Those who bemoan the many changes in Seattle should turn their wistful toes toward the University District and University Heights Community Center.The center, a school from 1903 to the '80s at 5031 University Way N.E., re-opened in 1990 with all its vintage charms intact. According to facilities director Ron Killian, much of the original wood still exists on the walls, floors and stairways. All of the fir used in construction was harvested in the area and milled on site at the school. Only the stairways were made of Eastern maple imported for the purpose. Perhaps the most amazing original in the school is the heating system. The still smoothly functioning furnace includes a large, wooden drive wheel and a 66-foot-long leather drive belt - both 105 years old.STORIES TO TELLIn 1937, the graduating sixth-grade class wrote a history of the school that has survived to this day. The chronicling includes some fun elements like hand-drawn pictures and reminiscences of adults that reach back to the early days, including those of a custodian who was the last person to live in a house on the school grounds. A 9-foot-high chicken-netting fence surrounded Harry Davies' home to protect it and his family from "stray balls," and "though Mr. Davies loves children," he found it a "disagreeable factor" that he was available at any time of the night or weekend. Parents often came for forgotten boots or books during those times with requests to have the building opened. A few years older than that group, Patricia (Davis) Sweazey, 87, shares some reminiscences of the school: "I was there during the Depression years, the '30s. I remember a watery 3-cent bowl of celery soup - not very good. "When we pledged allegiance to the flag, it was in the auditorium as none of the separate rooms had flags - maybe couldn't afford them. "I loved the art room where Gertrude Maynard taught. She wore her long hair in a braid around her head. Mostly, we replicated pictures, attempting to make a perfect marigold. "I remember using a coping saw to make a really simple cookie-cutter bird."Another fun thing: The teacher of each class (always a woman in those days) picked one Christmas carol every year. Each class took its turn stepping out into the hallway to sing. The doors were left open so we could hear all the songs. "One of my loves: the horse chestnut trees that had glorious pink and white blossoms. My father ran a cabinet-making shop a half-block from the school and made little baskets (2 to 3 inches long) out of the shiny, dark-brown horse chestnuts."The trees were removed in 1931, so young environmentalist poet Sidney Seaman contributed this piece to the 1937 book:"The Sacrifice"The trees, the trees, our beautiful trees,Sacrificed for business, if you please.Often we played beneath their shade, But now, alas! in the dust they're laid.Our fathers, of course, on business bent,Can only see the dollar and cent,But we, the children, the birds and bees, Would give a lot for our dear old trees.FORCES OF NATUREFrom the late '30s up until about 1950, the site became a school for the deaf, and it was during this time that University Heights acquired its little ghost. A 9- or 10-year-old boy died of a seizure during incarceration in the small, padded "Sound Room," used for hearing testing - and punishment. He is still active, according to staff at the center, flashing lights, slamming doors and making running sounds. An eerie drawing of a face on Room 107's blackboard is credited to him or other ghostly forces. It can be washed off but then reappears a few hours later beneath the antique thermostat in that room and alongside the elderly bell that rang recesses over the many years. Forces of a different sort caused the cafeteria floor to cave in some time during the late '50s or early '60s. Visitors can still see the slump where it has been filled. CURRENT ACTIVITIESIn fact, the center is open year-round with a Saturday farmers market, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every week, including during the upcoming University Street Fair on May 17 and 18. Also, the center will host a community cleanup on May 10, when shovels, rakes and gloves will be supplied to those who'd like to see the area sparkle. Classes and public meetings are also held in the center's rooms for lease. Thousands of people every year still walk those polished wood halls and frequent the high-windowed rooms.[[In-content Ad]]
