In 1898, the first model school was completed at Central Normal. The purpose of the model school was to serve as a laboratory for teaching and is reminiscent to the student teaching program in Pennsylvania today. With the model school, Central Normal students were able to employ their knowledge obtained from their instruction in an actual teaching setting. According to Harold C. Wisor, a Lock Haven University historian, Central Normal can "be considered among the pioneers in manual training for teachers" (138). 

Photograph property of LHUP Archive.
Undated picture of the original Sullivan Hall.

It was during the tenure of Principal James Eldon, who served from June 30th, 1887 until December 1900, that the model school was constructed. Not only did Eldon see the erection of the first model school, he also dealt with the repercussions of the fire of 1888. Important to note about Eldon is the fact that he increased the amount of books on campus during his tenure from 1,400 when he started to 4,550 when his tenure concluded (Wisor, 43).

Photograph property of LHUP Archive.
Picture of the original Sullivan Hall. Praeco, 1922, p. 10.