Chicago High School, Central High School (1878)
Life Span: 1856-1950
Location: Monroe Street near Halsted
Architect: John M. Van Osdel and Frederick Baumann
- Halpin & Bailey’s City Directory for the Year 1863
Chicago High School.—Monroe, between Halsted and Des Plaines
D. B. Cooke & Co.’s City Directory for the Year 1859
Chicago High School, Monroe street, between Halsted and Desplaines
Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870
Chicago High School.—ns. Monroe, bet. Halsted and Desplaines, George Howland, principal
Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1880
Chicago High School., George Howland, prin. W. Monroe, nr. S. Halsted
Chicago Tribune, March 8, 1855
Mr. Evans presented a report to regard to the High School, accompanied by plans and specifications for the building. Estimated cost $25,000.
The following order was passed:
Ordered.—That Messrs. Van Osdel & Bauman be directed to draw a suitable form of contract for the erection of two school houses, one on the lot purchased of Peter Page For a school lot west of Union Park, and one on the lot corner of Union and O’Brien streets, purchased of the Canal Trustees to be placed as shall be directed by the Superintendent of Public Schools, agreeably to plans and specifications made by Burling & Bauman, and adopted the Council. And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into contract with Messrs. Baker & McEwin for the completion of said buildings according to said plans and specifications, provided they be completed by the 15th of June, and for a sum not to exceed two thousand and eighty-seven dollars in full for each of said houses.
Chicago Tribune, March 8, 1855
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Hon. the Mayor and Aldermen of the City ef Chicago in Common Council assembled:
Gentlemen—Your Committee on Schools, whom was referred the accompanying report of the School Agent, having examined the find it satisfactory and recommend that it be placed on file, its recommendation adopted, and its vouchers allowed.
Since there is no other interest which it is the duty of the city government to, exercise its care and control, of more importance than that of public education, it may not be amiss, in retiring from the immediate oversight, on behalf of the Council, of the public Schools, to indulge in a few remarks.
In a state of society, under a form government like ours, where the avenues to distinction and to posts of trust and honor are alone guarded by the popular will, and open to all. the education both of the brains and the hearts of the people in an essential element of the public weal: the only sure ground of hope for the improvement of our social and political condition; the only guarantee of the perpetuity of our free institutions.
Everything therefore that is calculated to improve our public schools and to render them efficient instruments in bringing about that high state of public intelligence and virtue essential to happiness, and which they are designed ultimately to secure, must be of the highest interest to every good citizen. We therefore submit the following brief statement of the present condition of the public schools of the city, and of the funds provided for their support, and commend them to the fostering care of the government, and of the people.
There are seven schools now in active operation in the city in which are employed thirty-five teachers with about three thousand scholars. In these schools there is a regular course of instruction pursued, under the direction of the Board of School Inspectors and the Superintendent of Public Schools, in all of the branches of a Common School Education.
Those of our citizens who have taken an interest in the schools have been gratified by the great improvement in the order, appearance, and advancement in learning that has been efficient since the appointment, one year ago, of the Superintendent of Public Schools.
When the High School shall have gone into operation, we may expect still greater improvements, as the reward it will offer for regular attendance and greater excellence. will remedy the greatest difficulties that remain in the way of the attainment of a high position on the part of our public schools.
Public schools, well managed, have great advantages over those of a private character; since there is in their supervision a guarantee of competency on the part of teachers and of system the pursuit of studies, while there may be greater freedom to enforce proper discipline, on account of their independence; and the abundant provisions that may be made for means of thorough instruction; many of are too expensive to be furnished by private schools. When our high school, with its normal department, its library, its apparatus, and the courses of lectures, shall give its influence in perfecting our system of public schools, we safely indulge the hope that they will rank far in advance of any other school in the city.
There are several new schools needed, to give all our citizens fair opportunities for enjoying the advantages of public instruction; which in part be remedied by the new school houses ordered to be built pear Union Park, and at corner of O’Brien and Union streets, which accommodate 160 scholars each. and by renting an additional room for No. 7, that will accommodate fifty more. The neighborhood between the Lake and the South Branch of the River, near the Union Car Works, needs a school very much, and there should be a site secured and a building erected there as soon as the funds will justify necessary expenditures. Other neighborhoods will no doubt be built up, so as to need new schools by the time, these are well established; so that the extension of the system of public schools in Chicago is likely to be as rapid as the revenues will justify.
All of which is submitted, John Evans.
Chicago Tribune, May 30, 1855
The New High School Building.
