Hammond Central School - Spotlight Yearbook (Hammond, NY)

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12 HAMMOND HIGH HAPPENINGS LITERARY HISTORY OF THE BUILDING Some interesting notes have been found concerning the his- tory of the present high school building. A small handbook published the first year of its use, 1907, gives some facts which will awaken the memory of many of the older gradu- ates. The book says, “It is a mod- ern structure and in every way up to date. It was erected at a cost of $18,000. The heating and plumbing system is mod- ern and sanitary. Drinking fountains are located on each floor and everything has been arranged with special refer- ence to the health and comfort of the pupils.” The first library contained 600 volumes for general circu- lation. A collection of rocks., minerals and fossils was also purchased for the use of the school in teaching Natural Science and Nature Study. The courses of study were somewhat differently arranged from what they are at present. Modern Biology was divided into three classes, Botany, Zo- ology and Physiology. German, Cicero and Virgil were also taught. English was separated into Grammar and Rhetoric. Among the students regis- tered the first year were: Sen- iors, Helen Roger, Bessie Felt, and Lottie Shindler; Juniors, Pearl Franklin, Vera Moore, Helen Moore and Mary Haley; Sophomores, Stanley Nicol, Caroline Wyllie and M,argaret Brown; Freshmen, Florence Wilson, Clarence Derby and Roscoe Mills. The appellations of many other well-known Hammond- ites are to be found in the lists of those in the grades. In fact, way down in the second grade, we find Morris Felt, Murry Henderson and Flossie Nicol. These people, all local resi- dents, have no doubt witnessed many changes and improve- ments since they were students. Perhaps they will recall the fact that, despite the quotation concerning the efficiency of the heating system, it was often so

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HAMMOND HIGH. HAPPENINGS 11 REMINISCENCES ated the same year, has been very ill. Ruth Dooley ’28 is a student at the Rochester Athenaeum. She is taking a course in diet- etics. It is reported that she is a very able student and is mak- ing fine progress. Most of our graduates who have entered higher vocation- al fields have become teachers. Louine Rodger graduated from St. Lawrence University and later obtained an M. A. degree at Columbia University. She is now employed as French teacher at Freeport, L. I. Ruth Stiles and Helen Laid- law who were also teachers, have been married during the past year. The latter now has a small son. We are looking forward to wedding bells for Ruth Allen, who teaches at Al- exandria Bay High School. Of the sixty-seven graduates since 1918, twenty-one have entered Ogdensburg Training Class, seventeen have gone to college and seven have attend- ed Potsdam State Normal. This makes 67 per cent of the grad- uates who have entered higher fields of learning. How is that for the record of a small school ? By An Old Student. If we allow our memory to turn back a few years, we have a mutual picture of the old school building on the hill with Prof. Sayre and Miss Day hold- ing the reins upstairs. Being; next door neighbor to Robe- son’s Bakery, we were daily customers. We see a studious bunch of girls like Marion Wil- son, Caroline Conger, Helen Cuthbert, Helen Bicklehaupt, Vera Demi.ck and Lottie Sim- ons. The leaders in the restless gang were Scotty McGregor, Dean Moore, Stephen Jones, Brick Lockie and Douglas Rog- er, who startled all the village fathers by roller skating on Woodside’s roof. Billy Demick and his box of candy could al- ways be found at the reference, desk. More than one girl tried to vamp Norris Soper. These happy memories bring back many good times, and I for one, still hold that the old friends are the best friends. Florence W. Gallagher.

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HAMMOND HIGH HAPPENINGS 13 mary room boasts the least. cold that school had to be closr ed, probably much to their sat- isfaction. The heating system certainly was inefficient and the ventilating system also, gave some trouble. In 1915 an attempt was made for improvement and, steam heat was added, replac- ing the hot air system. This helped a great deal and, two years ago, several extra radia- tors w;ere added, which seem- ed to solve the heating prob- lems. There was no lighting sys- tem in the school except large brass lamps which hung from the ceiling. These were so in- convenient that they were sel- dom used. The janitor often carried a lantern so that he could see to sweep the floors. In 1912 an electric light was put in the boiler room. The same year another wire was, extended up to the library. Two years later the high school was wired and later the grade rooms. This was a great help for it made the school brighter on dark days. The janitor work was also made easier for electrical appliances could be used. Of the many teachers who have been employed, the pri- Only four teachers have occu- pied that room. The former Miss Ethel McClelland holds the record of ten years teach- ing there. Miss Bertha McClel- land has enlightened youth for twelve years, first in the inter- mediate room, later advancing to the high school, where she is now our well-loved precep- tress. Last but not least, Miss Ada Allen has taught the gram- mar grades almost as long as the building has stood. She came in 1909, making a total of 22 years of unquestionable service. Something should also be said of our present janitor who has kept the building clean and warm to the best of his ability for sixteen years. Such services as these are well worth appreciation. Improvements are being made each year. An efficient pressure water system was in- stalled last year. New equip- ment has been added yearly. A modern electric radio has also done much toward making school days brighter. Such has been the past. What will be the future ? Who can tell ? Erva M. McLear;