Public School No. 13

Introduction

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Public School No. 13 was constructed during a population expansion in Yonkers in the late 19th century that necessitated an increasing number of schools. The proximity to New York City and growth of the railroad resulted in the population of Yonkers to climb from 18,189 citizens in 1880, to 47,931 citizens in 1900. This increase in residents led to the construction of Public School No. 13 along with many other schools throughout the last quarter of the 19th century.

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Backstory and Context

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Designed by New York City architect C.C. Chipman – who also played a role in designing Public Schools 6 and 4 – Public School No. 13 was initially built in 1900 but underwent renovations in 1905 and 1910 to add a south and east wing, respectively. The building is three-and-a-half stories tall and embodies the Neoclassical style of architecture. The exterior is composed of stone, brick, and clay, with steel and wood structural elements. The exterior ornament includes a rusticated stone basement, stone corner coins and window lintels and a bracketed cornice. The interior consists of plaster walls, wood flooring, and slate staircases. The original sixteen classrooms were dispersed throughout the three floors, as well as a gymnasium and auditorium located in opposite wings.

The construction of Public School No. 13 came during a time of public school design that was marked by safety, modernity, and Progressive Era ideals. Most influential were the educational philosophies of John Dewey, who emphasized the school system as a working model of society and democracy. Additionally, public health had gained attention during the late 1800s, resulting in better ventilation systems and sanitation measures in school bathrooms.

Fire safety also became important in schools, which led to fireproof materials and other safety techniques being implemented in the construction of school buildings. In regard to modernity, the school had one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems of its time which serviced every hall and classroom in the building. Public School No. 13 was unable to accommodate the number of children in the area who needed schooling and was ultimately replaced by a larger school down the street. After remaining vacant for over 25 years, the building was converted into apartments.

Sources

National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. “New York SP Public School No. 13,” April 18, 2007. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75323183.
The Yonkers Statesman, 22 September 1900.
Warren, Suzanne. “Context Study: The Schools of New York State; Development of the School as a Budding Type.” August 1990.