Sumner Elementary School

Sumner Elementary School is a two-story brick building with Art Deco style features in Topeka. The structure displays ornate details including stone accents, carved woodwork, and a marble-trimmed fireplace in the kindergarten section.

The building was constructed in 1936 at the intersection of 4th Street and Western Avenue, replacing earlier school structures. It was built during the Great Depression with support from federal emergency relief programs.

The school became central to the desegregation movement when Linda Brown was turned away in 1954 due to her race. Today, visitors can see how this place marked a turning point in American education.

The building has been closed since 1996 and changed hands multiple times. Visitors should check in advance as it is currently awaiting conversion into a community center.

The building preserves many original fixtures from 1936, including bathroom installations, wall clocks, and carved woodwork. These details allow visitors to see how a school was furnished during the Depression era.

Location: Topeka

Inception: 1936

Architectural style: Art Deco architecture

Floors above the ground: 2

Part of: Sumner Elementary School and Monroe Elementary School

Address: 330 SW Western Avenue

GPS coordinates: 39.05806,-95.68222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:50