Schools - Baskin High School, Franklin Parish, LA
Submitted by Donnis Banks
Nov.  2001

Source: Update...Baskin High School 1920-1986 
compiled by Baskin High School , Madge Siddon Wilson, editor 
and Elizabeth Hilbun Rigdon, sponsor; printed in December, 1986 



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The first records of education in the Baskin area reveal classes 
being held in churches or one room schools throughout the area.
The first crude community school was held in the shed of Cummings' 
cotton gin. Schoolmaster W. F. Freeman instructed
thirteen pupils. By 1895, a two-room school was located on the 
Jim Reagan property. Besides Mr. Freeman, Almena Caldwell
assisted in the teaching of the seven grades.  By 1900 the increased 
number of pupils outgrew the two-room building, and the
Woodman Hall was remodeled and converted into a school. Twenty years 
after the first school was in operation a brick
building with adequate space was provided. The structure was started 
in 1915 and completed the next year at a cost of
$16,000, including equipment. In 1922, the Baskin Junior High School 
was changed to Baskin High School. In the fall of 1926
the building, which is still on the property of Baskin High School, 
was ready for occupancy. In 1938, the gymnasium and
commerce building were added. In 194801949 the agriculture building 
and shop were added. The cafeteria was opened in the
spring of 1950; and in 1958 the locker and shower rooms were enlarged 
in the gymnasium. The first brick two-story structure
was severely damaged by a tornado in April, 1956. When the new building 
was completed, the old brick building was
demolished. This modern structure, which is now our elementary building, 
was ready for occupancy April 1, 1957. Voters of
our district passed a bond issue for $800,000 to construct a new one-story 
brick building which is fire proof, air conditioned,
centrally heated, and carpeted. This building was ready for occupancy in 1977. 
Renovations and upkeep on the former high
school building has helped to keep the building in good condition. 
On October 7, 1981 the old Baskin High School building
was accepted for the National Register of Historical Places. The drive to 
get the building nominated was spearheaded by the
Baskin Woman's Club. Recently, painting, repair of windows, and central air 
and heat in the auditorium were added to the
building.