Difference between revisions of "Lew Wallace High School History Wiki (not -pedia)"
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− | ''Lew Wallace High School | + | '''''Lew Wallace High School - 415 West 45th Avenue - Gary Indiana 46408''''' |
− | + | ||
− | ''Gary Indiana | + | Why a wiki? |
+ | |||
+ | An early proponent of the wiki way of sharing information, Ward Cunningham, called a wiki "the simplest online database that could possibly work,” of which the widely consulted ‘Wikipedia’ is perhaps the best known example. I offer this as a definition: a website that addresses a particular body of knowledge that allows its readers, researchers, users and experts to contribute their particular areas of knowledge for the good of all. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In preserving the history of Lew Wallace High School for future generations, certainly a formal, scholarly, heavily researched and annotated from primary source material would be the very most desirable document, and I hope that someone undertakes such a project at some time. Difficulties in research process would certainly arise as at this point, access to Gary documents is somewhat iffy. The Gary Public Library main branch, which had been the repository of many historical papers, has been closed since 2012, the Gary Historical Society seems to be in a state of flux, and there has been concern as well that documents and items of historical value have been left to the elements in the now shuttered school buildings. The fact that few hornets from the era of Lew Wallace as a neighborhood school still reside in the neighborhood makes preservation efforts, or a grass roots movement to spearhead a plan of action to have our alma mater declared a site for historical preservation unlikely and complicates the possibility of salvaging historical treasures in our former school. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Finding the usual and traditional avenues of preserving a piece of history closed, or at least heavily road blocked, to us, we set up the Wallace wiki in April, 2015, as a place where we could share information and memories about our school. We reiterate the invitation for all to contribute to this living document. Knowledge about the building’s history, stories about teachers, administrators and staff, lore about clubs, sports and extracurricular activity are welcomed, as are current stories and pictures regarding the condition and status of those hallowed halls. To date, we especially thank Kim Steinert, Kathy Combs Butler, Marlene Pajor and the Lew Wallace Library in Crawfordsville, Indiana for their contributions of materials and time. | ||
− | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
− | A brand new city in 1906, Gary | + | A brand new city in 1906, Gary, Indiana hired William Wirt as its first School Superintendent in 1907. Wirt established a working relationship with St Louis architect William B. Ittner, and after creating several schools in the northern parts of Gary, this duo turned their attention to Glen Park, which had been annexed to the city in 1909. |
− | In 1921, Wirt selected a 25 acre site to develop a school for the Glen Park area, and the first classes were held at what was then called “The 45th Avenue School” in fall of 1923. Glen Park was a rapidly growing area of Gary at that time, and by 1924, 8 portable buildings were added to house a total of more than 700 students. | + | In 1921, Wirt selected a 25 acre site to develop a school for the Glen Park area, and the first classes were held at what was then called “The 45th Avenue School” in what we would now call the East Building during fall of 1923. Glen Park was a rapidly growing area of Gary at that time, and by 1924, 8 portable buildings were added to house a total of more than 700 students. |
In 1926, the West Building was added and housed a gym and an auditorium, and in 1927, the name was changed to Lew Wallace School and included complete high school classes. Verna Hoke, the first principal of the newly named school was hired and began her long tenure. | In 1926, the West Building was added and housed a gym and an auditorium, and in 1927, the name was changed to Lew Wallace School and included complete high school classes. Verna Hoke, the first principal of the newly named school was hired and began her long tenure. | ||
− | Further expansion occurred from 1931-1933, and the 1931 cornerstone (near the | + | Further expansion occurred from 1931-1933 with the construction of the Main Building, and the 1931 cornerstone (near the main doors) remains visible. Another expansion was undertaken in the early fifties, and yet another in the early 70s. No significant changes were made in the structure after the 70s expansion, and Lew Wallace graduated her last class in Spring of 2014. |
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Original 45th Avenue School</u>=== | ||
− | === | + | ====[[Building plans; blueprints]]==== |
− | |||
====Architect==== | ====Architect==== | ||
====William Wirt==== | ====William Wirt==== | ||
− | + | Meaning of a public school to a neighborhood | |
− | + | Work/study/play impact on school development and architecture | |
− | + | Art collection | |
− | ===First Teachers and Administrators=== | + | ===<u>First Teachers and Administrators</u>=== |
− | ===Enrollment patterns=== | + | ===<u>Enrollment patterns</u>=== |
====Largest and smallest graduating classes==== | ====Largest and smallest graduating classes==== | ||
Line 33: | Line 39: | ||
==Building expansions== | ==Building expansions== | ||
− | ===Growth of Glen Park=== | + | ===<u>Growth of Glen Park</u>=== |
− | ===1930s=== | + | ===<u>1930s</u>=== |
− | ====The History of the Lew Wallace School==== | + | ====[[The History of the Lew Wallace School]]==== |
