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 Irene B. French Community Center - Merriam, Kansas Posted by:  iconions
N 39° 01.514 W 094° 41.582
15S E 353444 N 4320940
This brick and stone, two-story building is located at 5701 Merriam Drive in Merriam, Kansas.
Waymark Code: WM11JER
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 11/01/2019
Views: 1
After the school at 5820 Merriam Drive had grown too small, this school was constructed in 1911. It was used until a new school for Merriam students was constructed in 1969 at 61st and Mastin. This former school is now the Irene B. French Community Center. Irene French was a long time resident of Merriam and was mayor of Merriam for 20 years. She was also a civic leader in the area, also being the President of the American Legion Post 327 Auxiliary, among the many other organizations she belonged.
The Place
Historic Name: Merriam School
Alternate Name: Merriam Community Center
Historic Function: Education
Subcategory: School
Historic Function Remarks: Signage northeast of the school in place by the Merriam Visitors Bureau in 2001: “The original limestone building, was built in 1911. The two brick additions were added in 1938 and 1951. Merriam School housed both elementary and high school students until 1922, when the high school students began attending Shawnee Mission Rural High School. The Merriam School operated in this site until 1969. The building was the first home of the Johnson County Community College from 1969-1972. Sold to Kansas City Christian School, the building was used as their high school until 1985. In 1988, the building was sold to The City of Merriam, and renovated into the Merriam Community Center, which was dedicated to the citizens of Merriam in 1990.”
Present Function: Social
Subcategory: Civic
Residential/Commercial/Religious Style: Vernacular
Roof Form: Flat with Parapet
Stories: 2
Condition: Good
Principal Material: Stone
Architect/Designer/Builder: Unknown
Year of Construction: 1911
- Kansas Historic Resource Inventory
Located in a renovated, historic school building, the Irene B. French Community Center is a 33,000 square foot facility and the home of the majority of the Merriam Parks and Recreation programs.
The facility also provides space for the Johnson County Nutrition Program Congregate meal Site, which is also known as the Senior Citizen hot lunch program.
- City of Merriam Website
The Person
Over a period of 50+ years she helped weave the fabric of her community and made public service her passion. She served as Mayor of Merriam for 20 years. During that time she accomplished the Baron BMW Automotive Plaza redevelopment, Merriam Town Center redevelopment, a park for the community and her crown jewel, the saving of the now named Irene B. French Merriam Community Center. Irene was visionary and passionate in establishing the Merriam Parks, Recreation, Community Center Foundation to support the work of the parks department and to grow the arts in Merriam. During her time as Mayor Irene also provided great leadership to many local, regional, state and national efforts. Her service and awards include member of the Merriam Chamber of Commerce, 1990 Merriam Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year, Johnson County Parks Department, Streamway Parks, National League of Cities Finance, Administration Committee, Northeast Johnson County Chamber of commerce interim President, Shawnee Mission Medical Center Recognition, Association of Mayors Kansas Mayor of the Year, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh Recognition, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Johnson County Rotary Board of Directors, Rotary Assistant District Governor, District 5710, Johnson County Transit Board, Overland Park Chamber of commerce interim President, Certificate of Merit for 30 years of Service from Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, a director and officer of the Mid America Regional Council, Chairman of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Vice-Chair of the Johnson County Republican Party as well as other state and national political efforts.
- Irene B. French Obituary
Year it was dedicated: opened 1990 - renamed in 2013
Location of Coordinates: Building Entrance
Type of place/structure you are waymarking: Building
Related Web address (if available): Not listed
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