(Picture of 1911 Merriam School)
MERRIAM
COMMUNITY CENTER
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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.
Merriam Visitors Bureau 2001
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 newest school was the school I went in the sixth grade. 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.