Walnut High School - Walnut Tree Yearbook (Walnut, IL)

Page 7 text:

We, the Class of 1961, wish to dedicate this twenty-fifth anniversary volume of the Walnut Tree to Mr. Charles Vail. Mr. Vail has very ably served our class for four years as sponsor, and is our football and basketball coach. As we, the senior class, prepare to leave, we wish Mr. Vail continued success in whatever he may do.

Page 6 text:

In the following pages of this, the twenty-fifth volume of the Walnut Tree, we have attempted to record the memorable events we have experienced during the year 1960-61, In order to present this story in a more interesting manner, we have chosen the comic strip theme because many of the comic strip characters depict life as it really is and in a humorous fashion. We have tried to show all aspects of school life, both curricular and extra-curricular. We have earnestly attempted to record all of the events, and the organizations sponsoring these events, that have taken place this year. When in future years you should like to remember the year 1960-1961 perhaps this volume will help you.

Page 8 text:

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL The first Walnut School was built in 1875 and consisted of three departments -- primary, intermediate, and grammar, with 122 pupils enrolled and Mr. G. D. Paddicord as the Principal. In 1884, a high school was organized with only 10th and 11th grades; there was no graduating class until 1890. In 1894 a new six room building was built. The school year consisted of three terms instead of two semesters which we now have. Of the 215 students enrolled, only 33 were in high school. In 1900, the high school was organized into a four year high school. In 1914 the school building was enlarged and in 1922 a new high school building was built at a cost of $100, 000 under the guidance of the school board consisting of Louis Gonigam Sr. , George Westphd, G. W. Dahl, Howard Keig-win and S. W. Hopkins. The first principal was Mr. Charles Melton. In 1924 the new high school was recognized by the North Central Association and has never lost that distinction. In the beginning the Walnut District embraced only 3, 000 acres. Today it consists of 108.62 square miles with a taxable valuation of $17,737, 385. In 1890 the teaching staff consisted of two teachers, with an enrollment of 33. We now have twelve teachers and the enrollment this year is 169. Agriculture, Home Economics, a full athletic program, a complete music schedule, Drivers Training, and night classes in Typing and Spanish are all part of our curriculum.