Hughes High School - Hughes Yearbook (Cincinnati, OH)

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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

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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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DR. ELIAB VVASHBURN COY was the fourth princi- pal. Dr. Coy was the head of Hughes through almost half of its hundred years. He was principal for forty years, from IS73 to 1913. His was the great task of guid- ing teachers and students from old Hughes in their adjustment to the new Hughes where all phases of education became more complex and operated on a much larger scale. In recognition of his great service, the Hughes athletic field has been named Coy Field. MR. EDMUND D. LYONS, fifth principal, served from l9l3 to l9l9. He was a man with a fine academic back- ground, and wide experience which added much to his leadership at Hughes. He was at the head of the school during the trying years of VVorld lfVar I. He left in February l9l9 to become principal ol the new East High, which later was renamed XVithrow High School. I i l l Page twelve MR. CHARLES OT'l'ERMAlXN sexenth puncipal served from 1940 to 1945. He brought to Hughes the wisdom gained through many years ol experience as teacher, principal and administrator. Students and teachers admired him for his kindly interest, his tire- less industry, and his sense of fairness.