+ | In 1932, Dorothy Seefeldt wrote a brief history of Lew Wallace to that date, and it was published in the 1932 yearbook... [[The History of the Lew Wallace School | (see more)]] | ||
− | + | ====[[Cornerstone Ceremonies]]==== | |
+ | Article from The Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, IN: March 30, 1931: | ||
− | + | "Cornerstone laying ceremonies for the $500,000 high school unit of Lew Wallace school will be held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, with school authorities, members of the board of education and civic leaders participating." [[Cornerstone Ceremonies | see more]] | |
− | + | ===<u>1950s</u>=== | |
+ | ====[[Memories of "the Portables"]]==== | ||
+ | Lew Wallace was a beautiful school. But my memories of school would not be complete without the " white painted portables". [[Memories of "the Portables" | see more]] | ||
− | + | ====[[Arson of 1957]]==== | |
− | + | ===<u>1970s</u>=== | |
+ | ====[[Building plans; blueprints of the renovation]]==== | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
====[[Images of the Renovation]]==== | ====[[Images of the Renovation]]==== | ||
+ | The beginning phases of the renovation during the 1969-70 school year. Many physical signs of the past would soon disappear but the spirit would remain alive. [[Images of the Renovation | see more]] | ||
==Administrators and Administrative Staff== | ==Administrators and Administrative Staff== | ||
− | ===Principals=== | + | ===<u>Principals</u>=== |
====Stella Z. Miles 1923 - 1925==== | ====Stella Z. Miles 1923 - 1925==== | ||
====Ina Martin 1925 - 1927==== | ====Ina Martin 1925 - 1927==== | ||
− | ====Verna Hoke 1927 - 1949==== | + | ====[[Verna Hoke]] 1927 - 1949==== |
+ | "It is not possible to think of Lew Wallace apart from our principal, Miss Verna M. Hoke. She commands the respect of the faculty, students, and citizens of the community. " [[Verna Hoke | see more]] | ||
− | ====[[ | + | ====[[Floyd G. Asher]] 1950 - 1960==== |
− | === | + | ====[[Donald Torreson]] 1961 - 1966==== |
− | === | + | ====[[William Vorwald]] 1966 - 1969==== |
+ | [https://angelcrestinc.com/obituaries/william-j-vorwald/ Link to Vorwald obituary] | ||
− | ===Counseling Staff=== | + | ====[[Christ Christoff]] 1970 - 1988==== |
+ | In May, 2015, Kim Steinert sat down with Christ Christoff to talk about his days at Lew Wallace. [[Christ Christoff | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Mr. Mathews 1989 - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Marion Williams ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Clausell Harding]] ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Janice Minor ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Miss Piggott ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Lucille Upshaw ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Latanza Borden ? - ?==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Clifton Gooden 2007(?) - 2014==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Associate/Vice Principals</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Administrative Assistants (office staff)</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Counseling Staff</u>=== | ||
==Students== | ==Students== | ||
− | ===Demographics=== | + | ===<u>Demographics</u>=== |
====Income==== | ====Income==== | ||
====Ethnicity/shifts==== | ====Ethnicity/shifts==== | ||
− | ===Education=== | + | [[Compliance with Federal Integration Standards]] |
+ | |||
+ | In his narrative document, Mr. Vorwald remembers the struggle to meet federal standards in the 1960’s by busing students from Gary’s Midtown area to Lew Wallace. [[Compliance with Federal Integration Standards | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Education</u>=== | ||
====Continued to college/graduated from college==== | ====Continued to college/graduated from college==== | ||
==Student Life== | ==Student Life== | ||
− | ===Class Pictures=== | + | ===<u>Class Pictures</u>=== |
====[[Class of 1932]]==== | ====[[Class of 1932]]==== | ||
+ | ====[[The Friends of Kathy Combs Butler]]==== | ||
− | === | + | ===<u>School Songs</u>=== |
− | ==== | + | ====[[Lyrics]]==== |
− | ===Academics=== | + | ====[[Music]]==== |
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Teachers</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Olive Leskow]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The first thing that strikes you about her is her face: one is instantly reminded of a Russian matrushka doll but with snow white, curly, flyaway hair in place of the traditional babushka. [[Olive Leskow | See more]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Mary Cheever]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Once in the lifetime of a school, a faculty member will make special contact in extraordinary ways with not just students, but their co-workers and the parents of the students as well. Lew Wallace School had such a person in Miss Mary Cheever, who taught French and Spanish language classes. Unfortunately, what makes Miss Cheever so remarkable in the collective memory of Lew Wallace is the violent and sudden way in which she met her death. [[Mary Cheever | See more]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Academics</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Lew Wallace Handbooks==== | ||
+ | [[Class of 1933 Handbook]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | "School spirit is that intangible something that causes an atmosphere of happiness compounded of love, loyalty and service. The Lew Wallace school spirit can not be preserved unless our newcomers are led to understand, respect, and revere it. Therefore throughout this book the underlying purpose has been to instill the true meaning of Lew Wallace." [[Class of 1933 Handbook | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[1964 Student Handbook]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Class of 1972 Freshman Handbook]] (1968) | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Course Descriptions==== | ||
