(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

By the time this is possibly read, Lincoln School that once overlooked the Ohio River plain from 31st Street, will be no more. I was asked about helping save a special stone over the main entrance. The inscription on the stone read “Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God.” I regret to say that the stone could not be saved.

The stone, an integral part of the building, had been placed during the construction in 1925-26, carefully placed, mortared-in and surrounded by other ornate, beautiful stones. Removing the stone intact and without major scarring for future placement would have been a laborious, time-consuming task. Asbestos removal from the building took much longer than planned, thus leaving those doing the razing having but a short time to finish their job.

There have been few public buildings razed that I personally have not been desirous to save special stone from. Unfortunately, I haven’t been successful. Those doing the razing are using machines that weigh several tons, and a large steel bucket with iron teeth that quickly “devour” structures that took months and years to build; it is hard using that equipment to do things neatly.

Fortunately, the cornerstone of Lincoln School and the box it contained were saved. It was removed several weeks ago. Located in a corner of the building, within easier reach of equipment, made it easier to remove. Even at that, it was heavily scarred with chunks of stone broken from it.

The razing of houses and buildings is necessary in today’s world. Certainly, we should try to save or restore those that are historically significant. If not possible, quickly razing is, in my opinion, a better fate than years of slow deterioration.

Bob Enoch, president

Wood County Historical and Preservation Society