SUSAN LINDGREN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
4801 W. 41st Street

Susan Lindgren Elementary School was built as a result of a bond issue in 1965 that was meant to eliminate substandard classrooms and overcrowding, and to retire Park Hill Elementary School, which was built in 1905.  The architect was Armstrong, Schlicting, Torseth and Skold, the same as for Peter Hobart. The building was put into commission in the fall of 1968, and immediately relieved the overcrowding at Brookside.

A dedication and open house was held on September 29, 1968.  Architect G. Clair Armstrong presented the building.  The school's first Principal was Lucille Swelin, who moved from Brookside. In a bit of bad timing, the largest class of baby boomers had just moved on to Junior High as it opened. Brookside’s enrollment dwindled dramatically as a result and closed in 1975.

1968


The school was named for Susan Eileen Lindgren (born November 1946) who died in June 1963 at age 16 from Lupus. She became ill on a trip up north and just never recovered. The plaque at the school describes her as “a student who was like many others. She played a part in the development of school spirit. Her patience, her helping hand and her genuine warmth were always apparent in the classroom as well as in her many activities. To her classmates she was that special essence and friend.” Her brother Jay described her as a “quiet leader,” active in the student council, the Echowan, Blue Tri, Girl Scouts and the Westwood Lutheran Church. Susan’s family remains involved with the school, affectionately calling it “Susie’s School.”

The school was very modern in its day, with lockers for students among other amenities.  Built into a hill, the building had three stories.  In 1992, the lower level of the school was remodeled, adding six new classrooms and allowing students from Peter Hobart to be transferred in.
 

See the school’s website at http://www.slpschools.org/sl/.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.