MATTAWAN SCHOOL

Schoolhouse consolidation began in 1866, and Mattawan was among the first communities in the state to construct a new school that same year. The original building was made of wood, but it was later replaced with a brick structure. That building ultimately caught fire and burned in 1904.

The second school was constructed in 1905. Not long after it was completed, the school’s tower caught fire

The school’s tower was replaced after the fire, and several structural modifications were made. The window layout also changed between the second and third school buildings. The photograph shown dates to 1911.

As Mattawan continued to grow, an additional school was built next to the main campus. It later became known as St. Bosco School. Although the school building has since been removed, St. Bosco Church now owns the land where these earlier schools once stood.

The photo shows the first stage of construction for the new Mattawan High School. Within just a few years, the building doubled in size, and a second floor was added.

Second floor added.

By 1940, the high school was fully completed and served as Mattawan Central for many decades before eventually becoming Mattawan Elementary.