Hughes High School - Hughes Yearbook (Cincinnati, OH)

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HUGHES HISTORY The history of Hughes High School actually began long before 1851, for it was in 1819 that XVilliam Hloodward, a tanner, and Thomas Hughes, a shoe-maker began to discuss their dream of a free high-school education for Cin- cinnati youth. In 1824 Thomas Hughes died leaving his property to the City of Cincinnati for the education of poor children. The income from this property was used for ten years to pay for the education of indigent pupils of 1Voodward College. In 1845 a lot for a high school was purchased on Ninth Street between Race and Vine. No building was erected, and in 1851, the lot was sold for 3S15,700. Then the lot where the old Hughes stood, was purchased. In 1847 the Central School was opened in the basement of the Lutheran Church on XValnut Street. In 1848 the school was moved to Longworth Street between Race and Elm where it remained until the organization of the present Hughes and 1'Voodward High School. Following an act passed by the legislature in 1845, a con- tract was entered into May 1851 between the Trustees of the Hughes Fund, the Trustees of the NVoodward Fund, and the Trustees of the common Schools of Cincinnati whereby the fund of the city, and a Union Board of High Schools was provided for. The consolidation of funds and the organization of free public high schools had been under discussion ever since the passage of the law in 1945, and had awakened bitter opposition. Finally, in 1851 the Union Board of High Schools was organized, and entered upon its duties. Upon the organization of the board, it was decided that Race Street should be the dividing line between the schools. All pupils west of the line, to remain at Central School, now to be known as Hughes, and all east of the line to go to VVoodward. In -Iuly 1852 the first Hughes class was graduated from Greenwood Hall at Sixth and Vine Street. During the following year the first Hughes High School building was erected on the lot of Fifth Street opposite Mound. Page 'ren '1 Enrollment grew each year and by 1905 plans were being made for the erection of a much larger Hughes Building in Clifton. In October 1908, the corner stone of the new building was laidg Friday, December 2, 1910, was Dedica- tion Day for the newly completed Hughes High School. Appropriate ceremonies were held with important City officials participating. Dr, S. B. Marvin, President of the Board of Education, presented the keys of the building to Judge jacob Shroder, President of the Union Board of High Schools saying, XVith these keys, I give you the assurance that the Board of Education and the Union Board of High Schools are unselfishly interested in promoting the best interests of the city, and stand ready to cooperate in providing for its citizens, school facilities equal to those provided anywhere in the world. Again, in 1924, enrollment had increased to such an extent that a whole new wing was added on the Stratford Avenue side of the building Growth in the last twenty-five years has continued, many internal improvements have been made to modernize the school. In 1949 a public address system was installed by which the office is able to communicate with all class- rooms or any single classroom. Equipment in all depart- ments is up to date. The greatest growth, however, has been in the contribution of the school to the community.

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ARCHITECTURE There are many unusual architectural features in our school. Outstanding among these are the gargoyles. To fully appreciate the gargoyles we must first learn a few things about the building itself. Hughes is of Tudor architecture which is a modified form of the classic Gothic architecture, and was originated in England several centuries ago. This Tudor type of archi- tecture was especially designed for castles and other large public buildings. One of the most important features of Tudor designing was the placement of a protective wall which ran around the entire edge of the roof. This wall had slots cut into it and was so constructed as to form a barrier from behind which defenders of the castle could hurl rocks or weapons down upon attackers. Scouts were sent out from behind this wall and were often seen crouch- ing in positions similar to those of our own gargoyles. Now in the case of our school, ignorance is symbolic of the enemy, and the school is the fortress of knowledge. The battle to overcome ignorance is ending and the gargoyles venture forth to bring unto the world the things they symbolize: the arts and sciences. VVe have eight different and unique types of gargoyles on our school. They are the gargoyles of drawing, chemistry, geography, discipline, mechanical arts, manual training, athletics, and history. Each gargoyle is entirely different from the other types. They are lifesized figures symbolizing the activities which they represent. The three gargoyles reproduced at the top of this page represent chemistry, drawing, and history. The gargoyle of drawing is an excellent example of gargoyle architecture. The figure is so life like that one could easily mistake it for a real artist busily engaged in his work. The gargoyle is supplied with an artist's pallete and brush and its posi- tion tends to make it very realistic. Another of the gargoyles found above symbolizes the science of chemistry. This also is an amazingly human-like form and convincingly conveys its message of science striving for knowledge. The remaining figure is symbolic of history, a field of knowledge which will continue to grow as long as man inhabits the earth. Truly may the gargoyles emerge into the light and give unto the world their messages of knowledge and learning and thus bring about a better world in which to live. Chemistry, symbolized below is especially important in this Our Hundredth year, because of the great benefits we enjoy as a result of the advances made in this field during the twentieth century. Page mme

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PAST PRINCIPALS MR. H. H. BARNEY, first principal, inaugurated the present high school system and the Ohio school law. He was principal from 1851, when Hughes was created, until l854g then he became School Commissioner for the state of Ohio. DR. CYRUS KNOWLTONS second principal, began in the old Central School in l848. He was principal of Hughes from 1854 to 1860. Education in his theory comprehended available knowledge, the evident culture, and the complete development of the best character. Small in stature, quiet in manner he had perfect con- trol over students who adored him.', JOSEPH L. THORNTON, third principal, served from 1860 to 1873 as head of the school. He was a man whose magnetic influence gave strength and courage to his students. Mfhen he abandoned teaching for farming, it was with deep regret that the school saw him go. Page eleven