The work on this edifice has been commenced, and from the plans and drawings which we have seen, we are inclined to think it will present when finished, a very handsome appearance.—The size of the building is 52 by 88 feet, and three stories high. The material will be rough-dressed white Athens stone, similar to that used In the construction of the new Congregational Church. The windows will be surmounted with Norman dressings, and the panes of glass will be diamond shaped.
The great door of entrance is in the centre et the long side, and on each side of this are smaller entrances. A fight of four steps leads to the great door, and this opens into a wide ball. On each side of this are two school rooms, each 23 by 35 feet. The second story being similarly divided, gives twelve schoolrooms of this size.
The third story contains a Library and Normal School Room, each 23 by 35 feet, and a Lecture Room 48 feet square. There will be wardrobes in each room, and the whole building will be heated by steam.
The architects are Messrs. Van Osdel & Baumann. The contract for the carpenter work bas been let to Messrs. Boggs & Son for $10,800 The stone work will be prepared by the Illinois Stone Dressing company, at a cost of $8,200. Messrs. Lawrence & Hinkier do the mason work for $14,400.
Chicago Tribune, February 22, 1856
CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL.
From a recent Report to the Council made by J. C. Dore, Esq., the worthy and excellent Superintendent of the Public Schools of Chicago, we obtain the following synopsis. The Report states the passage of the ordinance establishing a Public High School was the leading event in the history of our Public Schools in 1855.
The erection of a suitable building for its accommodation. next became a subject of consideration, and after much deliberation with regard to building material and expense, it was resolved to erect a building of Athens stone, in the West Division of the city, on Monroe street, at an expense of thirty-three thousand and seventy-two dollars. It is believed, however, that the building and its appurtenances, independent of the lot, will not cost much less than forty thousand dollars. The lot on which the House is located, is two hundred feet square, and is a part of School Block No. 1, and consequently was not purchased. It is estimated at a value of twenty thousand dollars. The building, therefore, when completed, including the estimated value of the lot, will represent a value of sixty thousand dollars. The stone work is now finished, and in accordance with the contracts, the interior of the house will be completed, during the summer of 1856. Immediately alter the completion of the building, it is declared by ordinance, that a High School shall be organized therein, which will probably be about the 1st of September, 1856.
It is intended to divide the school into three departments classified as English—High, Normal, and Classical departments. The Normal Department is designed to qualify for teaching. young ladies of our own city who shall distinguish themselves by correct deportment and superior scholarship; and graduates of the Normal Department shall have preference, other things being equal, in the appointment of teachers in the Primary and Grammar Schools.
Mr. Dore suggests the establishment of a “model” school, to consist of about fifty pupils, of suitable attainments, to form five classes in regular gradation, corresponding in rank with the divisions of the Primary Departments and the two lower divisions of the Grammar Departments. This school will enable students of the Normal Department to qualify themselves, by teaching classes in the Model School, to take charge of any division in the Primary or Grammar Departments, represented by the classes in the Model School without loss of time after appointment.
- Chicago Central High School
Inter Ocean, June 28, 1880
THE CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOLS.
The Board of Education of this city have in contemplation a change in the high school system of Chicago which will be a wide divergence from the plan that has been pursued for some years past, and which will, doubtless, increase the efficiency and value of the high schools. To those who are familiar with the educational system of the city, it is known that for about eighteen years there was only one high school here, called the Chicago High School. This had a four-years’ course, of study and a very thorough curriculum. But the growth of the city’s superficial area, and the increase in its population, demanded greater facilities for high school instruction. To meet this demand the Board of Education established a high school in each division of the city, with a course limited to two years. To a certain extent this change was satisfactory, but there are those who find in it grave defects. Chief of these is this: The course of two years has been entirely inadequate to the amount of work sought to be performed. Into these two years a pupil is expected to cram the work of a four-years’ course, and the natural result of it is that what training is acquired is of the superficial order, or else the pupil injures himself or herself by attempting to do too much work in the limited period. The principal objection, however, seems to be that too much is done, and that only a smattering of the branches taught can be obtained in that interval. Now, the present Board of Education seeks to apply the remedy for this want. It cannot go back to the one high school plan, for that would be retrogression; and besides, the size of the city and population would never permit its being done.
In addition to this is the argument that a high school in each division of the city is a great convenience to the pupils, who thereby can save much time and some expense.
