Thomas Alva Edison Elementary School Hammond, Indiana
		1936 - 1991

	These images are courtesy of Mary Zelencik, historian for Edison School in Hammond. The photographer is Terry Schreiber. Our thanks to both of them for sharing these historic photos. These images are not for reproduction, publication, or any other use without permission of this web site host.

The Auditorium Entrance

The Entrance to the auditorium, located on the northwest end of the building, was seldom used but when the doors were open, it announced a special event or activity.  Band concerts, Christmas choral presentations, commencement exercises, were all shared with the public and the neighborhood community. This high resolution photo shows the hundreds of terra cotta tiles designed by George Grant Elmslie and manufactured by the American Terra Cotta Tile Company in Chicago. The three windows at top center were the projection and control room for lighting and sound. It was accessed by a spiral staircase and a "secret" door that was always locked. From the projection booth you could look down on the audience and have full view of the stage.

		Statues on either side of the auditorium entrance paid tribute to the performing arts. The woman to the left of the entrance is portrayed as playing a small lute. The man on the right is seen holding a horn while the whimsical rabbit sits at his feet.
		Below are the three decorative shields on the auditorium entrance.