High-resolution, full color images available online
Search, browse, read, and print yearbook pages
View college, high school, and military yearbooks
Browse our digital annual library spanning centuries
Support the schools in our program by subscribing
Privacy, as we do not track users or sell information
Page 24 text:
“
20 •'THE TATLER” belief in the community that a high school with a course of only three years was not adequate to the demands of a city of Alton’s size, so the course was lengthened to four years and made equal to that of the best schools in the state. In 1896 J. E. Turner, who had been an assistant teacher, became principal. He still serves and we all know how the High School is flourishing through the efforts of our present principal. Jn Lincoln School at first one room, then two rooms, on the third floor were used for the High School; soon these rooms were not able to accommodate the rapidly increasing attendance, so the entire floor was given up to the High School, the partition between two of the rooms was removed so as to form an assembly hall, and the other rooms divided into recitation rooms. Each year the accommodations proved less adequate, cloak rooms were pressed into service as recitation rooms, and finally two rooms on the second floor were given up to the increasing High School. Evidently Lincoln School could no longer meet the requirements of the High School, so plans were formed for the erection of a new building. Through the strenuous efforts of some of Alton’s leading citizens, zealous supporters of our public school system, it was decided to put the proposal to a vote of the people. The good citizens of Alton generously sanctioned the project and authorized the expenditure of $50,000 for the purpose; so the erection of a modem High School was begun in 1902. On June the nth the corner stone was laid with elaborate ceremonies. According to Masonic rites' it was anointed with oil and wine and wheat was sprinkled over it. The fall of 1902 saw the completion of an elegant edifice, modern in architecture and a model school building in all of its appointments. It was occupied November 15. It is Romanesque in style of architecture and is an ornament to our city. It is three stories high and contains also a basement and an attic, which may be finished and utilized, if necessary, for school purposes. The basement contains a gymnasium, which is well equipped with the necessary apparatus. Instruction in physical training is here offered to both girls and boys. Basket ball proves especially attractive, but the girls find both profit and pleasure also in the Indian club drills. On the first floor there are the handsome offices of the superintendent and the Board of Education, besides four recitation rooms, the drawing room, two lunch rooms and two cloak rooms. The assembly-room on the second floor is one of the lightest, airiest, and most tastefully decorated halls in Illinois : it will now seat 400 pupils, but it is so arranged that 500 may be accommodated. The steel ceiling is decorated in yellow and red, while the walls are tinted %
”
Page 23 text:
“
THE T A T L E R 19 99 THE ALTON HIGH SCHOOL O far as can be ascertained the first high school in Alton was established in the basement of the Unitarian Church in the year 1866. At this time there were in Alton only two small public school buildings. These schools soon proved inadequate and through the influence of Moses Atwood bonds were issued for the erection of a twelve-room building, long known as No. 2, but now called Lincoln School. A room in this building was set apart for high school work and a two years’ course of study prescribed. The Superintendent of Schools acted also as Principal of the High School and for the first two years all pupils were required to pay a tuition fee of one dollar. The first superintendent and principal was Mr. Raimend; then came Mr. Smith, who had charge for two years; he was followed by E. A. Haight. During Mr. Haight’s term, in the fall of 1870, the course was changed to three years and as the attendance in all the schools was increasing, it was decided to relieve the superintendent and at the same time to increase the efficiency of the High School by appointing a separate principal for the High School. Miss Parker was the first principal, serving from 1871-73. She was followed by Mrs. E. A. Haight. In the fall of 1875, R. A. Haight became principal and held this position until 1880. when he was elected superintendent. In this capacity he still serves and we can see how capable a superintendent he is by the number of years he has served and the great progress that the schools have made under his care and direction. Mr. F. D. Rude succeeded Mr. Haight as principal. From 1882-84 the High School was in charge of J. D. Roberts; from 1884-90 Mr. W. R. Tarbet, a highly educated man, a fine scholar and musician, was principal and through his efforts the High School was greatly improved. Geo. A. Shepherdson next served for three years and was followed by G. Wilkinson, who was principal for three years and later served as a member of the Board of Education. During his term a change of great importance to the High School was made. For some time there had been a prevailing .
Are you trying to find old school friends, old classmates, fellow servicemen or shipmates? Do you want to see past girlfriends or boyfriends? Relive homecoming, prom, graduation, and other moments on campus captured in yearbook pictures. Revisit your fraternity or sorority and see familiar places. See members of old school clubs and relive old times. Start your search today!
Looking for old family members and relatives? Do you want to find pictures of parents or grandparents when they were in school? Want to find out what hairstyle was popular in the 1920s? E-Yearbook.com has a wealth of genealogy information spanning over a century for many schools with full text search. Use our online Genealogy Resource to uncover history quickly!
Are you planning a reunion and need assistance? E-Yearbook.com can help you with scanning and providing access to yearbook images for promotional materials and activities. We can provide you with an electronic version of your yearbook that can assist you with reunion planning. E-Yearbook.com will also publish the yearbook images online for people to share and enjoy.
