100 years ago today the first Bemidji High School was destroyed by fire The town’s first high school was built in 1909 at a cost of $50,000, and opened in 1910. It was located between Sixth and Seventh Streets on America and Irvine Avenues, now the site of the Northland Apartments. 7:30 am, Jan. 16, 2021 × The aftermath of the Jan. 16, 1921 fire that destroyed Bemidji High School. It was built in 1909 at a cost of $50,000, and opened in 1910. Photo courtesy of Beltrami County History Center BEMIDJI -- The three-story Bemidji High School building was only 10 years old when it was destroyed by fire 100 years ago today, on a frigid Sunday, Jan. 16, 1921.