Ferndale Union High School - Tomahawk Yearbook (Ferndale, CA)

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History of the F. U. H. S. The Ferndale High School came into existence August, 1904. Before this there had been a private high school and later two attempts had be in made to establish one but they had failed on account of lack of interest. Finally it was suggested that if Ferndale could not support a high school alone that the school districts adjacent should join with her and establish a union school. This plan found favor and after some of Ferndale's most interested and liberal citizens had subscribed a bonus of 32500, since the town was to have the benefit of the school located in its limits, the proposi- tion was brought before the voters of Ferndale and eight other school districts. The election in some districts was very close, but there was such an overwhelming majority in Ferndale that steps were immediately taken for its establishment. At that time it was thought best not to build for a year or two so after much discussion the old Coombs residence and lot were purchased. The house would answer the purpose for a building for a time at least, until the new school could be built. Trustees were elected and two teachers were engaged for the first year. Mr. J. C. Dufour as principal had charge of the English and history classes, while Mrs. Adams took Latin and Mathematics. The first semester about thirty pupils regis- tered, all in the first and second years. At the end of the term Mr. Dufour left to accept a more lucrative position in Alameda and Mr. Coddington was chosen his successor. The next year two new teachers, Mr. Van Horn and Miss Smith, replaced those of the preceding year. The course of study was also enlarged, German and Chemistry being added. The number of pupils increased until there were about forty on the register. The school had now been established two years and had been such a decided success that those interested began to take steps for the building of the new school house. For two years the teachers and students had labored under the disadvantage of being crowded into an old, unslitable building. The good work achieved under this handicap deserved some encouragement so the trustees proposed to bond the district for 310,000 to construct the new building. The bonds carried and the contract wus soon let. It called for the completion of the structure January 1, 1907. At the beginning of the third year the trustees felt warranted to increase the factulty to three, so Prof. Van Horn and Miss Smith were retained and Mr. Passmore engaged to fill the third position. With the increase of teachers the course of study was further enlarged. Apparatus for a course in physics was purchased and that branch of science addedg also classes in higher mathematics were organized. With the three teachers a regular course fitting students for the advanced school and universities was instituted and things began to take on a more dignified school-like aspect. At the end of the first semester Mr. Passmore exchanged places with Mr. Moore of Antioch and the latter became our third teacher. ' The new building was not in readiness ly the beginning of the term, so February 22nd was set for its dedication. After this elaborate ceremony the new building was occupied. It was indeed a marked contrast to the old school that had served for two years and a half. The close of the third year was marked by the commencement exercises of the first graduating class. This was a very important event and much interest was shown by the school and friends. For the next year Mr. Moore was engaged for principal as Mr. Van Horn resigned. Miss Smith was retained and Miss Falk engaged for the third teacher. The course of study was thoroughly rear- ranged, drawing added, a more complete chemical and physical apparatus purchased and a good working library of reference books installed. The object of the school has been to have it accredit- ed at the end of the year and both teachers and pupils have worked for this end.

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1' ' 1 1 , r CLASS HISTORY O11 a sunny, August morning, four years ago, sixteen eager seekers after knowledge gathered from all parts of the valley at the humble building in North Ferndale, which had been chosen as the new High School. Here they made the acquaintance of Mr. Dufour and Mrs. Adams, the newly arrived teachers. As the pioneer class of the Ferndale Union High School, Naughty Eight realized its responsibil- ities and early chose the school colors-crimson and white. ization however, as so many changes occurred in the ranks Fieshman year was a most pleasant visit from Professor Holway from who gave us a most interesting address on the geographical various causes five of our little band left us' during the hrst semester. health compelled him to leave us during the Christmas holidays, and so They did not attempt any formal organ! during the year. An incident of our the University of California, of the Wild Cat. From Unfortunately our principal's we began our second senieste: formation under the new head, Mr. Coddington. During the term three more classmates bade us farewell, and reduced to one-half our number, we yet struggled bravely against class t'rushes at recess on cold, wintry days. The spring days hurried us poor little Freshies toward the final the mental efforts of the valiant eight to be in readiness for were issued it was seen that all of us had proven complete mastery 1? gebra, Ancient History and English I. So we drew a long breath Sophomores, we felt. the Sophomores in the lively Sexes, and tremendous were When the reports of the term l of Latin I, Elementary Al- of relief. Now we were the test, A short vacation was enjoyed to its uttermost and we were back again with eager zest, ready for new worlds to conquer. This time we had the keen pl with our greatness and of teaching them a proper' respect The new factulty, Mr. R. H. Van Horn and Miss Grace and merriment and especially tond of marshmallow feasts fireplace. The winter went by all too slowly, for we realized easure of impressing the little Freshmen for the Pioneer Class. Smith, found us to be very full of life while trying to keep warm around the the storms very plainly through the thin walls of our building. March, 1906, found Naughty Eight together with the Juniors and Freshmen moving heaven and earth to inliuence public opinion favorably toward bonding the nine districts for a new High School building. United and earnest efforts in personal appeals and through the press, finally accomplished the long-desired end. W'e had hardly settled down to work again when the memorable earthquake came, playing havoc with the chemical laboratory and making the building further untenantableg but these discouragements seemed small in face of the fine new building that was to be ours. During vacation every incident that related to the plans and specifications, the ad- vertising for bids, the letting of the contract interested us keenly. When the school re-opened it was to the pleasant sound of the saw and hammer. This term we had a new instructor, Mr. Passmore teaching the History and Mathematical branches. As .luniors, we were very proud that now We had three teachers, a new building that was daily growing under our very eyes, a graduating class and the prospects of being accredited to the State University. It was quite a sudden shock to learn one morning in January, 1907, that Mr. Passmore had left us for another position at Antioch, where he had gone to accept the principalship of the High School. Although very sorry to part with him we were very pleased to hear of his good fortune. His successor, Mr. VV. S. Moore, helped our boys with their athletics and under his leadership great interest was aroused in tennis. A new board court was built and training began in earnest and such good use of the time was made that our school wrested the laurels from Fortuna. Naughty Eight had two' representatives on the team in the persons of Miss Myrtle Simpson and Mr. K. W. Robarts. lt was in April that the most excitement of oiir lives took place. On the morning of that nerve- racking day, we had passed to our recitation rooms when the door of the Mathematics room