+ | [[1963-65 Guidance Bulletin]] | ||
====Standardized test scores==== | ====Standardized test scores==== | ||
====Strength of various disciplines (science, arts, language arts, etc)==== | ====Strength of various disciplines (science, arts, language arts, etc)==== | ||
+ | ====Required Auditorium Class (see 1936 book)==== | ||
====Areas of study concentration (majors? Minors?)==== | ====Areas of study concentration (majors? Minors?)==== | ||
− | ==== | + | ====NCA Accreditation==== |
− | + | [[1967-68 NCA evaluation]] | |
− | + | The major event of the 1967-1968 year was the regular evaluation of Lew Wallace by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA). Accreditation by this group meant meeting higher professional standards than required by the states. [[Cornerstone Ceremonies | see more]] | |
+ | ====Libraries==== | ||
+ | Primary School(?)<br/> | ||
+ | Junior Library<br/> | ||
+ | Senior Library<br/> | ||
+ | New Library (1972)<br/> | ||
+ | Library Fire<br/> | ||
+ | [[Library Images]] - | ||
+ | Libraries.. and a media center. Photos of the junior and senior libraries prior to the renovation and another of the one-size-fits all variety. [[Library Images | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Melton Tutoring Program==== | ||
+ | Early in the fall semester of 1971, Mrs. Arlene Von Horn of the guidance office contacted senior class member Kim McQuaid and asked for a meeting. At this meeting, Mrs. Von Horn outlined plans for the possible development of a cooperative program between Lew Wallace and nearby Melton Elementary School. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The purpose of the program, which was turned over to Kim’s leadership that day, was for Lew Wallace students to spend an open class hour - perhaps a study hall - at Melton on two or three days weekly. Lew Wallace students would provide in-room tutoring for Melton students selected by their teachers as possibly benefiting from it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | With Mrs. Von Horn as advisor, a base for the program was built. Lew Wallace students were urged to volunteer their time, and would travel to the specified classroom at Melton on the delegated days. Kim recalls her pupil as a second-grade girl. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Student tutors used a variety of methods to assist their pupils as needed: homemade flash cards, self-designed storybooks, arithmetic games, and whatever means they could employ while in the back of a functioning classroom. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The program was adjusted and tailored as time went by and the individual needs of the elementary students were better realized. | ||
+ | |||
+ | At the end of the 1971-72 school year, three Lew Wallace students were recognized for their leadership and participation in the tutoring program: Kim McQuaid, Cindy Rushe, and Laura Fisher. Since 1972 marked Kim’s graduation from Lew Wallace, the program went back into the hands of Mrs. Von Horn to find continuing leadership and development. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Student Activities</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Social Events and Dances==== | ||
+ | [[Inaugural Ball - 1957]] | ||
====Student Council==== | ====Student Council==== | ||
+ | [[1963 Christmas Tree for the Needy]]<br> | ||
+ | [[1968 Student Officer Inauguration]] | ||
+ | |||
====Girls’ Club==== | ====Girls’ Club==== | ||
====Foreign Language Clubs==== | ====Foreign Language Clubs==== | ||
− | + | "Sprench" (Spanish-French) Club<br/> | |
+ | Los Amigos<br/> | ||
+ | Les Parisiennes<br/> | ||
+ | Olympians (classical languages)<br/> | ||
====Chess Club==== | ====Chess Club==== | ||
− | ====Hi-Y (black students)==== | + | ====Hi-Y and Y-Teens(black students)==== |
====Musical Groups (choirs, bands, orchestras)==== | ====Musical Groups (choirs, bands, orchestras)==== | ||
− | |||
====Dramatic Troupes==== | ====Dramatic Troupes==== | ||
− | + | Productions<br/> | |
− | + | The Wizard of Oz<br/> | |
− | + | The Mikado<br/> | |
− | + | HMS Pinafore<br/> | |
− | + | You're a Good Man Charlie Brown<br/> | |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ====[[Yearbook]]==== | |
− | + | The members of the original "Quill and Blade" staff were chosen by a committee of seniors with the assistance of the class sponsors. The name for the annual was selected by the staff from a number suggested by the students. "Quill and Blade" was chosen because it symbolized the two greatest interests in the life of General Lew Wallace and because it would perpetuate the memory and ideals of that soldier-statesman for whom the school was named. | |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | ==== | + | ====[[Philosopher]]==== |
− | + | For many a year, the voice of the Lew Wallace student population was the student newspaper: the Philosopher. The paper featured news, sports, opinion and humor, all written and published by the students. More than just an exercise for those studying journalism, the Philosopher provided an opportunity for expression during changing times. [[Philosopher | See more]]... | |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | ===== | + | ====[[Inkpots]]==== |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | The Ink-Pot Club, sponsored by Mrs. Nelle Ensweiler, was originally | |
− | + | Organized at the close of the 1932 session of summer school. | |
− | + | Membership in the club requires no especial scholastic standing but is | |
− | + | rather determined by the applicant’s ability to write and to submit | |
+ | to the club some worth while creative work and by the recommendation | ||
+ | which he must obtain from some high school English teacher. [[Inkpots | See more]]... | ||
