Lincoln Heights Elementary School Lockers
Constructed in 1930 and burned by arson in 2016. Demolished in 2023.
The community of Lincoln Heights was formed out of the impetus of two groups in 1926. The first group was a mix of African American southern migrants and Cincinnati residents. The other group included White land speculators from out of town. These speculators provided few improvements to the land, which was subdivided and sold in an effort to maximize profit. Out of this new community arose the Lincoln Heights Elementary School in 1930. For some African Americans, Lincoln Heights offered an opportunity to escape the crowds, blight, and crime of downtown Cincinnati. For those who came from the south, it was a chance to own property and build a home that they could afford.
In January of 2015, the entire 65,500 square foot Lincoln Heights Elementary School building failed to attract the attention of buyers, despite being listed for a little under one dollar per square foot. Its replacement school was constructed in 2006, resulting in the abandonment of this school. We have lost this part of our history because of neglect and the story (all too common) of wanting to forget the inequalities inherent in space and place. This building held memories and community. The decision to demolish and destroy our history happens over time, as a frog is boiled. We can't accept the destruction of our painful past. We must tell the stories of discrimination and segregation. Without this acknowledgment, we can't move forward.
Lincoln Heights Elementary School Lockers
Constructed in 1930 and burned by arson in 2016. Demolished in 2023.
The community of Lincoln Heights was formed out of the impetus of two groups in 1926. The first group was a mix of African American southern migrants and Cincinnati residents. The other group included White land speculators from out of town. These speculators provided few improvements to the land, which was subdivided and sold in an effort to maximize profit. Out of this new community arose the Lincoln Heights Elementary School in 1930. For some African Americans, Lincoln Heights offered an opportunity to escape the crowds, blight, and crime of downtown Cincinnati. For those who came from the south, it was a chance to own property and build a home that they could afford.
In January of 2015, the entire 65,500 square foot Lincoln Heights Elementary School building failed to attract the attention of buyers, despite being listed for a little under one dollar per square foot. Its replacement school was constructed in 2006, resulting in the abandonment of this school. We have lost this part of our history because of neglect and the story (all too common) of wanting to forget the inequalities inherent in space and place. This building held memories and community. The decision to demolish and destroy our history happens over time, as a frog is boiled. We can't accept the destruction of our painful past. We must tell the stories of discrimination and segregation. Without this acknowledgment, we can't move forward.