By Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission
Some of the City’s most important links to the past are from the history, lifestyle and contributions of the Bowens.
The Bowens were involved in the construction of four Bowen Schools built over several decades. Early settlers Bostwick and Hattie Bowen were particularly interested in the educational affairs of the community. Both served as director of the school board. They hired teachers and some even boarded at the Bowen’s home.
The first school was built on the Bowen property. A second one, known as Bowen 2, was built off property but nearby Brake’s Blacksmith Shop and an abandoned train depot.
Bowen 2 tragically burned down in 1904. After the school fire, the blacksmith donated part of the shop for classes for the rest of the year. When located in the blacksmith shop, the school was known as Bowen 3.
The next year, the depot was destroyed, and materials were used to build a new school, Bowen 4, which was completed in 1905. The new two-room school was built of cement blocks with a large archway at the entrance.
The idea of two rooms – one where younger children could be taught and another for older students – was that of Bostwick. There was much opposition, but the idea won out. It was the first two-room schoolhouse in the area and also the first local school to be made out of brick.
The building was used until 1952 when the current Bowen Elementary School was built on the same lot but further back. The two-room building was then demolished in 1962.
To learn more about the Historic Preservation Commission, visit kentwood.us/HPC