− | ===== | + | ====Salmagundians==== |
− | + | ====Klub Ken==== | |
− | + | ====CiFr==== | |
+ | ====Projector Club==== | ||
+ | ====BCO (Better Citizenship Organization)==== | ||
+ | ===="White Caps" - promoted nursing (called 'comparatively new' in 1953 yearbook)==== | ||
+ | ====Astronomy Club==== | ||
+ | ====Auxilia - library assistants==== | ||
+ | ====World Affairs Forum==== | ||
+ | ====Human Relations Forum - promoted better inter-student and faculty relations==== | ||
+ | ====FHA (Future Housewives of America)==== | ||
+ | ====Booster Club (called 'new' in 1971 yearbook)==== | ||
− | ===== | + | ====Print/Pica club==== |
− | + | ====WGVE 88.7 FM==== | |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | [[WGVE History | History of WGVE]]<br/> | |
+ | WGVE–FM, named after the initials for "Gary's Voice of Education," was created in 1954 at Lew Wallace Senior High School. The station was created "to enhance the local school curriculum by airing instructional programs" and to provide students with radio broadcast training in a high school class environment. It broadcasts on the FM band of the radio at 88.7 Megahertz. [[WGVE History | See more]]... | ||
− | + | [[WGVE Memories | Memories of WGVE]]<br/> | |
+ | Bob Guerrero was a freshman in 1969 when WGVE made the move to the Gary Technical Career Center that was attended by all Gary high school students who were juniors and seniors. [[WGVE Memories | See more]]... | ||
− | + | *See "External Links" section [[Main Page#External Links|here]] at the bottom of this page for Gary Schools WGVE web site. | |
− | + | ====Sports and Athletics Teams==== | |
+ | Mermen<br/> | ||
+ | Harriers (runners)<br/> | ||
+ | GAA - Girls' Athletic Association<br/> | ||
+ | Girls' Rifle Team<br/> | ||
+ | Gold Team<br/> | ||
+ | Basketball<br/> | ||
+ | Baseball<br/> | ||
+ | Football<br/> | ||
+ | Equestrian Club<br/> | ||
− | + | ====Tech/Voc School==== | |
+ | "The Spook Who Came In..." (movie) filmed at Tech school | ||
− | + | ===<u>Awards</u>=== | |
− | + | ====Mary Cheever==== | |
− | ==== | + | ====Verna Hoke==== |
− | ==== | + | ====John Minarich==== |
+ | ====Freshman Courtesy==== | ||
+ | ====[[Military Honor Roll]]==== | ||
+ | The Class of 1943 decided to remember in perpetuity the Lew Wallace graduates and other students who had served in the war, so they presented to the school a Service Roll Honor plaque. All Lew Wallace students seeing service in the war had their names listed on the plaque, and those who had been killed in service were denoted with a gold star in front of their names. | ||
− | ===Famous and Infamous Alums=== | + | ===<u>Traditions</u>=== |
+ | ====Zot Night==== | ||
+ | ====Ditch Day==== | ||
+ | ====Christmas Tree / Vespers==== | ||
+ | ===<u>John F. Kennedy Assassination</u>=== | ||
+ | ===<u>Famous and Infamous Alums</u>=== | ||
*Stacy Adams, former football coach at Valparaiso University. | *Stacy Adams, former football coach at Valparaiso University. | ||
Line 185: | Line 282: | ||
*Tellis Frank, NBA forward. | *Tellis Frank, NBA forward. | ||
− | *Milo Komenich, NBA | + | *Milo Komenich, NBA player. |
*Hank Stram, AFL/NFL Head Coach and Super Bowl Champion. | *Hank Stram, AFL/NFL Head Coach and Super Bowl Champion. | ||
− | + | *[[Bobby Brooks]], University of Kentucky football great. | |
− | + | ||
− | + | *[[Paula Cooper]], convicted murderer. | |
− | + | *[[Claire Malis Callaway]], actress. | |
− | + | *Dan P. McAdams, [http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-trump/480771/ author], psychologist. | |
− | ===Alumni Activity=== | + | ==The aftermath== |
+ | ===<u>Alumni Activity</u>=== | ||
====[[Class of 1932 Reunion]]==== | ====[[Class of 1932 Reunion]]==== | ||
+ | 50th class reunion, Owen H Schoon & class of 1932. First graduating class Lew Wallace High School. [[Class of 1932 Reunion | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1932 and the Lew Wallace Study, Crawfordsville, IN]]==== | ||
+ | "Two ladies, dedicated to the preservation of historic data, traveled to Crawfordsville yesterday to present historic momentos to Park and Recreation Director Rita Hamm to be placed in the Lew Wallace Study." [[Class of 1932 and the Lew Wallace Study, Crawfordsville, IN | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Classes of 1932, 1933, 1934 reunion of 1967]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1933 50th Reunion]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1964 50th Reunion]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1966 Turns 66]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1972 40th Reunion]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Class of 1977 25th Reunion]]==== | ||
+ | |||
====[[2014 Building Tour]]==== | ====[[2014 Building Tour]]==== | ||
+ | "Certainly, a significant part of any school's history is the student body itself. On May 31, 2014, I was pleased to have 80 alumni take part in a "welcome home" tour at Lew Wallace." [[2014 Building Tour | see more]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Selling the building? ‘the rock’</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>[[The auction]]</u>=== | ||
+ | All good things must come to their inevitable end, and on April 4, 2015, the Gary Public School Corporation opened Lew Wallace High School one more time for an auction of the contents. [[The auction | See more]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>Vandalism, scrapping</u>=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===<u>[[Missing artwork]]</u>=== | ||
− | == | + | ==Other information wanted== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Photos, videos from students</u>=== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Anecdotes from students</u>=== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Any available yearbook material</u>=== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Teacher reflections</u>=== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Teacher rosters</u>=== |
