About Adams, John Quincy Adams Elementary School

John Quincy Adams Branch of Albert G. Lane Technical High School opened January 2, 1867, as Pearson Street Primary at the corner of Pearson & Market Streets. Consumed by the Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871, the school was rebuilt on the same site in 1872, opening again in September of that year. In 1893 Pearson Street became Institute Place, and Pearson Street Primary became the John Quincy Adams Elementary School.

When in December 1928 Adams became a Branch of Lane Technical High School, elementary pupils were transferred to surrounding schools. This branch did not last long, however. On July 25, 1934, a new Lane Tech High rendered Adams unnecessary. The Adams building assumed other roles over the years—it was even a shelter for unemployed men during the 1930s—before being sold to the Catholic Bishop of Chicago on March 15, 1944.

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