Louisa May, who?

Sitting at the corner of Reisterstown Road and Keyworth Avenue is a striking building now known as Alcott Place.

2702 Keyworth Avenue now exists as a senior community apartment complex named Alcott Place. For many, it will always be known as School 59 - an elementary school that served the Park Circle and other nearby communities decades before.

I walked by this school a million times on my way to the Enoch Pratt Library on Keyworth and Park Heights. I had the opportunity to go inside one day in the 1970's with my cousin who was a student. My cousin lived on Rockrose avenue but in the 2800 block. Students who lived in the 2800 block typically would have attended School 59, while students of the 2900 block went to Franklin D. Roosevelt, School 18. The school was huge compared to School 18 and was so much more imposing. I can recall the playground, long hallways, seemingly endless steps and bulletin boards scattered with papers.

Schools Named for Prominent Citizens

At some point in the early 1900's, schools began to be named after prominent citizens in addition to a number. School 59 had existed prior to this building being built in 1910. Records show its previous location was Park Heights Avenue. Baltimore's commitment to modern education and facilities led to the building of this archetectural icon.  When built, it was donned with a new name - Louisa May Alcott, School No. 59. Alcott was a 19th century novelist that wrote a number of books including what she is best known for, Little Women.

The repurposing of the building to senior apartments has allowed its lore to continue. The Park Heights multi purpose building and adjacent parking takes up a portion of the previous playground area. As a reminder to what it once was, the School No. 59 moniker is still displayed on the building.