The old second ward school (Central School), was erected in 1867 and was a three story brick veneer erected in 1886, while on the northeast corner of the square was a small frame house used as a janitor's residence. The larger building was devoted to the grades and the smaller building was the high school. The absorbing of the high school by the Sterling-Coloma Township high school (now the Sterling Township High School), in 1898 left the smaller building available for use by the grades. In the fall of 1898, the third floor was abandoned and the grades moved to the smaller building.

In the Central School yard at one time was a granite sundial donated in the name of Alfred Byaliss, who was superintendent of the second ward schools from 1874 to 1895. The monument was dedicated in ceremonies held Aug. 28, 1912. Another monument, still a landmark in Sterling today, is the stone in the Central School schoolyard which marks the place President Abraham Lincoln spoke while visiting in Sterling on July 18, 1856. The old Central School building was demolished and replaced by a new structure in 1921 which remains today.

"County Lightweight Tourney Runners-up - Central grade school lights lost a 21 to 20 decision to St Mary for the title. Front row: left to right, Alvin Dimond, Sam Mylin, Lester Thielen, Merle Jackley and Jim Waters. Top row: Leonard Mellinger, Larry McCoy, John Dillon, Gunnar Benson, coach; John Thomas, David Ahrens and Ronald Wolber. - Gaztte Photo"

Photo contributed by Jerry Thomas from the Sterling Gazette August 16, 1949
The father of Jerry Thomas is #3 John Thomas

Copyright © Christine Walters All Rights Reserved