Elston High School - Elstonian Yearbook (Michigan City, IN)

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Page 6 THE ELSTONIAN ISAAC C. ELSTON Closely connected with the early history of Michigan City is the name of Major Isaac C. Elston for whom our high school was named. An interesting statement occurs in “The History of Michigan City;” namely, “Michigan City was laid out by Isaac C. Elston in 1832.” We find, in this history, mention of a document setting apart ground for the first public school in the city and signed by Isaac C. Elston, proprietor of Michigan City. The Elston school occupies the oldest building used for public school purposes in the city, and it stands on the lot donated to the city for educational uses by Major Elston in 1833. The recorded original plot of the city carries the following donation, among others given by Major Elston for public purposes: “One acre of ground at the extreme lower end of Spring Street and opposite the eastern end of Wood Street.” This ground was the city cemetery for thirty years. About 1862 the city purchased the tract of land now occupied by Greenwood cemetery; in later years when a high school was to be built, this plot of ground was used for the erection of the Isaac C. Elston High School. We are indebted to Major Elston for the deep interest he took in promoting education in those early days of our city’s history.

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DEDICATION TO OUR PARENTS WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION, WE SINCERELY DEDICATE THIS EDITION OF THE ELSTONIAN.

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THE ELSTONIAN Page 7 MICHIGAN CITY IN 1840 During the course of the erection of our new high school building, the local Rotary Club became interested in the question of a suitable decoration for the interior of the building. To carry out the intent of the club a committee of Rotarians was appointed, and after considering all possibilities it was decided to approach Robert Crafton, the well known artist, with the purpose of interesting him in the project. Michigan City is fortunate in being Mr. Grafton’s home and in the further fact that this gifted artist is interested heart and soul, in building up in the coming generation of his fellow townsmen, an appreciation of and a love for art. Seeing the opportunity offered, to accomplish this end through a suitable mural study placed before the students of the high schooi, Mr. Grafton generously offered to execute such a painting without charge for his services. After various subjects had been considered, it was decided to undertake the presentation of a scene from the early history of Michigan City. It was decided to make the theme of the painting that of activitv at the harbor entrance in the early days of the city’s life. Mr. Grafton has kept close to historical facts in this painting which lends charm and beauty to our study hall. Michigan City is fortunate in having a live Rotary Club and an outstanding artist who shows his generous willingness to give his time and skill for the good of his fellow citizens.