Hall High School - Hall Light Yearbook (Spring Valley, IL)

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HALL LIGHT A BRIEF REVIEW-1914-1939 PLANS for the present Hall Township High and Vocational School were begun in 1913 by Ernest L. Bost. The first Board of Education was composed of eight prominent men, representing all sections of Hall Township. Through their persistent efforts the first unit of the Hall Township High and Vocational School became a reality in 1914. By the end of September, 1914, the main building was completed at a cost of $112,174. While this building was being constructed, plans were made for the construction of a vocational building. The two buildings were completed about the same time. The total cost for both buildings and their equipment was $220,000. The high school was in readiness by the end of January, 1915, but actual teaching did not begin in these buildings until February 20, twenty-five years ago. The academic subjects taught were those usually included in the curriculum of a four-year high school. The vocational subjects included shorthand, bookkeeping, typewriting, commercial law, commercial geography, sewing, cooking, and cafeteria. In the vocational building were given mechanics, wood-shop, drawing, and agriculture. A course in mechanical accounting was also offered in 1916-17. The eleven boys and girls who had the honor of becoming the first alumni of Hall Township High and Vocational School in 1915 were: Fred DeFilippi, Glenn Sitterly, Roy Baxter, George Herrmann, Grace Creed, lone Forrester, Della Link, Scdalia Phillips, Rose McDonald, Mary Clinton, and Esther Phillips. lAt the graduation exercises Dr. Nathaniel Butler of the University of Chicago addressed the class. At the time of the influenza epidemic in 1918 over one third of the students at Hall were stricken and the school was closed. Hall was made into a hospital where the pupils and teachers served as helpers from seven in the morning until seven at night. Among many Hall students who took part during the World War were three who did not return. They were John and Vester Sickinger of Granville, and Howard Cole of Spring Valley. Tribute is paid to them at each Armistice celebration at Hall. In the twenty-five years since the establishment of Hall she has attempted to keep pace with the time through a continuous progress. In 1927 a new janitor’s residence was built, and in 1929 the present athletic field was completed. Changes in equipment in the vocational departments have been made from time to time. The Home Economics Department was completely renovated in 1937-38. With the present school year, we see the completion of the most ambitious project since the establishment of the school: the addition of the auditorium, gynasium, and swimming pool. Plans for the new addition were begun in 1938. $70,000 worth of bonds were voted and sold. A P. W. A. grant of $55,000 was given and accepted. Contracts were awarded and work was started on September 19, 1938. To Dr. Kirby, President, and other members of the present school board, much gratitude is due for this accomplishment. Through their persistent efforts and unflagging zeal Hall has reached its present level of development. The original graduating class of 11 has increased to about 90 and the general enrollment is approaching the 400 mark. We have just come through another influenza epidemic and at the moment we are confronted with the possibility of another world war. As Hall students have contributed their part in the past and taken their place in the affairs of the community and the nation, they stand ready now to prove their loyalty to the ideals implanted during their years in high school. Hall's progress in these past twenty-five years has enabled her to keep pace with the times. Her aim for the future must be continued advancement, that she need not rest on her present achievement but press forward toward ever higher and more ambitious goals. P.,f,c Eight

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HALL LIGHT Page Seven

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