Lincoln and Darwin turn 2000

McKinley High School, Russell Boulevard, St. Louis:

The auditorium of this school - now a magnet school for the performing arts, has several amazing features. Above the stage is a large painting of William McKinley brining peace to the savage peoples long under Spanish control. It is a vivid expression of American imperialism.

More striking perhaps, are the two large marble plaques (each about 3 x 4 feet) on each side of the auditorium. Each has the name of a famous person, a quotation, and the day, month, and year of their birth. They are Lincoln and Darwin. Few notice these now, and even few noted they had the same date of birth. (I know I have photographs somewhere)

But as I've looked at these plaques, I've often asked myself: why don't we have plaques like this any more? What happened to Lincoln's presence. And one wonders if any public school would be so bold as to place a plaque praising Darwin in its auditorium.

I don't miss the spirit of imperialism expressed in the McKinley mural, but I miss Lincoln, and even more, a miss the spirit of an age that was proud to express Darwin's accomplishment so publicly. And I miss the kind of superb public education I like to believe those kids received back in South St. Louis then.

Gee... I'd take Watson and Crick, even... but one wonders...are these forms of public expression behind us?