The Center School is one of the most memorable buildings in Greenbelt. Its recognizable location, walking distance from any point in original Greenbelt, has given residents consistency in attending community events and meetings at the same place. Regardless of its usefulness and familiarity, the Center School was up for demolition in August of 1983. In its history, the Center School had doubled as a community center until 1959, when it was sold to the Prince Georges County Board of Education. Until 1971, it housed the Greenbelt Public Library. Because this building had so many purposes, it is should be regarded as a historical landmark for its role in exemplifying the cultural, social, political, and historical heritage of Greenbelt. With the efforts of the Art Deco Society of Washington, who recognized the Center School's aesthetics and importance, the building was renovated instead of demolished.
The Center School served as an important community center. Residents had the opportunity to dabble in all sorts of recreational activities and hobbies. While kids today have to be driven far from their homes to take dance or music lessons, children and adults of Greenbelt walked a short distance, safely, to theirs. Women had their typical role and with the useful home-ec and other facilities, women's clubs formed just for the purpose of reminding the women what they were supposed to know. It is difficult to accuse the times of hiding women when they were the ones forming clubs and organizations for themselves. Children were able to figure out their true interests because they had easy access to trying everything from sports to music to youth leagues that gave them a voice in the community. They have grown up to appreciate what Greenbelt and the Center School offered to them as children.
Progressive education started in the Center School. Children received personal attention and were able to relate everything learned in school to their own lives. As young children, it is important to instill in them a good sense of self-confidence and independence. The school gave them that and more. Children grew up learning to look critically at their own behavior, and not to constantly blame others people and things. They learned street smarts from walking to and from school twice a day. The basics were taught, such as English, math and science skills, but at the same time, more emphasis was placed on being able to communicate what was learned back. Children who attended the Center School were recognized as individuals who each had the capacity to learn moral values, good attitudes, and cooperation.
The original residents of Greenbelt envisioned the perfect community in which a family could be raised. With the Center School serving them with education for their children, a meeting place for their clubs and organizations, and a multi-purpose room disguised as a gymnasium, their dream was able to come true. Children grew up with a strong sense of security and were sent off as well-adjusted citizens who learned to give back to a community early on. Neighbors learned that friendliness and cooperation can make a community pretty satisfying to live. Cooperation was the key to running Greenbelt and the final test in its lasting success.
