Central Jr/Sr High School

From the yearbook "The Brecky" - THIS IS YOUR CENTRAL

Central High school is more than just a building of brick and stone, -- it is a symbol of the American way of life, a fountain of knowledge, a haven for youth and a challenge for a better tomorrow.

High on the hill, majestically overlooking the city which has changed so spectacularly during the years while she remains outwardly the same, Central has ministered to the ever changing needs of youth for four generations. Her spirit dwells in the hearts of over twelve thousand Centralites scattered throughout the world. The foreign student, scarcely speaking English, becomes a part of Central and takes a bit of her spirit back to his native land. Her graduates are legion and her influence wide. J. Edgar Hoover, Chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,, Dr. Hobart M. Corning, Superintendent of Schools, Jim Berryman, cartoonist for the Star, General Brehon Somerwell of Word War II fame, Miss Ruth M. McRae, Assistant Principal, Miss Katherine Bliss, Junior Division counselor, Miss Lenore Baker, Senior Division counselor, Miss Bessie Whitford, English teacher and many more whom you know either personally or by reputation, are graduates of Central.

The school which now reaches out to all the world, had its beginning way back in 1880, seventy years ago. In that year, the Advanced Grammar School for Girls, founded in 1776, and the Advanced School for Boys, founded in 1777, were merged and Central High School was established, the very first high school in the District. The first building, still standing at Seventh and O Streets served well until 1916. In that year the students moved up the hill from Seventh and O to Thirteenth and Clifton, bringing the spirit of "Old Central" to "New Central."

From Sept. 1945 to June 1946 a Veteran's School was housed within its walls and in 1948 it took the former Powell Junior High School as a member of its family. At night it extends its facilities to night school students and to the community center.

Along with maintaining a high scholastic standing, Central has made an enviable record in the field of sports.

You, Senior, or junior high student, all of you who pass through its halls, take time to really look around the school. You cannot help but be impressed with its dignity, its beauty, and its utility. The stage is the largest stage in the city, the auditorium will seat nearly two thousand and the stadium is one of the finest in Washington.

Notice the beautifully paneled walls of the library with a frieze, reproductions of the original paintings of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. It is a memorial to the Central boys who gave their lives in the first World War. Look up at the casement windows with the cherub inserts.

Go to the third floor and look down in the courtyards, gaze thoughtfully at the wide corridors where so many feet have trod, enjoy the spaciousness.

Stop in the Morgan room, that exquisite bit of old China given by a Central graduate who became a national figure in his native land.

Go by the wall cases on the first floor corridor and study the trophies that tell the story of Central's triumphs.

Walk down the marble steps of the main entrance and notice the beautiful pillars and arches. Go down to the stadium and look up at the majesty of the building. Walk along the esplanade.

Take a dip in the swimming pool, visit the gyms, the tennis courts, the cafeteria. Walk along the third floor corridors above the auditorium and listen a moment to Ronald Deitch playing the organ, don't miss the art rooms or the chorus practicing.

Look at the bronze plaque commemorating the Central dead of World War II, don't overlook the imposing fireplace in the Cadet room or the observatory off Room 116.

Listen to the hum of typewriters, look in the classrooms, the shops, yes, go into the offices.

And finally, go up to Room 317 and look out the window past the stadium. A great panorama, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Monument, Griffith Stadium, the Airport and all the national landmarks, right down to the river's edge, lies before you . . . and Central dominates them all.

Octette 1891 Central High

You are a part of this great heritage. And it is for you who are now leaving Central to keep it with you always. All those who have passed this way before entrust the spirit of Central to you. Take it with you wherever you may go. Keep her memory with your . . . . . . . . . . THIS IS YOUR CENTRAL.


The Octette glee club (left)

from Central High, 1891.

Back Row: Gales P. Moore, Hughes D. Slater, Elphonzo Youngs, Jr.

Middle Row: Charles N. Ritter, Howard C. Van Dyke, Mr. Warren Young, Will Houchen, J. Arthur Rose.

Front Row: A Roland Johnson, Robert Smart.



1891 Central High Orchestra

1891 Central High Orchestra

Front Row: Elphonzo Youngs, Jr. (Cornet), Louis P. Darrell (Second Violin), Elmer David Sherburne (Director & First Violin), Lucie Elizabeth Mortimer (First Violin), and Morrison Waite Perley (Violincello).

Back Row: Charles G. Mortimer (Flute), Anita Ulke (Piano), Edwin S. Tracy (Cornet), Bailey Kelly Ashford (Second Violin), and Joseph Finckel (Viola).

 

Central High Sports Team c.1902

Central High Sports Team c.1902
contributed by Paul Sangster
 

Central High Classmates 1906

Central High Classmates 1906
contributed by Paul Sangster
 

Central High about 1908

Central High about 1908