The new plan, which will probably be finally acted upon at the board meeting next Wednesday night, may be outlined as follows: Either to abolish the Central High School and use the building for grammar school purposes, which would give much-needed accommodations; then increase the course in the division high schools to four years, and extend the curriculum. There is no doubt that much time is wasted in these schools by pursuing unnecessary branches. Another objection is that the course is not nearly extensive enough. The course of study in the present division high schools and the high school of ten or fifteen years ago will not bear comparison, and the advantage is all in favor of the high school of tho years gone by. There has been a sacrifice to convenience in the new plan, but one of the sacrifices has been a curtailment in the thoroughness of instruction.
This is one plan. The other differs only slightly from the one already stated, i. e., to make the course of study in the division high schools four years, and make it more thorough. And to withdraw all classical studies from the division high schools and have them taught in the Central High School. In other words, give to each division high school a four-years’ course and make the new Central High School the classical high school of the city.
Both plans have their recommendations. The needs of the city require some change which shall increase the efficiency of the high schools without limiting their conveniences, and with no more expense than is absolutely necessary. It is believed that in the plans announced the Board of Education have struck the right key-note. Whatever is done must be done considerately after a careful investigation of the entire field, and for the highest interest of the youth of this great metropolis.
Inter Ocean, December 29, 1880
CHICAGO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.
The class of 1880 of the Chicago Central High School convened at the elegant residence of Mr. Amos T. Hall, No. 1636 Prairie avenue, last evening. There was a full attendance. The class is said to contain the most beauty and brilliancy of any which has graduated from the school, and certainly its appearance last evening did not tend to weaken the opinion in which it is held. A most enjoyable programme was indulied in, after which a sumptuous collation was served by Kinsley, and followed by toasts. Those disposed enjoyed the ravishing charms of the dance beneath the class motto, Fideus et nideus, surrounded by a victorious battle-flag.
Mr. C. B. Hall gave the address of welcome to his home.
Mr. Will Marston rendered a solo, “Incline thine ear.”
Recitations were given by Mr. Lucius Baird and Miss Virginia Hugg.
The programme suffered an edible interference here in the way of a collation, and the following toasts were responded to:
The birthplace of our teachers; the starting point of our nation; the mother of our collages; the East-Miss Carrie Dewey,
Our college boys; incidents of college life-Mr. S. S. Stein.
Among others the following were present:
Miss Minnie Colby, Miss Lena Higgins, Miss Lucy Wilson, Miss Bella Brady, Miss May Beebe, Miss Clara Hinchman, Miss Cora Goodnow, Miss Fannie Isham, Miss Margret Gage, Miss Ella Meredith, Miss Jennie Munch, Miss Josie McGowan, Miss Emma Weber, Miss Carrie Dewey, Miss Maggie Dodd, Miss Hattie Howell, Professor Delafontaine, Mrs. Helen D. Compton, Professor James Dewey, Mr. Fred Carpenter, Mr. James Mooney, Mr. Geo. Nutting, Mr. Sidney Stein, Mr. Nelson Bigelow, Mr. John Case, Mr. Will Marston, Mr. Fred McFarland, Mr. Louis Baird, Mr. Arthur Wilson, Mr. Frank Cutler, Mr. Edward James, Mr. August Magnus, Mr. Will Silman, Mr. Thomas Rafferty, Mr. Wm. Foster, Mr. Daniel Delafonte, Mr. Albert Budde, Mr. Austin Finn, Mr. Chas. Irving, Mr. J. W. Wood, Mr. Wm. Roundy, Mr. Earnest Crumb, and Mr. Arthur Wells. Aside from members of the class were Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Fake.
Chicago High School (active 1856–1880; demolished 1950) was the first high school in Chicago, Illinois. After several abortive attempts, the Chicago City Council approved a high school in 1855. John M. Van Osdel and Frederick Baumann designed the building, which opened the next year. In 1860, the coursework was organized into two branches of study. where students could take the first-year workload, then apply to finish at the main building, which then became known as Central High School. (These branches evolved into full high schools in 1880 and the original Chicago High School was closed.) In September 1869, the high school developed branch schools and classes throughout the city.
High school classes were heard in the Franklin School in the north, the Haven school in the south, the Foster School building in the west, and the Hayes school building in the west; the two west schools were later combined. Students could take the first year of high school in these buildings, then attended the “central” high school for the rest of schooling. Thus, Chicago High School also became known as Central High School after this date. A school newspaper, The Lever, was founded in 1874. In 1880, the three branch schools became four-year schools and the Central High School was decommissioned. By the time, the high school building was too small for the number of students and the building was out of place in an otherwise commercial district.
