History of Gershom School in Detroit, Michigan explored.

Not much history is known about the Gershom School in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of Detroit’s many forgotten schools next to Morley School, Cass Union School, Andrew Jackson Intermediate School, and Hunter High School. This news article will explore and explain the history behind Gershom School.


Gershom School was established and built in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit in 1912. The building itself was a 1,088 square foot building constructed out of masonry brick. The school was located on a 8,276 square foot lot. The building had 4 restrooms and a basement. The roof was made out of asphalt. Originally the school was 3 stories in height on an L-shaped building plan.

The student population was largely German Jewish and Czechoslovakian. However overtime, the student population largely became German Jewish. No African American students attended there during that time.

Sometime during the mid-20th century is when the 3rd floor of Gershom School was leveled making the building then become 2 stories. More high school aged students began attending the high school. This led to crowded classrooms. Sometime during the early 1970s is when the 2nd floor of Gershom School was leveled making the building then become 1 story.

Detroit Public Schools sold the building to a private homeowner in 1975. No other known modifications were made during that time. Several alterations and modifications were made to the building specifically for its interiors. The other portion of the building located in the very back was demolished.

On the date of 9/5/2005, the property was to a couple of homeowners. These 2 homeowners heavily altered the interiors of this building. (Ref: https://www.redfin.com/MI/Detroit/124-S-Dupont-St-48209/home/98400484)

Gershom School as it appeared in 2015.

On the date of Friday, August 21, 2015, Wayne County had filed for foreclose on the former school lot due to unpaid bills and unpaid taxes. $805 dollars of taxes were due at the time. Wayne County put the property up for auction on the date of Wednesday, September 16, 2015. It was during the auction date that Wayne County sold the lot to the Treasurer of Wayne County.
(Ref: Wayne County CAD, Document Number: 0524640638)

Gershom School in 2018 after the arson. Notice how the roofs and windows are missing.

Sometime in 2017 is when the building burned down due to arson. The roof completely perished during the fire.

Ruins of Gershom School.

Today the property and school are now owned by the Treasurer of Wayne County. According to trulia.com, this property is no longer available to rent or to buy. (Ref: https://www.trulia.com/p/mi/detroit/124-s-dupont-st-detroit-mi-48209--2099307101)


Gershom School is located at 124 South Dupont Street, Detroit, Michigan, US 48209.