Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

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The courses of study were quite limited at first, including three or four studies beyond the common school curriculum. Gradually, the course was expanded until 1882. when the first class was graduated in a three-year course. On June 9. 1892, the Somerset Street building was dedicated as the new high school. This building was used until the present Joseph Johns building was dedicated on June 1. 1899. The cost of equipping and erecting the latter was $100,000. An addition to the high school began in 1915 which cost approximately $121,000. In this building the high school was located until 1926, when it was transferred to the present building on Somerset Street. This new building was erected in memory and appreciation of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group whose members have served our nation. The Board of Education was composed of the following, two of whom are still members: J. D. Rutledge, President: J. C. Griffith. Vice-President: Harry Darr: D. M. S. McFeaters; Charles H. Stroup: Wallace E. Shissler: George S. Fockler: Charles DeFrehn; and Dr. F. M. B. Schramm. The Secretary of the Board was Wilbert C. Wehn and the Superintendent of Schools was S. J. Slawson;the contractors were Berkebile Brothers. Central Senior High School was dedicated on October 21-23. 1926. Among the speakers were Justice John W. Kephart: Dr. J. G. Bowman. Chan- cellor of the University of Pittsburgh: Dr. F. B. Hass. Superintendent of Public Instruction; and John J. Tigert, United States Commissioner of Edu- cation. The total cost of construction and the entire furnishings of the school amounted to $1,328,805 and the entire construction took place over a period of approximately two years. In 1926 the curriculum was nearly the same as at present. Although there were de- cidedly fewer students, the size, of the faculty at that time was almost as large as it is now. Our advance in the efficiency of the school plant has marked an earnest en- deavor towards achieving the acme of perfection in the field of public edu- cation.