Willard D. Purdy Junior High and Vocational School
Willard D. Purdy Junior High and Vocational School is a school building in Marshfield, Wisconsin, built in 1919 as the area's first junior high school with both academic and job training programs. The structure features late Gothic Revival style with brick walls, pointed arch windows, and decorative stone details throughout.
The building opened in 1919 as Marshfield's first junior high school and underwent a major expansion in 1926 that more than tripled its size. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, securing its status as an important local landmark.
The school was named after a local soldier who died in World War I, reflecting the community's connection to those who served. This naming choice ties the building to a significant moment in the town's past.
The building is located at 110 West Third Street and is easy to spot as you navigate downtown Marshfield. Since it is a National Register property, you can explore the exterior and observe the architectural details from street level.
The building was designed by two different architectural firms: Childs & Smith from Chicago created the original structure, while Parkinson & Dockendorff from La Crosse designed the 1926 expansion. This collaboration between the firms shows how the building evolved over several years.
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