Woodward High School - Treasures Yearbook (Cincinnati, OH)

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WOODWARD HIGH SCHOOL Its History and Its Purpose ROM the earliest settlement of the State of Ohio, provision for education has been made in Cincinnati by the grant of the public lands, as specified in the Ordinance of 1787, by many individual donations, and by much private effort. Among those schools which came into existence through individual donation, was Woodward High School, amply en- dowed by the man whose name it bears, William Woodward. As early as the year 1819, Mr. WoodwardIS attention was attracted to the matter of schools for poor children, but his first actual move in this direction was not made until 1826. In that year he conveyed in trust to Samuel Lewis and his nephew Osmond Cogswell, a valuable tract of land, containing some seven acres, for the support of a free grammar school. This tract being on Sycamore Street, near the present site of Hunt Street, was divided by the trustees into suitable building lots, which were then leased, subject to a re-valuation every fif- teen years. In 1830, Woodward modified the trust so as to allow the trustees to establish a high school, and on December 16th of the same year, gave over an acre more for the building lot. On this lot, by means of the funds accumulated after several years from the ground rent, the Woodward school building of 1831 was erected. In this two-story brick building of four rooms, the first session of Woodward High School was held on October 24, 1831. Ten years later the house was enlarged by the addition of a third story, and in this the high school of 1841 began its work. Time passed, and the charter was surrendered. So, in 51, the school was made part 01' the public system, under the Union Board of High Schools. But now the Woodward 0f 11 became a thing of the past, for in 1885 a larger and more convenient structure was be- gun. Two years later, the new Woodward stood completed, a noble specimen of Gothic architecture and a splendid monu- ment of learning. For fifteen years it lived, nobly accomplish- ing its work and pouring forth from its walls influence far and wide. And then it, too, vanished to exist only in one colony of the school; and then, later on, another was formed. And so, to afford room for a larger school, Woodward of 1885 was torn down. From 1907 to 1910 the children of Woodward were without a true home, taking up quarters in the Second and Third Intermediate Schools. But in the fall of the year 1910 the wanderers entered the open doors of the ttNew Wood- ward ithe school of to-day and 0f the long future, an impos- ing modern structure of one hundred and fifty-four rooms, replete with every modern convenience and requisite necessarv to the gaining of a substantial and useful high school edu- cation. To an honored alumnus, Gustav W. Drach, I79, belongs the credit for the magnificent design of this handsome new home of ours. In every conceivable detail does his wonderful skill

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show forth, and the building stands now as a monument 02 his architectural designing which shall live to do him honor for years to come. To thoroughly describe the building of to-day, would oc- cupy too much space. But why does it exist to-day, what does it stands for and what are its purposes and ideals? These questions confront us; and to answer them, it will be nec- essary to review the real and inward history of the school, even from its modest beginning. In conformity to Mr. Woodwardls wishes, children who had no parents able to provide for their instruction or whose par- ents or relatives refused to do so, were admitted to his insti- tution, for it was recognized in those rough and hardy days of the western communities by nearly all men who had been fortunate enough to receive some education, that man must not live by bread alone; that there was something in life be- yond the mere earning of food, which brought only physical development. They realized that there was a great necessity for intellectual enlightenment, that would cause a man to see above the earth, filling him with a respect for himself, the community and its obligations upon him, and a desire for the respect of his fellow-men. These ideas were felt by Wil- liam Woodward and were embodied in the school which he founded. In looking over the activities of the school, it is evident that the Woodwardites led in many movements that lend to create a healthy, strong, patriotic and loyal manhood and wo- manhood. Athletics were carried on. Football was popu- larized in this section of the country by the Woodward boys. The cadets were organized in 1893, although military train- ing had long existed in the school. Loyalty to its founder was expressed in Founder's Day, first celebrated in 1893. The Art League having for its object the beautifying of the school in- terior, was established in 1902. There were many other ae- tivities carried on, all issuing from the true and energetic spirit filling the Woodward hearts. Even of the movements for higher education in this city she was the cradle, for in the building that recently passed away, the University of Cincinnati held its first meetings, and the instruction was given by Woodward teachers. And her graduates, what about them? They who passed out into the larger world, after four years of honest toil, were in the truest sense men and women. To them had been given an enduring and beneficial knowledge and culture which would.guarantee influence, respect and the confidence of their fellow-citizens. They were ready to meet responsibil- ities and fulfill their duties, and prepared to enter into an honorable civil and mercantile life. And we have but to look and see that ttOld Woodwardi, that has passed away did not fail in her object and ideals. Thru those to whom she is endeared her influence has reached into all parts. Many have attained high positions in this country; even the high- est and most honorable place is to-day filled by one of her graduates. And what higher spirit of enthusiasm and patriot- ism for ones country could have been expressed by the uboys ot' Woodward than that when their fatherland was in danger of disruption, they should form a company of soldiers and enter into war, and aid in reuniting their divided country; while during the same period the ttgirlsii of Woodward, too, were actively, thot silently engaged in working for the same end. Such graduates did ttOId Woodward produce. But within the last few years, there has come about a great change in educational ideals. A great civic conscious- ness has awakened, a consciousness Which recognizes more strongly than ever the conditions of the country, and whose attempts are manifold. For business it desires an ever-in- creasing morality and honesty; it would have an ever-growing