Of the first students that were admitted, a total of 114 (57 boys, 57 girls) started course work after taking an entrance exam with math, history, geography, and grammar questions. Nine of the 114 were native Chicagoans, while the rest came from states from the Eastern U.S. or overseas.
The limestone building that housed Chicago Central was later used as the home for English High & Manual Training School, then as a warehouse by the Chicago Board of Education. It was torn down in 1950 to make way for the proposed Northwest (now Kennedy) Expressway.
Interesting Facts About Chicago Central High School
- Year opened as a three-year school: 1856
Became a four-year school: 1870
Year enrollment was limited to juniors and seniors: 1875
Name change to Central High School: 1878
Year closed: 1880
School colors, nickname, & song: may not utilized these
Baseball
According to IHSA historian Robert Pruter, Central began to offer baseball as an intramural sport beginning in 1870. It grew to schedule and play games against amateur clubs and private schools later on. Records were non-existant on what Chicago teams Central played from 1870-1880, but results for at least five games from this period, as follows:
- May 5, 1871: Chicago University freshmen, L (not the current University of Chicago, but as earlier one);
June 19, 1873: McVicker’s Theatre, W;
May 10, 1874: Eagles, L;
May 24, 1874: Leavitt Street Nine, W; and
June 14, 1874: Highlanders (Highland Park), W.
Foster Medal Fund.
The following is the communication from Dr. John H. Foster, accompanying his donation of One Thousand Dollars.
- To the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Chicago:
For the encouragement of scholarship and good conduct, and to incite a laudable emulation and application among tbe scholars of tbe Public Schools of tbe City of Chicago, I herewith give to the said City One Thousand Dollars, in trust, to be deposited with the Agent of the School Fund, and his successors in office, should the City deem it expedient, and to constitute a part of said Fund, to be kept by said Agent in a separate and distinct account or fund, and to be loaned out by him at interest, forever. The interest arising from tbe same to be paid semi-annually, and to be subject to the order of the School Inspectors, or the Board baving control of the Public Free Schools of Chicago, to be used by them and the Superintendent of Public Scbools of said City in purchasing gold, silver or bronze medals, or diplomas, to be annually or oftener awarded by them to the most deserving scholars in the different departments of the Public Grammar Schools of said City.
JOHN H. FOSTER.
Chicago, February, 1857.
The awards consisted of silver medals to the graduates from the Grammar Schools to the High School, until within the last two years, when the number of Grammar Schools furnishing graduates to the High Schools became so large that the revenue from the Fund, $70 per annum, was far from adequate to supply even one medal to each school furnishing graduates, consequently there has been no other means of utilizing this Fund than by the use of diplomas,
- 1877 Foster Medal
Famous Alumni
Cyrus Hall McCormick (class of 1874) — head of International Harvester;
Albert G. Lane (class of 1859) — became principal of a school prior to turning 18, later was superintendent of both Cook County & Chicago Public Schools, and led the movement for manual education at the high school level. As a result, Lane Technical High School was opened in his honor in 1908;
Ella Young Flagg (class of 1860) — educator, was the first woman to be head of a large city school system in the U.S., serving as Chicago Public School superintendent from 1909-1915, studied under John Dewey at the University of Chicago, and was on the state board of education from 1888-1913
Robert Waller (year unknown) — involved in real estate, insurance, and served on the Columbian Exposition board along with Cyrus McCormick. Was comptroller of the city of Chicago from 1897 until his death two years later. North Division High School was renamed in his honor.
- Chicago Central High School
Monroe Street near Halsted
Robinson Fire Insurance Map
1886
Edward Carson Waller and Daniel Burnham attended this school.
Waller was a year older
Burnham graducted in 1863. So Waller 1862?
In 1869-70, they staked claims in Nevada, White Pine County.
Waller was a real estate developer who collaborated with Burnham on a variety of notable projects: Home Insurance and Rookery in particular.
They were lifelong golfing partners and friends.
Waller among founders of Riverforest and a long term client of Frank Lloyd Wright.. The Francisco Apartments.
He managed the Rookery and brought FLW in for the remodeling of the ground floor of light court.
I came across your site doing some research on a book I have. This book, that I bought at a garage sale, is a textbook and written on the inside is a students name and “Chicago High School 1857 Illinois” in very elegant handwriting. The book is called “The Colloquial French Reader” by Louis Fasquelle. The book was published by S.C. Griggs Chicago 1856. Thought you may find this interesting as I see the high school opened in 1856.