Hammond Technical Vocational High School - Chart Yearbook (Hammond, IN)

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18 Mary Dwyer Dormagen, Tech ' s first teacher. Technical training introduced by first staff Frederick E. Benson Harry H. Wilson Director 1936-1958 1958-1964

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Tech’s first home holds fond memories 17

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Mr. Fred S. Barrows came to Hammond in 1919. In October of that year, he established a part-time vocational school in one small room on the top floor of the Central School. Mr. Barrows believed that training students to be pre- pared for jobs in industry and business was a major need in education. It was for the benefit of these students that he established Hammond Technical Vocational High School. Barrows stated that Vocational Educational is training for the future, the making of good citizens. During the first week of school, one student enrolled. This student was Max Demps. He went to school one day each week. The second week of school six girls enrolled. They worked five days a week and went to school one day each week. What a difference when compared to Tech’s present enrollment of 1,825 strong! Hammond Tech would not be what it is today had it not been for the help of Mary Dwyer. In the fall of 1919 she was chosen to assist in organizing the part-time school which was later to become Hammond Technical Vocation- al High School. From the time of her first class until ill health compelled her to leave the school system she gave all she had to the students at Tech. Her main thought was the success of this school and what was good for the pupils. Knowing she was once an instructor here, Tech students are proud of the memories of her work and character. Her sincere desire was to make a vocational type school a success. Fred S. Barrows, Founder and Director