RAMSEY COUNTY: ST. PAUL: SCHOOL RECORDS: CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL:

An Inventory of Its Central High School Records at the Minnesota Historical Society

Government Records

OVERVIEW


	Creator:	Central High School (Saint Paul, Minn.).
	Title:	Central High School Records.
	Dates:	1870 - approximately 1980s, 2016.
	Language:	Materials in English.
	Abstract:	Records including historical data; programs, invitations, and handbooks; pupil lists; class of 1928 records; subject files; scrapbooks; and photographs, documenting a wide variety of school activities and events. Also includes correspondence and newspaper clippings about former pupil Amelia Earhart.
	Quantity:	5.75 cubic feet (8 boxes and 2 partial boxes) and 1 digital file (15 MB) : PDF.
	Location:	See Detailed Description for shelf locations.

The historical data (1876-1977, 2016) includes school histories (1925, approximately 1931, 1970, 1976, 1977, 2016), a W.P.A. alphabet book (1939), a history committee record book (1907-1925), and information on the classes of 1877 and 1878; while the programs, invitations, and handbooks (1875-1971) document orchestra and choral concerts, commencements, debates, dances, and drama productions. They also include students handbooks, (1937-1938, 1949-1950). The pupil lists (1870-1970) cover senior classes, graduates, class presidents, athletic teams, and attendance. Both the programs, invitations, and handbooks and the pupil lists are very incomplete sets. The class of 1928 records include photographs and programs from William T. Harris Jr.

The subject files (1890-1967) and scrapbooks (1878-1955) mainly document student activities, particularly boys and girls varsity and intramural athletics, including GAA; concerts; social events; French Club; and reunions. They also cover teachers and alumni and farewell and retirement receptions. They include programs, clippings, correspondence, schedules, photographs, and senior class publications (1890, 1893).

The photographs (approximately 1870 - approximately 1980s) mainly cover classroom activities, scenes from Glee Club operettas, National Honor Society, student council, Girl Reserves, language club/newspaper staff, demolition and construction in the 1970s, athletic teams, summer school, class portraits, and twins in the student body (1950-1951).

Return to top

ARRANGEMENT

These documents are organized into the following sections:



		Histories of Central High School or It's Various Classes, 1876-1977, 2016.
		Programs, Invitations, Handbooks, 1875-1975.
		Pupil Lists, 1870-1970.
		Class of 1928 Records, 1927-1935.
		Subject Files, 1890-1979.
		Scrapbooks, 1878-1955.
		Photographs, approximately 1870-1980s.
		Records Regarding Amelia Earhart, 1930s-1950s.

Return to top

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Central High School (Saint Paul, Minn.). Central High School Records. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession numbers: 994-183; 986-147; 994-46; 998-40; 998-60; 999-85; 2010-53; 2015-25; 2015-47; 2017-39; 2017-77; 2021-10

Processing Information:

Processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with a Basic Project grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Catalog ID number: 001734734

Return to top

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

HISTORIES OF CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL OR ITS VARIOUS CLASSES, 1876-1977, 2016.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Class of 1877, Secretary's Record Book, 1876-1877. 1 folder (12 leaves, loose).

Record book kept by class secretary Orlando Jared Reynolds. Includes list of class officers, members of the class, dates of certain social functions, graduation information, words to the class song, list of prizes awarded, and a copy of the printed graduation program. Pages removed from a volume.

History of the Class of 1878, by Hattie B. Newson, undated.

Historical Committee record book, 1907-1925.

Constitution, minutes, reports, etc.

A History of Central High School, by six students, circa 1931.

W.P.A. alphabet book, 1939.

Text and block print illustrations dedicated to the W.P.A. workers who built the high school’s stadium. The text was written in the Creative Writing Class, and the block print illustrations were done by the Arts II Class.

Centennial Celebration of Central High School, 1970

Includes histories written between 1925 and 1970 and the 1945 anniversary edition of Central High Times.

Location

114.C.14.4F-1

Central Looks Back 100 Years, April 5, 1970. 1 oversize folder.

St. Paul Pioneer Press Sunday Magazine article.

Location

131.D.19.10F

From High Top Collars to Blue Jeans: A Men's History of Central High School, 1976.

Published by Scattered Seeds, Inc.

Ahead of Her Time: A Women's History of Central High School, 1977.

Second Edition. Published by Scattered Seeds, Inc.

Onward Central: The First 150 Years of St. Paul Central High School, 2016:

1 folder.

Location

Internet

1 digital file (15 MB).

Digital version

Return to top

PROGRAMS, INVITATIONS, HANDBOOKS, 1875-1975.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Band concert programs, 1927-1929.

