Mason Middle School

Mason Middle School

The Allen C. Mason Intermediate School was the fifth of eleven middle schools built in Tacoma, Washington, thanks to funding from the 1923 bond issue and was named after a local pioneer. Mason was a lawyer, former principal, author of a math textbook, real estate dealer, developer of Tacoma's north end, railroad builder, world traveler, and public benefactor. It is located in the Proctor District, and its student body is an important source of income for many businesses in the area.

The building was originally built for 700 students, but overall enrollment grew so rapidly that portables were needed within a few years. Despite adding space in 1952, six portables, a rented gymnasium and two rented classrooms were needed before class facilities were added in 1964 and 1980.

The school was among the first in Pierce County to become eligible to fly a U.S. Treasury Department flag over the building in May, 1943, qualifying to raise the "School-at-War" flag because 90% of the students regularly purchased war stamps and bonds. In 2001, the original building was demolished and classes were held at the old Truman Middle School site for two years. In 2003 Mason students returned to the original site updated with a new building and a state-of-the-art recreation field. The sandstone arches above the main entrances of the old building were preserved. They now adorn the inside of the building, just inside the two main entrances. The original sandstone blocks that bear the original name of the school were placed above the arched windows of the library on Proctor Street. Wood, railings, French art and other things of historical significance from the old Mason were also preserved and put in the new building.