Central High School - Forx Yearbook (Grand Forks, ND)

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FOIQX and grades. The work was further systematized during the ensuing year while, by 1911, the east side of the Central basement was converted into a fine, well-equipped kitchen for instruction in cooking. Music had secured a firm foothold within the school by 1910, when over two hundred students, easily a majority of those enrolled, took part in vocal music organizations. The class of 1911 undertook a truly difiicult task -the publishing of the first Forx. It was a large annual, containing pictures and records of some twenty-four preceding classes, and though a decided financial failure, caus- ing its discontinuation until 1920, it was a pioneer in its field and set a pace for other classes to follow. The high school library of 1912 boasted more than 1200 volumes. An agricultural course was offered from 1915 to 1917. By 1918, the student body had expanded to over 500 while the faculty numbered thirty. The custom for Senior classes to leave a memorial in the form of a work of art was originated by the class of 1908. Declamation and debate flourished. The annual contest between the boys' debate club, the Eclectic, and the Minerva, girls debate group, was accorded all the enthusiasm, friendly rivalry and petty wagering of an athletic contest. The reluctant transfer of numerous boxes of candy and the equally reluctant emptying of pockets, each year awaited the j udges' decision of this much heralded event. Presentation of a handsome silver loving cup to the winner by Supt. J. Nelson Kelly, originator of the debates, made rivalry the keener. Declamation contests were sponsored annually and Central representatives took part in contests at Minneapolis, Fargo and the -University. Moreover, declamation was strongly encouraged in the eighth grade. The necessity of a new high school was becoming easily apparent as early as 1913. For some time, citizens met and discussed the problem. The exact site of the new building gave rise to considerable discussion, but it was finally decided to let the old school stand and build on a new location. The plan adopted provided for the fine school we now have, to be constructed Page Twelve ,X 1,7 9 X A '-.AQ ., .. A, I ,.- .-. - '--A' -4-

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HFORX The first Superintendent was C. N. Cunningham, who remained until 1885. He was succeeded by C. H. Clemmer, who served for nine years, during which he graded and systematized the schools. J. Nelson Kelly was next in line and, for twenty-five years, Mr. Kelly guided the Grand Forks schools through a period noted for development and lack of friction. Mr. Kelly was regarded as one of the most prominent figures in education in the Northwest. W. C. Stebbins became Superintendent in 1919 and served loyally until his sad death in 1929. He has been superseded by J. C. West, he who has fulfilled and exceeded our expectations. Ten students were organized into the flrst high school class under the principalship of Mrs. L. S. Kaufman. Of these ten, but one, Miss Emma Oldham, finally graduated, along with Miss Mary Parsons, who entered as a Junior. It is of inter- est to note that several of those who discontinued their high school work did so to enter the teaching profession. Com- mencement exercises for those first two graduates were held in the Presbyterian church. Following classes grew steadily in number, girls predominating in near- ly every instance. Of the total number of graduates composing the fourteen classes through the year 1900, approxi- mately one hundred, the girls outnum- bered the boys two to one. The decade following 1900 was one of sensational growth for Grand Forks schools. During this period, the number of schools in the city rose from three to six, with the construction of Win- ship, Washington, and Roosevelt, the seating capacity was increased by 1750, while the total enrollment rose almost a thousand. In 1900, thirty-nine teachers were employed at a cost of 323,000, in 1910, the city faculty numbered sixty- J. NELSON KELLY nine, to whom almost 352,000 was paid. ' Throughout the same decade and the one following, development within the High School was fully as rapid. The year 1911 found Central with a student body of 375 and a faculty of sixteen. Four courses of study were offered - Latin, Science, English, and Commercial, with considerable liberty in the choice of electives. In 1911, Mr. Lehman, serving his first year at Central, organized the Normal Department, which, during the following year was expanded to its full organization by Miss Davies, under whose guidance it continued until June, 1929, when it was discontinued, following the passage of a law requiring more advanced qualifications for teachers. The manual training department was organized in 1909, when, after extensive study, excellent shop equipment was installed. Mechanical Drawing was adopted the following year with the purchase of equipment limited to lack of floor space. Domestic Science was introduced in 1909, when the fundamentals of sewing were offered to both the High School Page Iq1l'l'f'll X lf!! f N , .f ,, , 1 XX NX X ,fy f 1' If ,Q . CNN XQN M Cy ' ' ' , fl- 41-A .. ' . - .. A ' J, XX X., f ff 41. A b 4 , -.,.,.,,1,-,4,..u

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FOQX in two units, the first in the near future while the other was to follow some years later. The new school was completed and first occupied in January, 1920. The second unit, which includes the gymnasium, shop departments, and a number of class rooms, was finished in 1927, a portion of the Old Central Building being removed to provide space. The new High School affords one of the most beautiful sights of the city. It is modern in every particular from the dignified exterior of smooth gray brick and buff limestone to gushing fountains within. In addition to three full stories, it contans a complete basement floor. Together with the usual classrooms, laboratories, and study halls, the building includes music, art, sewing, cooking, and typ- ing rooms, besides excellent Manual Training and Home Mechanics depart- i ments and a fine gymnasium. Wide, l spacious corridors, easy, winding stair- ways and marbled hallways with de- lightful wainscoting contribute to the intrinsic beauty of the interior. The building is well equipped, well ventil- ated, well lighted, and fireproof. Three officials have served Grand Forks schools for periods exceeding twenty years. Too much praise cannot be extended J. Nelson Kelly, whose energy and perseverance contributed largely to the construction of the new High School. Each year, for a quarter century, he was re-elected Superin- tendent of Schools, with never a dis- senting note, by the various Boards that came and went. He retired in 1919 and continues to reside in Grand Forks. W. C. Stebbins entered the High School in 1903 as a science teacher. Four years later, he was made Principal, in which capacity he served most com- mendably for twelve years. He suc- ceeded Mr. Kelly as Superintend- W. C. STEBBINS ent in 1919 and fulfilled the duties of that office until 1929, when the schools suffered the loss of the beloved leader. Our Principal, P. H. Lehman came to Central in 1911 as a teacher of History. He succeeded to the Principalship in 1919 and continues to serve as such in a truly praiseworthy manner. Throughout the years during which he has seen the student body swell from 375 to over one thousand, he has always been actively interested in every forward movement for the betterment of the school. I Miss McCumber, Mr. Howell, Mr. Carter, Miss Davies, and Mr. Har- grave are present members of the faculty who have served the school for very long periods. Mr. Baarman's death in 1930 brought a close to twenty years of distinguished service., Also, no review of Grand Forks schools Page Thirteen A X , ff 1 -we ilff a .