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The building had two gymnasiums (one for girls and one for boys). Many years later, the "east" gym would be remodeled, divided and utilized as the band and orchestra rooms. There was also a large swimming pool located just to the north of the west gym, and down in the "basement" of the school. Whenever the pool was drained, the water would enter the basements of the neighboring houses. Both the junior/senior high school and Nees Hall were heated by giant coal furnaces, which were housed in a little "furnace" building north of Nees Hall. The heat from these furnaces was transported through tunnels, which ran under 10th street to the school. In the late 40’s or early 50’s, steam boilers were installed in the building. The boilers were of such size, it was necessary to remove a section of the roof and lift the boilers up over and into the building. These boilers were placed in the swimming pool, which had subsequently been closed. The steam boilers are still supplying the heat for the building. The "furnace" building was remodeled to serve as the Board Office. This building still houses the District administrative offices. In 1939, a bond issue was passed to build two new elementary schools, (Washington and Lincoln), and also to add a new, larger gymnasium to the Jr./high School. The gym was later dedicated to a popular gym teacher, Mr. Losey and was named in his honor. Losey Gym is still used today not only by the Middle School physical education classes, but for sporting events throughout the school system and city.In 1954, the building became solely a junior high school and housed 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th graders. The 11th and 12th graders joined community college students in the "new" building located across the street from Riley Elementary School. Unfortunately, Nees Hall, though a beautiful old building, was in such bad shape structurally it had to be razed. In the 1970-71 school year, the junior high again underwent some changes by sending the 10th grade students to the high school. At the start of the 1982-83 school year, the 9th graders also went to the high school, and 6th graders joined the 7th and 8th graders to form what is now our middle school. Though many changes have taken place throughout the years, the building itself has maintained it’s original beauty and remains structurally sound. The marble walls and floors and polished brass rails combine with wonderful oak woodwork that can only be found in buildings of a bygone era. Visitors and newcomers to Independence who have an opportunity to visit our building never fail to comment on its beauty. |
The current
Independence Middle School was erected in 1922-23. The first
classes attended the building in September 1923. The building
originally served as both a junior high and high school. Across
the street (on 10th street where the bell tower and
the Board Office is now located) was the old Nees Hall building.
This building was the community college. High School students
would sometimes have classes in Nees Hall and many times
students could be seen crossing the street to attend these
classes.300 W Locust Street; Independence, KS 67301 - Phone: 620.332.1836 - All Rights Reserved.©2006 - Updated: November 04, 2008