As
students dutifully attended classes in this crumbling, but not forsaken,
structure know as Triadelphia High School, and wondered if the dream
of a new consolidated high school with spacious classrooms and a modern
auditorium and gymnasium will soon become a reality, few realize that
a little over fifty years ago, students were faced with an almost identical
situation.
Triadelphia High School had its humble beginnings back
in 1910 when Mr. A.W. Curtis, principal of the Elm Grove public school,
felt need for
a high school for out-the-pike residents. As a result of his work and
influence, a high school was started in Elm Grove. The principal and
one teacher comprised the entire teaching force. The small venture flourished,
and it became successfully a two-year and then a three-year high school.
In 1912, a two-year high school was started in Woodsdale, with one teacher
in charge.
In April, 1913, the two schools were combined to form a four-year
high school, and 116 students enrolled in the new quarters at Edgington Lane.
A principal and four teachers made up the faculty.
However, due to rapidly increasing enrollment, Edgington Lane
was filled to over-capacity, and plans for a new building in Oak Park commenced.
After at least four classes had expected to be graduated
from the new high school, the new building was ready for occupancy in time for
the graduation of the class of 1919, comprised of 31 members. The faculty
of that year numbered 17. The original
Ironically, the two special features of the new building were the library and laboratories. The library is described as occupying "a spacious, well-lighted room on the second floor within easy reach to all."
The science department consisted of a three-room complex, including a chemical laboratory, a classroom, and a physics laboratory. Between each laboratory and the classroom were small rooms where equipment and materials were kept.
When, in 1921, the wing containing the gym and the auditorium was completed, students of the Triadelphia District High School thought themselves fortunate to be the benefactors of the "most fully equipped gymnasium in the state."
Through perseverance, the students of what was to become T.H.S. were able to attain what, to them, was a building more than adequate for the size of the student body. The enrollment of THS has again surpassed the capacity of its structure, in spite of the construction of the annex. Faced with the same problems as the students are today, the school remains as it did in 1919 with little improvement. Many students are looking forward to the new consolidated high school in which there will be better education and facilities.