Finch History
Research Team:: Marsha Aden Jim Harrison
The city of Spokane is fortunate to have in its midst a school unique architecturally, historically named, respected by its surrounding community from its beginnings, and known for its climate of academic excellence. Finch Elementary School is situated in the picturesque northwest portion of Spokane on the northern end of Audubon Park.
Honor of Philanthropist
The present-day, one-level, all-brick facility was named in remembrance of John Aylard Finch, a wealthy immigrant from England. Finch was involved in the area's mining industry, and is remembered as one of Spokane's greatest philanthropists. He left 40 percent of his fortune to various Spokane hospitals, charities, and community programs upon his death in 1915. Today, Finch School and the Finch Arboretum grace Spokane as tributes to a gentleman who gave so much to the Spokane community.
The initial building, with its main entrance on Milton Street, was built in 1924.
When it opened, it was considered "the Spokane school," with two large classrooms equipped with slate blackboards and oak cupboards, an office area, and two large bathroom facilities. Only primary grade students attended Finch at first, but it was not long before the growth of the area demanded an addition to the building.
New Construction
In 1926, five more classrooms were added, and between 1926 and 1946, four portable classrooms were also needed to house the growing student population. The third major phase of construction began in 1946. The finished product was a welcome relief for an over-crowded, double shifting student body.
A number of unique features were incorporated in this final construction phase to make the school unlike any other in District No. 81. The far southwest classroom, which originally served as a kindergarten room (now the library), features a fireplace tiled with storybook characters, enabling "Finchees" to boast of the only school in Washington State with such a special feature. Dr. Hester, District No. 81 superintendent, sat before a fire in this room to give his Christmas message to district employees one cold December morning.
Four more unique features are still found today at Finch in the gym area: a huge stage, two student showers, a ticket booth with a street entrance, and a projection room. Former students of the 1950s and 1960s remember movie time in the Finch gym and roller skating in the basement in the south wing. The exceptionally smooth cement floor served as the local roller skating rink for students and faculty in the days when lunch break totaled 60 minutes. Today, four classrooms are housed in this area, along with the band and orchestra classes.
Maintenance Key
The school has also undergone a series of remodeling efforts to make it more energy efficient. From doing away with the coal furnace that heated the original building, to beautiful old oak floors being covered with linoleum, Finch has had many changes to maintain it properly. However, with each construction effort to improve the building, the continuance of original design has been maintained.
Former teacher, Mrs. Reuter, recalls the World War II years when students double shifted, sharing desks and books. Teachers shared their classrooms. Mrs. Reuter shared a classroom with Lois Thompson, with Mrs. Reuter teaching from 8:30 am. to 12 noon and Lois Thompson from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Since this was before the building of the kitchen, students did not eat hot lunch at school. Either they ate a cold lunch or went home for lunch. Classroom size numbered up to 48 students during the war years. It is easy to understand why the building addition of 1946 was so eagerly received.
Special Policemen
Custodians served a dual role in district schools. Besides regular duties, custodians were "sworn in as special policemen," according to a poster found in the old boiler room by present custodian, Ben Franklin~. They were offered a $100 reward for the "arrest and conviction" of anyone caught breaking into school buildings.
Former students recalled their favorite teachers for this history-. Roger Coombs expressed the influence of the Finch teachers best when he noted that Finch had "wonderful teachers, each in his own way telling students they could accomplish great things, and after awhile, we began to expect the best from ourselves."
32 Teachers recalled the family feeling at Finch and the honors they received at retirement. Mrs. Lucille Nelson recalls with joy her "beautiful pen from the Finch PTA, the silver bowl from her fellow teachers, an Oscar from her room mothers, and the applause of her students."
Principals at Finch have added color and integrity to the history of Finch. Austin Henry, who served as principal during and after the war years, is remembered for his kindness and understanding toward others. After the war, students had great fun riding around the Finch playground and Audubon Park area with Mr. Henry in his army jeep.
Fun and Laughter
In addition to concern for academic excellence, Finch principals have been known for their sense of humor and for allowing the walls of Finch to resound with fun and laughter. Students of recent years have enjoyed the fun of teacher "turtle races" down the long Finch hallways and the Halloween dance performance by the "California Raisins."
Students have changed with the times. In the past, "Kids knew they were there to learn," and respect was given to teachers and the educational system. They enjoyed school related activities and organizations such as Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts that have traditionally met on the Finch grounds. Boy Scout Troop No. 22 has been influencing Finch boys since 1927. This scout troop is widely known in the northern Spokane area. In the past, walks with one's teacher around the Finch neighborhood during the long lunch hour was a time to treasure. Today, Finch students deal with computers and drug awareness and there is no time for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood with teacher.
Former Finch Students
No doubt, there have been numerous former Finch students and parents who have led successful lives and many worthy contributions to society. Examples are Harold Clarke and Justin Quackenbush who served society as judges and Vernon Grose as a physicist. For years an award was presented to the most outstanding student athlete in memory of Judy Brown. Mrs. Brown was an outstanding parent volunteer who unselfishly served Finch students and teachers for years, even as she suffered with cancer. The award was appropriately named, the "150 percent Judy Brown Award."
PTO
The PTO has played an important role over the years for Finch students, teachers, and parents. It is described as having been a positive influence on the entire school and surrounding community, an excellent organization, and responsible for fostering many good friendships among parents and teachers. Edith Rasmusson, a parent, recalls, "All working together to raise money to buy stage curtains and other extras to complete the 1946 building." This organization also sponsored a "Mothersingers" group in the 1940s and 1950s, which numbered between 40 and 50 members. All were mothers of Finch students and enjoyed performing around Spokane, including the Spokane Music Festival. During the 1970s and 1980s, the PTO almost died from lack of support from a charging society. However, in recent years, there has been a new effort to revitalize the or organization. Once again, parents unite in a variety of projects to support the students of Finch Students are especially fond of wearing PTO-designed sweatshirts, T-shirts, and sweatpants in the school color of red with the school mascot, the mustang, outlined in white.
Principals:
Margaret Richardson, 1924-1925
Nona Hambert,1925-1939
H. W. Denman,1939
Austin Henry
Art Blauert
Leta Mae Nichols, 1950-1965
Don McDavis, 1965-1973
Walter Wilson, 1973-1980
Stan Harms, 1980-1985
Shari Kirihara,1985-1992
Mary Seeman, 1992 - 2002
Karen Cloninger, 2002 - Present