Murphy High School - Mohian Yearbook (Mobile, AL)

Page 11 text:

Ole Barton Alabama’s public education was cradled and matured in Barton Academy, the century-old struc- ture of such historical importance to the South. This building, Ala- bama’s monument to education, was founded in 1836, and has since expanded into “the million dollar high school of the South. This remarkable institution was opened in 1837 under the capable leadership of A. S. Vigus. In 1852 the session opened with four hun- dred pupils enrolled, but by the middle of the year the enroll- ment numbered 854. Miss Annie Quigley was first principal of the high school and Mary Horton was the first pupil. The main obsta- cle which served to intervene the companionship of the students was the high board fence which served the purpose of separating the boys and girls. Tradition says that in 1870 the academy was painted pink with the name in large black letters across the front. Facts tell us that during the Civil War the high school was closed and the building was used as a hospital for the soldiers. Memories of school days in this stately building will ever be cher- ished by students of bygone days and history will continue to tell of lhe learned men and women it has produced. 7

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Builders Starting a new century of school activity, it is the desire of the Board of School Commission- ers of Mobile County to raise its standards of achievement. The Board elected by the people is composed of five members. Those serving on the present Board are: Mr. Paul Danner, President of the Board, Chairman of School Lands, President of the Danner-Veneer Company; Mr. A. F. Norquist, Vice-President of the Board, Chairman of City Schools, Vice- President of the Leftwich Com- pany; Mr. M. S’. Adams, Chair- man of County Schools, a partner of the Mobile Glass Company; Mr. J. L. Abbot, Chairman of Fi- nance, Local Representative of the Sun Life Insurance; and Mr. II. R. Luscher, Chairman of Wel- fare and Health, Chief Clerk in State-County Tax Collectors Of- fice. A most willing ex-officio mem- ber is Mr. W. C. Griggs, Super- intendent of Mobile County Pub- lic Schools. Serving without fi- nancial reward, these Commis- sioners solve problems arising from the school system. They use an annual budget of one mil- lion dollars normally in training Mobile County public school pu- pils. Sui»’t W. C. GriitKs Left to riirht: School Commis- sioners Luachcr, Atlams. Norquist, Danner. Abbot 6

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Seats of the Mighty Back of Murphy’s horizon, lies the sterling char- acter and unceasing labors of Mr. Clark, our prin- cipal and advisor. Ten years has not served to dim the interest he takes in the school, its students and activities. Having come to Murphy High School in 1926, fresh from educational positions in Virginia and elsewhere, Mr. Clark has ade- quately filled the position not only of principal but also of an influential advisor and real leader. His cheerful smile and pleasing personality will ever be a quality, essential to the success and fu- ture of Murphy High School and its students. Our principal is always willing to find time to assist in scholastic enterprises and in projects de- signed to benefit the city and county of Mobile. A Mobilian by birth, by ancestry, by ideals and by service to thousands of boys and girls who have come in contact with her, Miss Mae Kanes is esteemed by the citizens of Mobile and beloved by the student body of Murphy High School. Her ever endearing interest and keen sense of mind has been greatly responsible for the growth and progress of our high school. Miss Kanes was edu- cated in the public schools here and was a gradu- ate of Barton Academy. Since 1926, when Mur- phy High School was erected, she has served as as- sistant principal of our Alma Mater. Miss Mae, as she is known by her boys and girls, has exer- cised an influence of good to everyone who has had the privilege of knowing her. 8 Mr. K. J. Clark. M.A., Principal Miss Mae Eanes, Assist. Principal