• History of Samuel Tilles Elementary

    Tilles Elementary opened in 1982 to replace DuVal Elementary, which had become outdated and inadequate for the growing student enrollment in Fort Smith. Constructed between 1981 and 1982, Tilles Elementary was designed as a modern facility to better meet the educational needs of the community. The school was named in memory of Samuel Tilles, founder and owner of The Fair Department Store in Fort Smith. Tilles quickly established itself as a standard for excellence in education, becoming a benchmark for success against which other schools measure their achievements.

    Memorable Moments

    September 25, 1978: The Fort Smith School Board decided to name the new elementary school "Samuel Tilles" as a memorial following Alvin S. Tilles's bequest of $100,000 in his father's name. Alvin S. Tilles passed away on August 19, 1978.

    August 25, 1980: The Fort Smith School Board officially approved the naming of the new elementary school as "Samuel Tilles."

    1981: Construction of Tilles Elementary began while DuVal was still in session during its final year. The cost of building Tilles was $1,419,850.

    1982: Tilles Elementary was completed, covering 36,882 square feet and designed to accommodate 350 students. The school was noted for its pioneering programs in special education, particularly for the blind and deaf.

    August 30, 1982: Tilles Elementary opened for the first time, with an enrollment of 69 more students than at the end of the 1981-82 year at DuVal. Due to class sizes exceeding regulations, the school board placed an enrollment freeze on Tilles, with new enrollments, except for those qualifying for special education, assigned to Howard Elementary.

    September 12, 1982: Tilles Elementary hosted a School Dedication and Open House featuring a tour of the classrooms and the special education wing.

    1991: An addition was made to the building, increasing the school's total area to 36,882 square feet on a 4.65-acre site.

    2021: The building was renovated to add a secure vestibule, improving safety for students and staff.

    Who was Samuel Tilles?

    Samuel Tilles was a prominent Fort Smith merchant and businessman born in Austria-Hungary. He founded and operated The Fair Department Store for thirty years, establishing it as one of the leading mercantiles in the city through his progressive methods and attractive displays. Tilles played a significant role in the development of Fort Smith, contributing to the local economy. He was married to Bertha Jacobs Tilles and had two children: Alvin Summerfield Tilles, who was the first person from Fort Smith to enlist in World War I and later managed his father’s store, and Sophia Tilles, who died in infancy.

    Notable People in Tilles History

    Alvin S. Tilles: Major contributor to the construction of Tilles Elementary and son of Samuel Tilles, in whose honor the school was named.

    Eddy Hill: Principal of DuVal Elementary who transferred to become the principal of Tilles Elementary and oversaw its establishment.

    Discover Our History

    Explore the rich history of Tilles Elementary. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Tilles Elementary evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

    Contribute to Our History

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