− | === | + | ===<u>Inside knowledge of building (closed areas, basements, shooting gallery,etc)</u>=== |
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
Line 218: | Line 342: | ||
*[https://vimeo.com/97010865/ 2014 Lew Wallace High School Tour on Vimeo]<br/> | *[https://vimeo.com/97010865/ 2014 Lew Wallace High School Tour on Vimeo]<br/> | ||
*[http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/28948407/valuable-art-collection-in-gary-vanishing Valuable art collection in Gary vanishing - Fox 32 Chicago]<br/> | *[http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/28948407/valuable-art-collection-in-gary-vanishing Valuable art collection in Gary vanishing - Fox 32 Chicago]<br/> | ||
+ | *[http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/08/25/look-rare-paintings-indiana-dunes-artist-frank-dudley A Look at Rare Paintings from Indiana Dunes Artist Frank Dudley]<br/> | ||
*[http://lifestoriesproject.net/bloomfield-celestine/ Celestine Bloomfield - Lifestories Project]<br/> | *[http://lifestoriesproject.net/bloomfield-celestine/ Celestine Bloomfield - Lifestories Project]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lew-Wallace-STEM-Academy/280106248774316/ Lew Wallace STEM Academy on Facebook]<br/> | ||
+ | *[http://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/media/wgve-88-7-fm/ WGVE at the Gary Community School Corporation]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/u_a7m6v0c-I/ Gary, Indiana: A Tale of Two Cities - Vanderbilt University Study]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/DnJsv46c8rw/ Stagnant Hope: Gary, Indiana (full documentary)]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://jhumbrachtphotography.com/2016/04/15/abandoned-high-school-gary-indiana-urbex/ Abandoned High School | Gary, Indiana | Urbex Photography (April 2016)]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/cRWwDjTcex8 Chronologically Joel: January 28, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 1]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/codpZSqr0R0 Chronologically Joel: January 29, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 2]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/7atf05Mmdeg Chronologically Joel: February 5, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 3]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/vXnk6_47xHw Chronologically Joel: February 11, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 4]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/8oQ3NyELbpY Chronologically Joel: February 19, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School & Gary Post Office"]<br/> | ||
+ | *[https://youtu.be/6o4Um_A_qIU Chronologically Joel: February 19, 2017 "Horace Mann, Lina's Championship Game & Lew Wallace]<br/> |
Latest revision as of 12:39, 18 July 2023
Lew Wallace High School - 415 West 45th Avenue - Gary Indiana 46408
Why a wiki?
An early proponent of the wiki way of sharing information, Ward Cunningham, called a wiki "the simplest online database that could possibly work,” of which the widely consulted ‘Wikipedia’ is perhaps the best known example. I offer this as a definition: a website that addresses a particular body of knowledge that allows its readers, researchers, users and experts to contribute their particular areas of knowledge for the good of all.
In preserving the history of Lew Wallace High School for future generations, certainly a formal, scholarly, heavily researched and annotated from primary source material would be the very most desirable document, and I hope that someone undertakes such a project at some time. Difficulties in research process would certainly arise as at this point, access to Gary documents is somewhat iffy. The Gary Public Library main branch, which had been the repository of many historical papers, has been closed since 2012, the Gary Historical Society seems to be in a state of flux, and there has been concern as well that documents and items of historical value have been left to the elements in the now shuttered school buildings. The fact that few hornets from the era of Lew Wallace as a neighborhood school still reside in the neighborhood makes preservation efforts, or a grass roots movement to spearhead a plan of action to have our alma mater declared a site for historical preservation unlikely and complicates the possibility of salvaging historical treasures in our former school.
Finding the usual and traditional avenues of preserving a piece of history closed, or at least heavily road blocked, to us, we set up the Wallace wiki in April, 2015, as a place where we could share information and memories about our school. We reiterate the invitation for all to contribute to this living document. Knowledge about the building’s history, stories about teachers, administrators and staff, lore about clubs, sports and extracurricular activity are welcomed, as are current stories and pictures regarding the condition and status of those hallowed halls. To date, we especially thank Kim Steinert, Kathy Combs Butler, Marlene Pajor and the Lew Wallace Library in Crawfordsville, Indiana for their contributions of materials and time.
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Building expansions
- 3 Administrators and Administrative Staff
- 3.1 Principals
- 3.1.1 Stella Z. Miles 1923 - 1925
- 3.1.2 Ina Martin 1925 - 1927
- 3.1.3 Verna Hoke 1927 - 1949
- 3.1.4 Floyd G. Asher 1950 - 1960
- 3.1.5 Donald Torreson 1961 - 1966
- 3.1.6 William Vorwald 1966 - 1969
- 3.1.7 Christ Christoff 1970 - 1988
- 3.1.8 Mr. Mathews 1989 - ?
- 3.1.9 Marion Williams ? - ?
- 3.1.10 Clausell Harding ? - ?
- 3.1.11 Janice Minor ? - ?
- 3.1.12 Miss Piggott ? - ?
- 3.1.13 Lucille Upshaw ? - ?
- 3.1.14 Latanza Borden ? - ?