Class Day Exercises programs and tickets, 1886-1889, 1898-1900, 1905, 1908.

Commencement programs and invitations, 1875-1975 (incomplete). 4 folders.

1875-1876, 1878, 1886, 1888, 1890 invitation, 1893, 1897, 1900. 1902, 1905-1909, 1911, 1914, 1917-1920. 1921-1929, 1931, 1933. 1938, 1940, 1946, 1952-1954, 1958, 1967, 1970-1971, 1975.

Constitution for Class of 1887, printed in 1883.

Course Description booklet, 1973-1974.

Miscellaneous dance cards, 1909-1910.

Debate programs and tickets, 1885-1886, 1905, 1907, 1915-1922.

Includes 1885-1886 ballot; constitutions of Entertainment and Debating Society, 1905, 1907; and various programs and tickets, 1915-1922.

Drama and Theatre programs, 1884, 1905-1928.

Drama programs, 1960. 2 items in folder.

Glee Club programs, 1903-1929.

Orchestra concert programs, 1917-1918.

Prom programs (Junior-Senior Dance), 1907-1908, 1914, 1917-1929.

“Blue Fantasy” beau prom program, 1960. 1 item in folder.

Songs for Central High School, selected by O.T. Denny, circa 1910.

Student handbooks, "The Minute Man,” 1937-1938, 1949-1950. 2 booklets in folder.

Return to top

PUPIL LISTS, 1870-1970.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Senior class lists, 1870-1927 (complete). 3 folders.

Senior class lists, 1928-1931, 1945, 1953, 1966, 1969, 1970.

Graduation lists, 1870-1900.

Class presidents, 1870-1923.

Athletic team rosters, 1925-1935.

List of marriages, Class of 1920, October 29, 1924.

Directory, Class of 1903 (compiled in 1923 and 1928), 1953-1954.

Attendance register (log book), 1887-1888.

Return to top

CLASS OF 1928 RECORDS, 1927-1935.

Records of William T. Harris, Jr., class of 1928.

Location

103.F.2.8F

Class photographs, circa 1928.

Programs, 1927-1928.

Student organizations photographs, circa 1928.

Most students are identified.

Senior class of 1928 photographs, circa 1928-1935.

Organized alphabetically by last name. First folder includes envelope of identified student photographs. Also includes envelopes for each student containing a senior photograph and many include news clippings of activities after graduation.

[0.25 cubic feet empty]

Return to top

SUBJECT FILES, 1890-1979.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Senior Class publications:

"Echoes of Ninety," 1890. 34 pages.

"Log Book," 1893. 64 pages.

Farewell reception in honor of Miss Mary Jeanette Newson, May 28, 1925.

Hosted by Parents-Teachers Association.

Class of 1888 reunion records, 1929.

Class of 1935 record book, 1933-1935.

Athletics, 1891-1945. 7 items in 1 folder:

First field day exercise program, May 15, 1891.

Constitution of Central High School Athletic Association, 1905.

22nd Annual Inter-Class Track and Field Meet program, May 11, 1912.

Senior annual booster (football), November 13, 1916.

Track Extra, May 10, 1917.

Athletic Booster, May 7, 1920.

Basketball and hockey schedule, 1945.

Location

114.C.2.6F

Class of 1906 Secretary's Record Book, 1902-1906. 1 volume and 1 folder.

Contains minutes, treasurer's reports, Class of 1906 Constitution, lists of class members, and related records.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Girls "C" Club, 1927-1951.

1927-1929 paid membership list, 1947 program, 1949 program, and 1951 banquet program.

Eleanor Conant retirement, 1967

Includes clippings, correspondence, photographs, 1946-1967.

Quest Program, 1974-1975.

School within the School for motivated, responsible student.

An Explanation of the Student Personnel Program, September 1937.

Oxford Swimming Pool, 1973-1975.

Correspondence and newspaper clippings concerning a proposal to build a new swimming pool at Central High School.

Consolidation-Construction plans, 1973-1977.

Miscellaneous items, 1968-1979.

Response to concerns about Central High 1968, various newsletters, and several copies of Central High Times 1974-1979.

Return to top

SCRAPBOOKS, 1878 - 1955.

Location

131.D.19.10F

Loose items removed from deteriorating scrapbook, 1916-1930. 5 folders:

1916-1919.

1920-1925.

1926-1928.

Class of 1929, 1928-1929.

Class of 1930, 1929-1930.

Location

114.C.14.4F-1

Scrapbook, 1946-1950. 1 volume.

