Grant High School - Memoirs Yearbook (Portland, OR)

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CHAPTER I WM-WM THE LAUNCHING Early on the morning of September 2, 1924, the Ulysses S. Grant High School opened its doors for the first time to welcome 662 students, an oleo of second through fifth termers and of first termers who were to become the first all-Grant graduates of June 1928. out-of-state schools; the rest, transfers from other city high schools. Summarized briefly, pupils and teachers from 85 widely scattered schools were coming together to begin the history of U.S. Grant High! By October eighth, one hundred thirty more were added making a total by terms of 84 fifth, 62 fourth, 170 third, 170 second and 306 first termers. Already the infant school had growing pains. The main building had been readied for an expected 500 students. It consisted of twenty-seven classrooms, fifteen down and twelve up, three laboratories, two lecture rooms, two boys’ and two girls’ lavatories, a women’s restroom, and a library. Not all of these rooms had been furnished. With the unexpected enrollment, more rooms had to be equipped and additional teachers hired before classwork could begin. A word here about those first 662 Grantonians. They came from 26 grammar and private schools and from twelve preparatory and high schools. They represented schools from 29 Oregon towns, fifteen different states, and two countries — the Philippines and Canada. Those first 23 teachers had come from five Oregon schools outside the city, from four To this conglomerate mass, gathered in the gymnasium for its first assembly, Mr. Fletcher spoke of the problems facing them, of his desire to make this a really great school, and in general, of the ideals toward which he hoped they would all, hopefully, strive. After that assembly, all went outside the gym, where they watched Grant’s Old Glory raised for the first time, following this with a solemn salute. For better or for worse Grant had begun its long road to fame! Right here, let us record two Important facts about those 306 freshies. One hundred of them were already planning to attend college, aiming their courses accordingly for the entrance examinations required in Eastern as well as Western colleges. 66 of these youngsters were already either partially or wholly self-supporting! Quoting from the first publication: “At last! We’re high school students. Three hundred and six of us are enrolled in Grant High School. Maybe we’re green freshies, but nevertheless, we are ambitious. We are DON AND JEAN THOMAS Class of ’.36 1

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The Class of June, 1927 striving to absorb all that this institution offers, and in return, to give our very best to Grant. Notwithstanding the opinion of the upperclassmen, we feel that upon us, not upon them, depends the establishing of the ideals of our school. We shall be the first class to have taken our entire course at Grant; our graduation will mark the fourth year of its existence. A great responsibility rests upon us freshmen; we are the builders, the ones to form, as well as to live up to the traditions of Grant.” To prove it, we find these additional facts about that amazing class: Over half of the girls’ glee club were freshmen, and thirteen of the boys’ glee club. A freshman girl was secretary of the student body council. A freshman boy was tackle and guard on the first football team. Many turned out for basketball practice, but no team was formed. Five freshmen boys were charter members of Grant’s first club. The faculty for the fall term of 1924 were: Mathematics Latin Science Mrs. Allene D. Baker Louise Brace Elsie Claire Caroline Friendly Clarence B. May Frances Young Celia Davis Grace Haines Alice Gilstrap Mrs. Grace D. Hiestand History Mary E. Jones A. C. Runquist Sam Simpson Harold Wharfield Music Commerce Mr. E. E. Homing Art Josephine Croxall English Sallie Burns Maude Cooke Ella Gunderson Margaret Hanck Georgiana Stout Mildred Whittlesey E. Maldwyn Evans, Glee Secretaries Physical Education Robert E. Millard, Esther Riele Jennie Hunter, Girls Orchestra Helen Snow, Asst. Leon Fabre, Boys FROM AN OLD LINCOLN GRAD C.lass of '28 French Elsa von VVintzingerode Spanish Mrs. Ida Chaney Domestic Art Mrs. Winifred Smith Librarian Adeline Cook 2