Central Catholic High School - Centralma Yearbook (Reading, PA)

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Xxmxk 8:05-Tunnel entrance Already in 1941 it was necessary to erect an annex between the mansion and the garage. This new structure dedicated on August 31, provided nine classrooms, a gym, and a cafeteria. Five years later, in November l946, the Middle States Accrediting Agency rated Central a superior school. ln 1949 Father John Wachter, now Right Reverend Monsignor, became administrator and furthered the work begun by Father William Hammeke. Father Raymond Leich- ner succeeded Father Charles Allwein as principal in l952. 91 sl' A 3:10-Tunnel exit Q S x Changing ea ns usher in a myriad of colors on Cen- tral's campus. I th spring, the grounds sparkle with flower- ing treesz crab ppl , magnolia, dogwood, and wild cherry. rpletiegt--the p turesgue effect are various hues of g's fashionabl flowers 1 .. Fln awfathreyrwprlain but striking manner red and green maple trees line Hill Road while Eckert Avenue sports linden trees. Making a quick change in the fall are hemlocks, cedars, and pines which make a pretty picture when they are blanketed in glistening white upon the arrival of winter.

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wi Mn Snowbound wqwmmsk -5 i 'Wu 'ws NN-.,.N 555,54 WW mWM,.cKRt'w, lN.k m.mNMiLTM 'iwsM www 'wt , Fifteen years have rolled away since Father Wil- liam Hammeke of St. Paul's Parish purchased the Luden estate in 1939 for the education of Catholic teenagers in Reading. Since those early days Central has had a mush- rooming business of its own. The seventy-five student enrollment of l94l has galloped to an impressive 763. Twenty-seven different parishes are taking advan- tage ofthe school's educational facilities at the present time. Such outlying districts as Phoenixville, Pottsville, Hamburg, Bernville, and Kutztown are also availing themselves of the opportunities afforded by our Alma Mater. Dear Old Central High Visions of a growing family required that the mansion be converted. Vigorous drilling and pound- ing transformed Mr. Luden's gracious home into classrooms and offices. The den became Father Fricker's headquarters. Billiards once rolled in the physics lab, plants and flowers blossomed in the Office Practice room. Frequent visitors to Father Leichner will be surprised to learn that his office was once the breakfast room, with rows of canary cages lining the entrance. All for the sake of Catholic educa- tion! gg of 'A fi sg-V 1 '- - iii: if M1.i,.5:t.g-tg.-kg , A, '33 H l s 1 Oasis in the park

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Most Reverend John F. O'Hara, C.S.C., With a dedicated spirit, Archbishop O'l-lara guides the destinies of his spiritual children along the path ot Christ. Administrator ot the archdiocesan school system, he is the dynamo which keeps the wheels of our great educational system turning. His outstanding work in encouraging and supporting school building protects sub- stantiates the fact that His Excellency realizes fully the importance of Catholic education. With this enthusiastic interest in our welfare, Archbishop O'Hara leads us ever onward with the careful eye ot wisdom and experience. 8 D