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LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL
 We, the classes of 1915 and 1916
Faculty: Otto S. Kirschner, High School Principal School Board: The History of the School In the year 1865 appeared the Morning Star, Education, on the horizon of the history of the City of Lebanon. Dim and indistinct as this star appeared at first, it has in more recent years waxed greatly in brilliancy and importance, until it has finally become a most prominent object in the eyes of our citizens. As a natural result, the city has in its past history erected several buildings as places of learning, hence it becomes rather difficult to trace each one separately. However, our school system may be traced back to 1851, to a small log building, most simple in structure, and located opposite the present High School site on North Main Street. This building served both as a public school and a church. Since there were no county school taxes in those pioneer days, the school received its support from the community. In the course of a few years it became necessary, in order to meet the demands of the growing town, that a larger and more substantial school building be constructed. In accordance with this, about 1855 the Santiam Academy was erected just west of the site now occupied by the High School building. This academy ranked as a secondary school, except that it was denied the privilege of graduating its students, for a number of years. The school was under the supervision of the Methodist Episcopal church, nevertheless it was not a parochial school. The teachers were furnished by the Annual Conference of that church, although it received its financial support through the tuition of its students. In more recent years it was changed to a public school and included both Grammar and High School grades. It is standing at the present time, being used as a laboratory and gymnasium in connection with the High School. The next public school was erected in 1875, at a cost of about $4,000 (the contractors being Messrs. Banty and Spurgeon, of Portland.) It was located on the present site of P. M. Scroggins' residence, opposite the Presbyterian church. It consisted of two large rooms, one being used for the primary division and the other for the intermediate and more advanced grades. The first instructors were Messrs. F. M. Miller and A. Moses. Like those before it, the school received its support from the community. After another period of sixteen years (since the town was rapidly growing) another school building was erected in 1891, a short distance south of the S. P. depot. This structure was completed at a cost of $7,000, thus surpassing all other earlier schools of the town, both in size and cost of construction. The contract was given to a Mr. Shell, of Albany. It was commonly known as the "South School," and is still used for the Grammar grades, having undergone a few repairs. It is a two-story building with concrete foundation, and contains six large grade rooms, in addition to the halls and basement. The site of the building was donated by Mr. W. Ralston, formerly of Lebanon.
The present High School was constructed in the spring of the year 1909, and was ready for use the following September. It was constructed and made ready at a cost of $40,000. A Mr. McChesney, of Albany, was the contractor; and P. C. Brown, of Portland, the architect. The building is modern in nearly every way. It is a brick structure, with concrete foundation, and consists of seven large grade rooms, four class rooms and a large assembly, in addition to the library, office, halls and basement. The building is furnished with many conveniences, such as electric lights, running water, a modern heating system, etc. On September 6, 1909, school opened with seventy-one in the High School. The instructors were Superintendent F. M. Stotler, Zoe R. Frazier and D. M. Sprague, in addition to six grade teachers. The original Board of Directors were Messrs. A. M. Reeves, M. A. Miller and J. Burtenshaw. The beautiful ten-acre campus on which the school is located, was leased to the school district by the Santiam Academy Association for a period of one hundred years, at a rental of one hundred dollars per year. The rent, however, was taken in terms of improvements upon the grounds. Originally this land was donated to the Association, through the kindness of Messrs. J. Ralston and Owen Kees. Thus we realize the great progress our public schools have made in the past half century. From a rude log building has developed our present system. At the present time our city schools, under the supervision of Superintendent F. Thordarson, assisted by a corps of seventeen teachers, have a total enrollment of 614 strong. The present School Board consists of Mr. R. L. Gilson, Mrs. F. Millsap and Mr. J. L. Underwood. George Alexander is School Clerk. Perhaps more rapid progress was made in the High School than in the grades. The High School enthusiasm began to spread about ten years ago, and as a result in this decade our High School enrollment has increased from about a dozen pupils to one hundred and fifty even. It means that our High School enthusiasm is reaching farther out into the rural districts each year, which fact indicates advancement to the entire community. The citizens of Lebanon are to be praised for their great interest manifested along educational lines, and god grant that in the future the "Morning Star, Education," may increase in brilliancy and splendor until it becomes a star of the first magnitude, shedding its radiant, tranquil beams upon the City of Lebanon and her people. G. Whittaker, '15.
_________ In Appreciation: We wish to extend our utmost thanks to the faculty for their kindly advice; to the business men for their support; and to those students of the High School who have so loyally helped us in the work of compiling and publishing "The Linnorus." Elsie Lucile Krieg, Editor-in-Chief. Class Flower: Cream Rose |
