Morton High School - Top Hat Yearbook (Hammond, IN)

Page 10 text:

pupils recall old memories; new scenes SCHOOL BULLETIN BOARD supplies students with current in¬ formation pertaining to various Morton activities. AMPLE PARKING SPACE acquired with the completion of the Governor home. FLYING PROUDLY over its surroundings, a new American flag, a present from the VFW adds the final touch to the building.

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delayed construction hinders opening DESOLATE AND BARREN, the courtyard waits for the work¬ men who will turn its dirt and stone to beauty. Years of planning preceded the Morton Senior High School opening. Although hindered by construction, tne delayed opening provided most students with a first hand glimpse of the new Governor home. Because the building was far from complete at the original opening date, students were introduced to the new school in stages. Each class had a half-day orien¬ tation at the start of the first semester. Certain areas, such as the gym, the auditorium, and the shop rooms, were restricted from student use while workmen com¬ pleted the work needed on these sections. Started as a city-wide project in spring 1962, Morton was the first Hammond high school to be financed by public bonds. With this plan, it will take 17 years to complete payments on the 7.6 million dollar complex. This was also the first time that a holding company was used by the Hammond School city to finance a project. The holding company is comprised of private citizens who have an interest in Morton. The official title of this company is the Hammond Morton Building Cor¬ poration. Dr. H. Taylor is president, with Mrs. Dan Schlesinger as vice president, Mr. H. Gescheidler as sec¬ retary-treasurer and Mr. P. Singleton and Mr. R. Florence as members. I t was organized on February 26, 1965. The formal dedication was held on May 1, 1968, with city, state and school officials attending. MOVING DAY PROBLEMS were evident in many home eco¬ nomics classrooms. Appliances were left disconnected as crews tried to install the pipes and circuits which would put the new stoves and refrigerators into action. SILHOUETTED BY THE AFTERNOON SUN, a workman strives to prepare the Governors ' Mansion for the opening semester.

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for school traditions Some old traditions must step aside to permit the formation of new ones. However, there are other tradi¬ tions which continue to bind Morton’s students into that particular group of people known as the Governors. New, spacious parking lots, inside classrooms, a new gym and overall expanded facilities helped replace any and all nostalgic longings for the old school. Other school areas, such as the large and small au¬ ditoriums and the cafeteria, are surrounded by activities upon which new traditions are based. Classrooms are not only larger, but have acoustical ceilings, along with plen¬ ty of bulletin and blackboard space. An efficient inter¬ com system has been put into each classroom while some classrooms even have television. New and better equip¬ ment has been added to the shop and home economics areas. Morton’s first language lab was also installed. On October 4, 1967, the VFW Post 232 presented United States flags and the Indiana State flag to the new school. Association members, class officers, and seniors attended the morning ceremony. The flags which fly over the school originally flew over the capitol building in Washington, D.C. The flags are used in classrooms and special areas such as the library and offices. GOOD RELATIONSHIPS between faculty and pupils is im¬ portant for a strong student body. Mr. Gartner gives aid to a puzzled Tom Arnold, who needs help deciding his future. act as background STUDENTS DASH OUT OF SCHOOL after a long day of classes to meet friends for the walk home.