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

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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

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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.

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1959 to 1981- Tiger Spirits Soared As ‘Dream’ School Became Reality! Curriculum Was Revised To Meet New Needs. 1959 — More than 800 persons witnessed ceremonies dedi- cating the completed Tech building, April 19. 1 959 — Tech’s curriculum was revised in this year that saw the building completed. Academic classes began giving a full credit rather than one half credit for a semester of work. Boys and girls classes were combined. New classes, especially science and math, ushered in a tough, new Technical Division. 1962 — Tech’s enrollment was 1862, an increase of 210 students over the previous year. 1963 — Tech enrollment stood at 2009, a new record. 1963 — President Kennedy was assassinated; the Nation mourned. 1963 — Mr. William Parson became principal. Mr. H.H. Wilson retired. 1965 — A testimonial dinner honored Mr. Gerald Kack- ley. 1965— Tech guidance program was reorganized to in- clude five full-time counselors. 1966 — Students conducted drive to send gifts to Vietnam servicemen. 1967 — Super snowstorm dumped 23 inches; no school for a week. 1969 — New intercom system replaced the old phone sys- tem. 1972 — Mr. Parson retired. Ronald Carter became princi- pal. 1974 — Mr. Walter B. Simpson became principal. 1976 — Mr. Simpson and students raised the Bicentennial . na 8- 1979 — City schools experienced national phenomenon of continuing decline in enrollment. 1981 — Hammond School Board voted to close Tech and to have the building converted to a career center. In 1959 assembly. Alpha Hendon, president of Student Council, presents Mr. Lee Caldwell, superintendant of schools, with a plaque in apprecia- tion of his dedication to Tech’s birth and life. Mr. Wilson looks on.