Joplin High School, which weathered flu and smallpox epidemics as well as two world wars, was the city high school for fifty years. Constructed primarily of red brick and trimmed in terra cotta, the building cost $350,000. Some famous graduates include Alex Bliedung (John Beal), Bob Cummings, and Billy (Dennis) Weaver. For a period of time, the building was also home to Joplin Junior College.