- 3.1.15 Clifton Gooden 2007(?) - 2014
- 3.2 Associate/Vice Principals
- 3.3 Administrative Assistants (office staff)
- 3.4 Counseling Staff
- 3.1 Principals
- 4 Students
- 5 Student Life
- 5.1 Class Pictures
- 5.2 School Songs
- 5.3 Teachers
- 5.4 Academics
- 5.4.1 Lew Wallace Handbooks
- 5.4.2 Course Descriptions
- 5.4.3 Standardized test scores
- 5.4.4 Strength of various disciplines (science, arts, language arts, etc)
- 5.4.5 Required Auditorium Class (see 1936 book)
- 5.4.6 Areas of study concentration (majors? Minors?)
- 5.4.7 NCA Accreditation
- 5.4.8 Libraries
- 5.4.9 Melton Tutoring Program
- 5.5 Student Activities
- 5.5.1 Social Events and Dances
- 5.5.2 Student Council
- 5.5.3 Girls’ Club
- 5.5.4 Foreign Language Clubs
- 5.5.5 Chess Club
- 5.5.6 Hi-Y and Y-Teens(black students)
- 5.5.7 Musical Groups (choirs, bands, orchestras)
- 5.5.8 Dramatic Troupes
- 5.5.9 Yearbook
- 5.5.10 Philosopher
- 5.5.11 Inkpots
- 5.5.12 Salmagundians
- 5.5.13 Klub Ken
- 5.5.14 CiFr
- 5.5.15 Projector Club
- 5.5.16 BCO (Better Citizenship Organization)
- 5.5.17 "White Caps" - promoted nursing (called 'comparatively new' in 1953 yearbook)
- 5.5.18 Astronomy Club
- 5.5.19 Auxilia - library assistants
- 5.5.20 World Affairs Forum
- 5.5.21 Human Relations Forum - promoted better inter-student and faculty relations
- 5.5.22 FHA (Future Housewives of America)
- 5.5.23 Booster Club (called 'new' in 1971 yearbook)
- 5.5.24 Print/Pica club
- 5.5.25 WGVE 88.7 FM
- 5.5.26 Sports and Athletics Teams
- 5.5.27 Tech/Voc School
- 5.6 Awards
- 5.7 Traditions
- 5.8 John F. Kennedy Assassination
- 5.9 Famous and Infamous Alums
- 6 The aftermath
- 6.1 Alumni Activity
- 6.1.1 Class of 1932 Reunion
- 6.1.2 Class of 1932 and the Lew Wallace Study, Crawfordsville, IN
- 6.1.3 Classes of 1932, 1933, 1934 reunion of 1967
- 6.1.4 Class of 1933 50th Reunion
- 6.1.5 Class of 1964 50th Reunion
- 6.1.6 Class of 1966 Turns 66
- 6.1.7 Class of 1972 40th Reunion
- 6.1.8 Class of 1977 25th Reunion
- 6.1.9 2014 Building Tour
- 6.2 Selling the building? ‘the rock’
- 6.3 The auction
- 6.4 Vandalism, scrapping
- 6.5 Missing artwork
- 6.1 Alumni Activity
- 7 Other information wanted
- 8 External Links
History
A brand new city in 1906, Gary, Indiana hired William Wirt as its first School Superintendent in 1907. Wirt established a working relationship with St Louis architect William B. Ittner, and after creating several schools in the northern parts of Gary, this duo turned their attention to Glen Park, which had been annexed to the city in 1909.
In 1921, Wirt selected a 25 acre site to develop a school for the Glen Park area, and the first classes were held at what was then called “The 45th Avenue School” in what we would now call the East Building during fall of 1923. Glen Park was a rapidly growing area of Gary at that time, and by 1924, 8 portable buildings were added to house a total of more than 700 students.
In 1926, the West Building was added and housed a gym and an auditorium, and in 1927, the name was changed to Lew Wallace School and included complete high school classes. Verna Hoke, the first principal of the newly named school was hired and began her long tenure.
Further expansion occurred from 1931-1933 with the construction of the Main Building, and the 1931 cornerstone (near the main doors) remains visible. Another expansion was undertaken in the early fifties, and yet another in the early 70s. No significant changes were made in the structure after the 70s expansion, and Lew Wallace graduated her last class in Spring of 2014.
Original 45th Avenue School
Building plans; blueprints
Architect
William Wirt
Meaning of a public school to a neighborhood Work/study/play impact on school development and architecture Art collection
First Teachers and Administrators
Enrollment patterns
Largest and smallest graduating classes
Decline in enrollment
School closure
Building expansions
Growth of Glen Park
1930s
The History of the Lew Wallace School
In 1932, Dorothy Seefeldt wrote a brief history of Lew Wallace to that date, and it was published in the 1932 yearbook... (see more)
Cornerstone Ceremonies
Article from The Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, IN: March 30, 1931:
"Cornerstone laying ceremonies for the $500,000 high school unit of Lew Wallace school will be held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, with school authorities, members of the board of education and civic leaders participating." see more
1950s
Memories of "the Portables"
Lew Wallace was a beautiful school. But my memories of school would not be complete without the " white painted portables". see more
Arson of 1957
1970s
Building plans; blueprints of the renovation
Images of the Renovation
The beginning phases of the renovation during the 1969-70 school year. Many physical signs of the past would soon disappear but the spirit would remain alive. see more
Administrators and Administrative Staff
Principals
Stella Z. Miles 1923 - 1925
Ina Martin 1925 - 1927
Verna Hoke 1927 - 1949
"It is not possible to think of Lew Wallace apart from our principal, Miss Verna M. Hoke. She commands the respect of the faculty, students, and citizens of the community. " see more
Floyd G. Asher 1950 - 1960
Donald Torreson 1961 - 1966
William Vorwald 1966 - 1969
Christ Christoff 1970 - 1988
In May, 2015, Kim Steinert sat down with Christ Christoff to talk about his days at Lew Wallace. see more
Mr. Mathews 1989 - ?
