Smithsburg High School - Leopard Yearbook (Smithsburg, MD)

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PftCUMINARY 5MITm5»U HlttH SCmOOl j t MtCK'Olt AWwtKlI »OI IW« T TI4N • ., CHM4STU NC $Ch£ME S NEW HIGH The new Smithsburg High School will be constructed on a seventy acre tract of land ac- quired from Mr. Hoy Newman near the present site of the Smithsburg Elementary School. On February 13, 1963 the Board of Education selected A. G. Odell. Jr., and Associates of Charlotte. North Carolina, to draw plans for the proposed structure. Educational consultant for the project is the firm of Englehart and Leggett. A section of the plot has been reserved for erection of a junior high school at some future date. At present it is hoped that construction will begin in the summer of 1964 and that occu- pancy of the building will take place in 1965.

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SMITHSBURG HIGH SCHOOL In 18-- a building was built on the present site (pictured above), and the school was conducted by Mr. George C. Pearson (son of the first teacher), who continued as principal until he became County Super- intendent. School principals who followed him were Mr. Harbaugh and Mr. Eugene Spessard. During the summer of 1915 increased enrollment forced the razing of the old building and a new brick structure of eight rooms replaced it. The dedication took place on January 6, 1916. During the school year of 1916-17, there was a great drive by the pa- trons and citizens of the community to have the Smithsburg school recognized as a high school. It was finally granted the following summer. The history of Smithsburg school dates back to the early years of the nineteenth century, when the children assembled in a small stone building situated where the Western Maryland Railway now passes by the Chewsville Co-Operative on South Main Street. The site of the land had been deeded to the trustees by Frederick Unger, one of the citizens of the town. The building was built by the people and the children paid tuition to attend school which was conducted by Mr. Unagst. After his resignation Mr. George Pear- son was appointed to this office. Mr. Pearson was one of the most successful teachers. His discipline was severe, but his subjects were thoroughly taught. His superior instruction en- abled many of his pupils to go into teaching or to enter college as juniors, skipping both freshman and sophomore years. The subjects taught included the familiar reading, writing, arithmetic, as well as more advanced work such as Latin, Greek, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. in 1869 the first railroad was built through the town and the school was torn down. Before a new building was constructed, rooms were rented in the town to conduct school. Finally a new building was erected along the Cavetown pike at the home of Mr. James Shank. This building was in use many years. Since the attendance had increased and the old building was in need of repair, it was decided that a new building was necessary. In 1930 remodeling and additions including a gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, and eight rooms were made. Limited space for the ever increasing number of students forced the building of a new elementary school in 1954 at the edge of town on North Main Street. Since then there has been continued remodel- ing of the old building. Now with a faculty of 26 and a high school enrollment of 580, plans are being for- mulated for a new building opposite the elementary school. Principals since 1918 were Mr. James Fleagle, Mr. Leonard Leary, Mr. Rexford Hartle, Mr. Harry Poole, Mr. Frank Getty, and Mr. Charles Summers. 5 SMITHSBURG HIGH SCHOOL

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VIEW FROM SOUTHWEST PRELIMINARY SMlTHSRuRG HIGH SCHOOL iiOHU J« « •OS w. »i T«»»« »» C »C- SChEME 5 SCHOOL PLANS The high school will be one of the most modern in the county with a capacity of 600 stu- dents, and plans for an expansion to accomodate 1200. There will be 25 classrooms with an area designated for agriculture and wood and metal shops. A library, cafeteria, and office facilities for the teaching and administrative staffs are also included in the conception. A spacious auditorium and a general lecture area will be provided for school functions and extra- curricular activities. In the physical education area a gymnasium, swimming pool, and ath- letic fields are offered. The community will be very fortunate in having such a modern, spa- cious school for its youth.