Helix Elementary School

The Helix Grade School is located South of Columbia Street at the end of Harrison. Currently the building serves as the Helix City Hall, Helix Museum, and the Helix Public Library. Construction on this brick building began in 1913, and was in operation by 1915. The building originally had no lighting and was heated by a coal-fired furnace. The first library began in 1917.

In the 1915 photo, students are: Edmund Potts, Edna Potts, ”Bub” Kendall, Letha Albee, Clara King, Ted Norvell, Marie Kupers, America Hutchinson, Irma Ruther, Cecil Bell, Roy Davidson, Llyod Davidson, Jim Davidson, Mabel Davidson, Archie Albee, Cecil Albee, William Albee, Alice Sims, Elbert Sims, Elda Sims, Dean Sims, Frank Ross, Ralph Clark, Gail Alspach, Wanda Alspach, Myron Shannon, Wilbur Shannon, Lola Terrill, Guy Terrill, Mildred Eplen, Fern Ques, -Ben Nelson, Julius “Chub” Nelson, Myrtle Herman, Harvey Herman, Walter Cramer, Lillian Cramer, Laurence Estes, Bryce Parker, Alice McAlavy, Cassie McAlavy, Henry Kupers, Willie Kupers, Winnie Kupers. Howard Drew (Principle)

An October 5, 2019 article in the East Oregonian documented the Helix Advancement Partnership Network's (HAPN) efforts to preserve the building. The group acquired enough local community donations, along with local, state and federal grants to complete renovation of a “Community Room” that is adjacent to the existing library. Several phases of the project have been completed, including the replacement and upgrade of the existing windows. The building has 73 windows of varying sizes. HAPN wanted to maintain the historical look and feel of the building, and chose insulated aluminum-clad/wood frame windows. The funds were raised through local contributions, grants and donations. Another phase of the project will move and remodel the bathroom in the City Hall, making it ADA accessible and enhance and upgrade the local museum inside the City Hall.