Proviso East High School - Provi Yearbook (Maywood, IL)

Page 9 text:

ll hrough fifty years of progress and improvement has come the Proviso Township I-ligh School of to- day. As the outstanding symbol of Proviso East, 1, the Tower, have viewed this passing of history as the modern high school which exists today has evolv- ed. From the very beginnings to the final improve- ments, 1 have seen Proviso grow and adapt itself to prepare its students to meet a changing world. From a tiny school with 241 students under the direction of 18 teachers to the liustling community of 3,000 students supervised by 197 teachers, Proviso has clung to its motto Nothing But the Bestf' esires of a few students, eager for the op- ' and facilities to prepare themselves for 2 education, brought about the first high Tower Tells All school building. The bond issue passed in 1911 made possible the original building, built on five acres at the corner of First Avenue and Madison Street in Maywood. Although the first graduating class of 22 had earned their diplomas by attending classes in Emer- son Grammar School, they were only able to study courses dealing with the subjects English, languages, and mathematics. The new building, composed of 21 1 I D I O, sium, and several classrooms. However, Superinten- dents James Porter Adams and john E. Witme1', who served from 1910-1912 and 1912-1917, respec- tively, also provided for the enlarging of the curricu- lum as Well as the buildings of this new school. The first graduates of Prvcviso Township High School, the Class of 1911, earned their diplomas in this twenty-one-room building.

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Through 50 ear - - The red brick of the tower and the half-light of the ro- tunda symbolize Proviso East to over 3800 students. Since 1910 East traditions have grown. Fifty graduating classes have left with a unique series of experiences. As a distinct school under the same administration, Proviso West quickly developed char- acteristics of its own. The familiar mural, the mall, and the shine of glass and steel stirred pride at West. During Provisois first fifty years, rapid changes have taken place everywhere. Skirt lengths varied, the Tucker and the Edsel came and went, the Charleston faded as the Cha Cha took over, Ethel Barrymore starred in Captain Jinx and Elvis entered the army, the bob gave away to the bubble, and knickers were traded in for bermuda shorts. While Americans fought two world wars, a depression. and prohibition, Proviso was help- ing to educate America's youth to preserve its values. These fifty golden years have also brought continual change to Proviso. In the following pages the 1960 Provi staff shows our school, its growth, and the accomplishments of Proviso's anniversary year. The Tower Recalls the past - - Records the present - ,kv V ,. ,- Nr., East Progresses ln Scholarship - e ln Leadership f - ln Sportsmanship - ln Friendship e - West Efvolves - In Scholarship - 4 in Friendship f f ln Leadership - ln Sportsmansliip f Index ---A Staff -e

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The need for larger quarters sends Proviso shooting up and out. As the trend toward a wider, more inclusive selec- tion of studies increased, they provided vocational courses for boys and commercial studies for girls. One of these up-to-date courses was penmanship, a necessity for secretaries in 1916. The extra-curricular activities for which Proviso is so well noted had already begun to develop at this time. Under the direction of the Music Department, the concert orchestra and glee clubs appeared. The first edition of the Provi was published in 1916 and the Pageant followed in 1919. v I-Iears I-Ialf Notes Sound. Girls, too, entered the field of athletics in 1922! They donned white middy blouses and black hose and skirts to avail themselves of their new gymna- sium, built as part of the second addition. This addi- tion also included 24 new classrooms. Under the direction of L. Thalman, superintendent from Proviso's landmark, the Tower, rises maiesfically from the rubble. 1917-1927, and W. C. Robb, who served from 1927- 1933, studies and activities continued to improve and adapt to the needs of present students. The last addition to the academic portion of the building, completed in 1932, saw my lofty spire rise. To complete the facilities, the cafeteria, main office, social room and several classrooms were added.