Marion Williams ? - ?
Clausell Harding ? - ?
Janice Minor ? - ?
Miss Piggott ? - ?
Lucille Upshaw ? - ?
Latanza Borden ? - ?
Clifton Gooden 2007(?) - 2014
Associate/Vice Principals
Administrative Assistants (office staff)
Counseling Staff
Students
Demographics
Income
Ethnicity/shifts
Compliance with Federal Integration Standards
In his narrative document, Mr. Vorwald remembers the struggle to meet federal standards in the 1960’s by busing students from Gary’s Midtown area to Lew Wallace. see more
Education
Continued to college/graduated from college
Student Life
Class Pictures
Class of 1932
The Friends of Kathy Combs Butler
School Songs
Lyrics
Music
Teachers
Olive Leskow
The first thing that strikes you about her is her face: one is instantly reminded of a Russian matrushka doll but with snow white, curly, flyaway hair in place of the traditional babushka. See more.
Mary Cheever
Once in the lifetime of a school, a faculty member will make special contact in extraordinary ways with not just students, but their co-workers and the parents of the students as well. Lew Wallace School had such a person in Miss Mary Cheever, who taught French and Spanish language classes. Unfortunately, what makes Miss Cheever so remarkable in the collective memory of Lew Wallace is the violent and sudden way in which she met her death. See more.
Academics
Lew Wallace Handbooks
"School spirit is that intangible something that causes an atmosphere of happiness compounded of love, loyalty and service. The Lew Wallace school spirit can not be preserved unless our newcomers are led to understand, respect, and revere it. Therefore throughout this book the underlying purpose has been to instill the true meaning of Lew Wallace." see more
Class of 1972 Freshman Handbook (1968)
Course Descriptions
Standardized test scores
Strength of various disciplines (science, arts, language arts, etc)
Required Auditorium Class (see 1936 book)
Areas of study concentration (majors? Minors?)
NCA Accreditation
The major event of the 1967-1968 year was the regular evaluation of Lew Wallace by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA). Accreditation by this group meant meeting higher professional standards than required by the states. see more
Libraries
Primary School(?)
Junior Library
Senior Library
New Library (1972)
Library Fire
Library Images -
Libraries.. and a media center. Photos of the junior and senior libraries prior to the renovation and another of the one-size-fits all variety. see more
Melton Tutoring Program
Early in the fall semester of 1971, Mrs. Arlene Von Horn of the guidance office contacted senior class member Kim McQuaid and asked for a meeting. At this meeting, Mrs. Von Horn outlined plans for the possible development of a cooperative program between Lew Wallace and nearby Melton Elementary School.
The purpose of the program, which was turned over to Kim’s leadership that day, was for Lew Wallace students to spend an open class hour - perhaps a study hall - at Melton on two or three days weekly. Lew Wallace students would provide in-room tutoring for Melton students selected by their teachers as possibly benefiting from it.
With Mrs. Von Horn as advisor, a base for the program was built. Lew Wallace students were urged to volunteer their time, and would travel to the specified classroom at Melton on the delegated days. Kim recalls her pupil as a second-grade girl.
Student tutors used a variety of methods to assist their pupils as needed: homemade flash cards, self-designed storybooks, arithmetic games, and whatever means they could employ while in the back of a functioning classroom.
The program was adjusted and tailored as time went by and the individual needs of the elementary students were better realized.
At the end of the 1971-72 school year, three Lew Wallace students were recognized for their leadership and participation in the tutoring program: Kim McQuaid, Cindy Rushe, and Laura Fisher. Since 1972 marked Kim’s graduation from Lew Wallace, the program went back into the hands of Mrs. Von Horn to find continuing leadership and development.
Student Activities
Social Events and Dances
Student Council
1963 Christmas Tree for the Needy
1968 Student Officer Inauguration
Girls’ Club
Foreign Language Clubs
"Sprench" (Spanish-French) Club
Los Amigos
Les Parisiennes
Olympians (classical languages)
Chess Club
Hi-Y and Y-Teens(black students)
Musical Groups (choirs, bands, orchestras)
Dramatic Troupes
Productions
The Wizard of Oz
The Mikado
HMS Pinafore
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Yearbook
The members of the original "Quill and Blade" staff were chosen by a committee of seniors with the assistance of the class sponsors. The name for the annual was selected by the staff from a number suggested by the students. "Quill and Blade" was chosen because it symbolized the two greatest interests in the life of General Lew Wallace and because it would perpetuate the memory and ideals of that soldier-statesman for whom the school was named.
Philosopher
For many a year, the voice of the Lew Wallace student population was the student newspaper: the Philosopher. The paper featured news, sports, opinion and humor, all written and published by the students. More than just an exercise for those studying journalism, the Philosopher provided an opportunity for expression during changing times. See more...
