The Relocation - 1960’s-1970’s

Once the reorganization as a not-for-profit corporation was completed, the next item of business was the pressing problem of relocation. It was a two-pronged problem: a suitable location must be found and the money must be raised to pay for the school.

A three-acre parcel of land set well back from its access on Conway Road was for sale. Owner Fred Niere had not expected to sell to a school, but eventually adjusted to the idea and agreed to the sale. Plans for the new building already had been prepared, and the Board awarded the contract to build the school to Ladue Construction and Engineering Company.

Construction began as soon as the paperwork was completed because time was running out for the Delmar building. The school had obtained more than a year’s grace period after the original deadline for compliance with the fire code and could not expect a further extension.

Meanwhile the financial side of the problem was being addressed by the newly formed Building Campaign Committee. That Rossman School survived the fire code crisis and all the changes it entailed was due to the determination of Mrs. Marshall, the hard work of a nucleus of dedicated alumni and friends, and the generosity of the friends of the school: parents, alumni, some Saint Louis businesses, and members of the community at large.

Two Rossman alumni, James H. Howe III and F. Crunden Cole, were chosen as co-chairmen of the drive. The building was expected to cost $200,000. The Building Fund Committee did its work superlatively and set the standard for all future fund-raising drives. The response was a testimony to the reputation of the school and to the loyalty of its friends. They rallied round the school in a gratifying manner and the necessary pledges, large and small, were made to build the new school. Construction proceeded on schedule for an opening in September 1962.

Mrs. Marshall stated, “Rossman School is one of the few independent elementary schools in the United States built entirely with private contributions.”

The Conway building was a sharp contrast to the Delmar structure. Flat-topped and single-storied, the new school was functional, having been designed as a school rather than a residence. It was clean, bright and new! One decorative feature of the foyer was destined to play a big part in the memories of the Rossman boys and girls of this time. It was the large capital R enclosed in a circle on the floor of the entry. Very quickly it assumed its own mystique; one must never, ever, step on it, and dire would be the punishment for anyone who dared to do so. No one knew just what that punishment would be, but few doubted its severity or its certainty.

The single most influential person in the history of Rossman School besides the co-founders was undoubtedly Pauline Weber Marshall. She even exceeded Miss Rossman in the length of time in which she was with the school. She started teaching at Rossman in 1928 and remained until her resignation in 1973. Even then she continued to serve as a consultant and Board member until shortly before her death in 1977 at age 82. She loved teaching and continued to teach sixth grade full time for 11 years after she became principal.

One of the last achievements of Mrs. Marshall's tenure at the school was building the gymnasium. It was paid for by another fund-raising drive, this time headed by Robert Hyland. The gymnasium was completed in 1972 and was named for Mrs. Marshall in honor of her years of effort on behalf of the school and her great devotion to it.

The resignation of Pauline Marshall in 1973 left Rossman School clearly at a crossroads. In its 56 years the school had known only two heads, both of whom spent 40 or more years with the school. Now this continuity was broken and a time of transition was to ensue.

The first year after her retirement, Charles Bobbitt, the science and physical education teacher and the only man on the faculty, was made interim headmaster. His appointment was confirmed the next year without a search for a headmaster having been instituted. He remained as head of the school until the end of the 1978-1979 school year when he resigned to return to teaching.