramp & Co. According to ARCH: Pennsylvania’s Historic Architecture & Archaeology, Richards also designed over 20 other local public schools.