Inkpots
The Ink-Pot Club, sponsored by Mrs. Nelle Ensweiler, was originally Organized at the close of the 1932 session of summer school. Membership in the club requires no especial scholastic standing but is rather determined by the applicant’s ability to write and to submit to the club some worth while creative work and by the recommendation which he must obtain from some high school English teacher. See more...
Salmagundians
Klub Ken
CiFr
Projector Club
BCO (Better Citizenship Organization)
"White Caps" - promoted nursing (called 'comparatively new' in 1953 yearbook)
Astronomy Club
Auxilia - library assistants
World Affairs Forum
Human Relations Forum - promoted better inter-student and faculty relations
FHA (Future Housewives of America)
Booster Club (called 'new' in 1971 yearbook)
Print/Pica club
WGVE 88.7 FM
History of WGVE
WGVE–FM, named after the initials for "Gary's Voice of Education," was created in 1954 at Lew Wallace Senior High School. The station was created "to enhance the local school curriculum by airing instructional programs" and to provide students with radio broadcast training in a high school class environment. It broadcasts on the FM band of the radio at 88.7 Megahertz. See more...
Memories of WGVE
Bob Guerrero was a freshman in 1969 when WGVE made the move to the Gary Technical Career Center that was attended by all Gary high school students who were juniors and seniors. See more...
- See "External Links" section here at the bottom of this page for Gary Schools WGVE web site.
Sports and Athletics Teams
Mermen
Harriers (runners)
GAA - Girls' Athletic Association
Girls' Rifle Team
Gold Team
Basketball
Baseball
Football
Equestrian Club
Tech/Voc School
"The Spook Who Came In..." (movie) filmed at Tech school
Awards
Mary Cheever
Verna Hoke
John Minarich
Freshman Courtesy
Military Honor Roll
The Class of 1943 decided to remember in perpetuity the Lew Wallace graduates and other students who had served in the war, so they presented to the school a Service Roll Honor plaque. All Lew Wallace students seeing service in the war had their names listed on the plaque, and those who had been killed in service were denoted with a gold star in front of their names.
Traditions
Zot Night
Ditch Day
Christmas Tree / Vespers
John F. Kennedy Assassination
Famous and Infamous Alums
- Stacy Adams, former football coach at Valparaiso University.
- Vic Bubas, former basketball coach at Duke University.
- John Bushemi, war photographer.
- Tellis Frank, NBA forward.
- Milo Komenich, NBA player.
- Hank Stram, AFL/NFL Head Coach and Super Bowl Champion.
- Bobby Brooks, University of Kentucky football great.
- Paula Cooper, convicted murderer.
- Claire Malis Callaway, actress.
- Dan P. McAdams, author, psychologist.
The aftermath
Alumni Activity
Class of 1932 Reunion
50th class reunion, Owen H Schoon & class of 1932. First graduating class Lew Wallace High School. see more
Class of 1932 and the Lew Wallace Study, Crawfordsville, IN
"Two ladies, dedicated to the preservation of historic data, traveled to Crawfordsville yesterday to present historic momentos to Park and Recreation Director Rita Hamm to be placed in the Lew Wallace Study." see more
Classes of 1932, 1933, 1934 reunion of 1967
Class of 1933 50th Reunion
Class of 1964 50th Reunion
Class of 1966 Turns 66
Class of 1972 40th Reunion
Class of 1977 25th Reunion
2014 Building Tour
"Certainly, a significant part of any school's history is the student body itself. On May 31, 2014, I was pleased to have 80 alumni take part in a "welcome home" tour at Lew Wallace." see more
Selling the building? ‘the rock’
The auction
All good things must come to their inevitable end, and on April 4, 2015, the Gary Public School Corporation opened Lew Wallace High School one more time for an auction of the contents. See more.
Vandalism, scrapping
Missing artwork
Other information wanted
Photos, videos from students
Anecdotes from students
Any available yearbook material
Teacher reflections
Teacher rosters
Inside knowledge of building (closed areas, basements, shooting gallery,etc)
External Links
- The Lew Wallace High School Wiki Project on Facebook
- Lew Wallace High School Official Site
- Lew Wallace High School Page on Wikipedia
- Gary Community School Corporation
- Virtual Tour of Lew Wallace High School on YouTube
- 2014 Lew Wallace High School Tour on Vimeo
- Valuable art collection in Gary vanishing - Fox 32 Chicago
- A Look at Rare Paintings from Indiana Dunes Artist Frank Dudley
- Celestine Bloomfield - Lifestories Project
- Lew Wallace STEM Academy on Facebook
- WGVE at the Gary Community School Corporation
- Gary, Indiana: A Tale of Two Cities - Vanderbilt University Study
- Stagnant Hope: Gary, Indiana (full documentary)
- Abandoned High School | Gary, Indiana | Urbex Photography (April 2016)
- Chronologically Joel: January 28, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 1
- Chronologically Joel: January 29, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 2
- Chronologically Joel: February 5, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 3
- Chronologically Joel: February 11, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School" Day 4
- Chronologically Joel: February 19, 2017 "Lew Wallace High School & Gary Post Office"
- Chronologically Joel: February 19, 2017 "Horace Mann, Lina's Championship Game & Lew Wallace