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

Page 16 text:

1950 To 1958 Tiger Spirit Prevailed Even in Overcrowded, Half- Completed Building Of The 50’s 1950- — In September, the “new Tech was ready for occu- pancy . . . but only half the building was completed. Girls took the first two floors; the boys, the shop wing and the third floor. First students to enter the new $3,500,000 Tech building on first day of school were greeted by Mr. Fred Benson, principal, and Mr. Lee Caldwell, superintendent of schools. The students were William Hendon, president of the Tech Student Coun- cil, and Roberta Stirling, a freshman. Overcrowding set in almost immediately; soon some classes were conduct- ed in the halls. 1957 — Mr. Benson retired. Mr. H.H. Wilson replaced him as director. 1958 — A record 600 parents and teachers joined Tech P.T.A. Mr. Clarence Welty ' s Physics class was popular — especially with col- lege-bound students. Tech ' s north half, including the auditorium and cafeteria, were complet- ed in 1958. The part to the south was completed in 1950.

Page 15 text:

Machine Shop has always been an important part of the Tech curricu- lum for both day and night schools. 1940 State Championship Team: Front row (1 tor) — J.W. Thomas, Dick Haack, Stanley Shimala, Lou Birkett (coach), Bobby Kramer, Mike Bicanic, John Gaul. Back row — F.E. Benson (director), Johnny Kielbowicz, Dick Smith, Bob Haack, Joe Abatie, and A.J. Zimmerman (faculty manager). This girls’ class in the late 40’s was conducted by Miss Marie Landon, girls’ co-ordinator (at the desk near the window), and by Miss Betty Rybolt, her assistant. II

Page 17 text:

Left — Mr. Paschen conducts directed study in his boys English class. Right — Business Machines Shop was sometimes called Comptometry Shop because of the brand name of the machines used. Overcrowding for most of the Fifties was accepted because it was felt the building would soon be completed. Pictured is a girls’ class that was located in the hall by the north main staircase, second floor. Center left — Parents and friends visited Tech ' s Aviation Engine Shop during American Education Week. During 50 ' s, the shop was housed in an annex downtown. Left — For many years The Kettle was a favorite place for students and teachers to have a coke or coffee or to order a famous Kettle Burger. Dances were popular in the 50’s when the only place to have them was the gym. 13