2011.037.1111 / Willamette Heritage Center (Photo: 2011.037.1111 / Willamette Heritage Center)

By the end of the 19th century, Salem had six other schools in addition to North: East Salem, Yew Park, Lincoln, two Centrals (Big and Little) and a polytechnic school in the Highland area of Salem.

In March 1908, the schoolas name was changed to what it continues to be known as today: Grant.

From 1915-1924, the building also housed middle school students, which also included Chemawa students, according to a100 Years of Marion County Schools: 1857-1957.a The school reverted to elementary-aged students after Parrish Middle School opened.

The building was the oldest still in use for classes in Salem when the decision was made to close the school for practical and safety reasons in 1954. It outlived all of its counterparts from the late 1800s.

Originally, the old building was supposed to have one more school year, but safety issues grew, and students were released from school a week early to allow for demolition to begin.

That fall, two classes were moved to Garfield School, two went to Highland School, one was in a portable building on the site and three were in houses on the site purchased by the district, according to a100 Years.a

Grantas unique situation was the subject of the Oregon Statesmanas first-day-of-school photo on Sept, 14, 1954.