Highland High School - Iris Yearbook (Highland, IL)

Page 14 text:

STORY OF OUR N .W SCHOOL Work was started on October 15, 1934, when Mr. Leo Ammann, President of the Board of Education, turned over the first shovelful of ground. Weather condi- tions were not favorable in the early months of construction. An early spring, how- ever, made the work progress more rapidly. By March 12, 11135, practically all the ina-sonry and steel work were completed up to the top of the first floor. The corner- stone was put into place by Mr. Ammann on April il, 1935. Hy June the outer walls were completed, and the interior work went on with- out interruption during the summer. The roof is covered with gypsum roof slab ovtr which four layers of tar and paper were applied. Inside, partitions went up, and workers began to plaster and put in the wood work, In the corridors the terrazzo worke1's ground and polished the fioors they had laid. When the brick walls ofthe corridors had been cleaned, the beauty of the finished product became evident. At the old building, work went on as well. All equip- ment considered suitable for use in the new building was refiniuhed in a uniform way to harmonize with the rest of the build.ng, This equipment in- cludid the seat-3 in grade school and some high school rooms, teachers' desks, and bookcases. The date for opening ot' school was not set until late in August. When school did open on September 113, 1935, the building was by no means com- pleted. The faculty had been at work for a week moving equipment from the old build- ing, and practically all the- class rooms were habitable. Blackboard-5 and a few other essentials were missing, it was true: but work was 1-arricd on cheerfully and soon the needs were supplied, Classrooms were improved greatly after blackboards, lockerobes, shades, and may railing were in place. The corridors took on an entirely new appearance when the lockers were not in place and the linoleum was laid. We have good reason to feel that our halls are very beautiful. In the gymnasium work went on unhindered by tho opening of school. Students watched eagerly as bleachers were constructed and flooring was laid. Outside, Cinder paths were made, and then cement walks were built from the main entrance to the side entrances and to the corner. Later the plaza in front of the building was sodded, and shrubs were transplanted. The faculty parking lot was completed. A brick playground to the rear on the grade .side was begun. As soon as cold weather came, we learned that our heating system is a most elTicicnt one, Not only may an even and healthful temperature be easily main- tained, but the constant circulation of fresh air in the classrooms made a noticeable improvement in working conditions. The last parts of the interior to be finished were the manual arts room,

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STORY OF O R N W SCI-IOGL The public was informed that no better time could be found to build a com- pletely new building. This was made clear by circulars that were distributed to every home in this vicinity. The main reason was that under the National Recovery Act, which allowed communities with sound finances to receive financial assistance from the government on projects approved by the Public Works Administration, we might receive a substantial grant which would pay part of the cost and provide means for caring for the bonded indebtedness. Besides securing our building at a minimum cost, the people of school district fifteen would be furthering the national program and creating many jobs for men in this district. The total cost of the project was estimated at bSl94.tl00, The United States government was to make a donation equal to the amount of thirty per-cent of the cost of labor and materials used and was also to purchase four per-cent bonds for the balance ot' the project. The government grant would a- mount lo approximately 550,- 000. The results of the election held lfebruary 24, 1934 proved that the community was con- vinced that these arguments were sound. The proposition carried two to one. Of the two sites offered, the people chose the one which was for- merly a part of the Highland Golf Course on Lindenthal Av- enue. This ten-acre plot would atTord an ideal location for a school since it is far removed from the noise and danger of the business district and has beautiful surroundings which are necessary to secure the best results in education. l The plans for the building were carefully made, Mr. Ewing, the architects, and members ot' the Board made many trips to new schools throuurhout the state to study the most recent improvements devised for modern school plants, The final plans called for a central unit housing a gymnasium to be flanked by a high school wing to the let't ami grade school wing to the right. The gymnasium was planned not only for athletics but also for music and dramatics, a field which has not received sufficient attention in the past. The plans called for a seating capacity nearing two thousand which would enable Highland to bid for meetings of large organizations. The gymnasium, in other words, was to become a center for com- munity life. The two wings were planned just as carefully, In each department care was taken that all educational needs were cared for in the best possible man- ner. Hope was felt that our new building might attract not only tuition pupils from neigliboring towns but also new residents interested in the welfare of their children. After the plans had been approved by government officials in Chicago, the Board was ready to receive bids for the building, heating, plumbing, and electrical work.

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STORY OF O R N .W SCHOOL cafeteria, and gymnasium. The manual classes moved into their new quarters in Novem- ber. The gymnasium was ded- - icated at Thanksgiving time V when we played our first game l with Greenville. The stage at that time was not completed, but the beautiful new curtains were in place at the time the band gave its concert early in the spring. The cafeteria was opened in January, but since then many improvements in equipment have been made. During the winter months the floors of classrooms and study halls received several coats of paint and were waxed. This served to eliminate much dust and noise. New equipment was purchased as fast as the Board could supply the funds. The science room on the high school side was litted out with new tables and lockers. The grade school science room received new chairs, The agriculture room acquired new filing cabi- nets. New chairs for the floor of the gymnasium arrived in time for the band contest and junior play. Shades to darken the auditorium were also in place for the band contest. While many things are still to be done in equipping the new school, the work of construction is completed. The building has not as yet been for- mally dedicated because the official approval of the government has not been made. Now that spring is here, we can hardly realize that the first year of occupancy is almost over. For us seniors it is to be our only year in our new quarters., but in this short time we have become much attached to our new home. As the drives in front of the building are laid, and the grading, sod- d i n g a n d seeding of the 1 a w n moves on to completio n , we begin to ,- . visualize the beauty of the 1 new High- ! land Public School as it must h a v e been seen by the eyes of the archi- tects. We re- m e m b e r words spok- en long ago of men who see visions and dream dreams.