Carleton Washburne was
superintendent of the Winnetka Schools when Crow Island School was conceived,
designed and built. It was his dream come true, as the building was the architectural
expression of his educational philosophy. Crow Island School, opened in 1940,
was very contemporary in style and the chimney in the front with its off-center
clock was the talk of the community. This was an architectural move away from
the typical school building of the time, which was a two story, square or rectangular
shape. The classroom unit at Crow Island is the most important and most used
space within the building. In designing the classrooms, the children and their
needs were the first consideration. There is extensive storage built into the
"L" shaped rooms. The expanse of ponderosa pine makes all classroom and workroom
walls instant display areas. The well thought-out lighting and window walls
make the out-of-doors part of the interior. The workroom off each classroom
provides a separate area where group projects can be overseen easily by the
classroom teacher. The original "Crow Island"
still exists as Crow Island Woods. The staff often uses the woods and park for
nature study and art classes. The relationship of school, park, and woods is
a unique one to be appreciated and treasured.
