Building

Established in 1999, The Ely Chapman
Educational Foundation (ECEF) owns and operates
one of Marietta's major historical building located
at 403 Scammel Street in Marietta,

Built in 1900 as Marietta's first high school, the building
provided the students with a gym and in 1907,the Marietta
Public Library began, using some unused space. The
Library prospered inside the building until 1912 when the Marietta City Board of
Education decided that the space was needed for the high school. The high
school itself would stay at 403 Scammel Street until 1929 when it was moved to a
new location, which is currently the Marietta Middle School.

After Marietta City Schools vacated the building in the pit of the depression, the
Knights of Columbus negotiated a deal with the Marietta City School system to buy
the property. Soon realizing the building’s expensive upkeep, the Knights of
Columbus sold the property to the St. Mary’s Parish in with the provision that they
could maintain their space in the basement of the building.

St. Mary’s Parish named the building the Catholic Community Center, which was
used for various activities including sports and recreation in its 3rd floor gym. From
1954 to 1968 the St. Mary’s high school occupied the building. Then in 1968, the
high school was relocated and the St. Mary’s Middle School moved into the
Scammel Street building. In 1988, all the St. Mary’s School children were moved to
a new school at 320 Marion Street.

After 1988, although still owned by the St. Mary’s Parish, the building was used by
many organizations including:
- The Knights of Columbus
- The Marietta Municipal Court
- The Marietta City Schools (for 6th grade)
- The Twin Rivers Christian School
- St. Luke's Lutheran Church's Annex.

In 1999, the Ely Chapman Education Foundation purchased the building to house
the S.U.N.S.H.I.N.E. Learning Station and other youth programs. The
Foundation has been renovating the building to preserve its historical significance
while increasing the programs offered. The major renovations include:
- A new roof
- Refurbishing the gym
- Murals & An aquarium
- A new kitchen
- Updating the electric and the wireless Internet
- Restoring the floors and doors to their original wood finish

The building, which now houses the ECEF, has seen thousands of children and
adults enter and exit its doors throughout its lifetime. Whether young or old, this
historic building has left a lasting impression on all who have taken part in the
programs offered within its walls.