Includes girls "C" Club programs, concert programs, French Club items.

Athletic scrapbook, 1900-1918. 1 volume.

Includes football, basketball, baseball, track, hockey, tennis, girls basketball (1915). Dates labeled in ink on clippings. Pages are loose, binding is in poor condition.

Location

114.C.14.4F-2

Sports scrapbook, 1918-1925 1 folder.

Football, hockey, basketball, baseball, track, golf, tennis, swimming. Some loose items.

Sports scrapbook, 1925-1929. 1 folder.

Includes girls track and basketball. Cockled due to glue dots.

Sports scrapbook, 1930-1934. 1 folder.

Sports scrapbook, 1940-1941. 1 folder.

Sports scrapbook, 1941-1945. 1 folder.

Location

114.C.14.5B-1

Sports scrapbook, 1945-1947. 1 folder.

Includes football, hockey, basketball, track, and swimming. Many fold outs and fold downs.

Sports scrapbook, girls sports, 1931-1935. 1 folder.

Swimming, volleyball, basketball, hiking, and other events of the Girls Athletic Association [GAA]. Possibly clipped from school newspaper. Items are pasted on top of one another.

Social scrapbook, 1878-1912 (bulk 1903-1912). 1 folder.

Centers on lives of alumni. From the society pages of local newspapers (primarily the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch). Marriages and professional achievements are highlighted. Some information on teachers and social events at school (drama programs, dances, etc.)

Social scrapbook, 1913-1914. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1922-1927. 1 folder.

Location

114.C.14.5B-2

Social scrapbook, 1927-1928. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1928-1930. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1930-1934. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1935-1936. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1936-1939. 1 folder.

Social scrapbook, 1940-1945. 1 folder.

Some buckling and loose items.

Return to top

PHOTOGRAPHS, CIRCA 1870-1980S.

Location

114.C.14.4F-1

Oversize photographs, circa 1900-1920. 39 items in bundle.

Black and white on cardboard backing.

Art Department:

Modeling in clay.

Studio work.

Mechanical drafting class.

Portrait class.

Craft work.

Art and craft work.

Woodcarving and pyrography.

Assembly hall and stage.

Two photographs, one from back of room toward stage, the other from stage looking out at audience.

Biology Department:

Botany: testing for food substances.

Botany: planting the seeds.

Botany: study of seedlings.

Terrarium made by pupil Roy Heron: glass front seed box showing growth of root and shoot.

Zoology: study of protozoa.

Business Department: Typewriting and business practice.

Business Department: Bookkeeping and business practice.

Chemical Lecture Room.

Chemical Laboratory.

Class in Ore Assaying.

Class in English Literature.

Class in Civics.

Class in Joinery at Humboldt High School.

Cooking Room for girls home-economics.

Electrical Engineering Department:

Testing Arc Lamps.

Testing Incandescent Lamps.

Switchboard constructed by students.

Girls Gymnasium Classes. 4 photographs on two sheets.

Library.

Manual Training Department:

Forge Shop.

Wood Shop.

Physical Culture, Third Grade, Webster School. 2 photographs.

Physical Laboratory.

Secretary's Office: Board of Education.

Sewing Room.

Scenes from The Gondoliers, Operetta, by the Glee Club.

Scenes from The Mikado, Operetta, by the Glee Club.

Surveying: Transit Work/Leveling. 2 photographs.

Oversize photographs, 1890-1896. 4 folders:

Class photograph, Class of 1890.

No names.

Class photograph, Class of 1896.

With names.

Track Team, 1894.

Note: Two bicycles are pictured.

Exterior of School, undated.

Location

126.I.3.6

Senior class photo taken in front of U.S. Capitol, 1955 1 item in oversize folder.

Location

116.A.6.3

Photographs, 8x10 inches or smaller, in folders:

Band and orchestra, 1920-1957.

Building interior, 1890-1963.

Includes photographs of library, labs, hallways.

Building exteriors, circa 1870-1969.

Class portraits, with names, 1900.

Class portraits, Sophomore class of 1922, from the 1920 yearbook.

Class portraits, 1890s-1920s.

A few have names provided on back.

Classes in action, circa 1900s-1967.

Math, science, language, social studies, sewing, business, and home economics.

Class, surveying, circa 1900.

Class portraits, unlabeled, circa 1920s-1930s.

Appears to be various school clubs and faculty including finance, math, sciences, history, and business.

Debate, circa 1920-1963.

Extra-curricular activities, circa 1920-1967.

Glee Club, National Honor Society, etc.

Girl reserves, portraits, circa 1930s.

Language clubs and literature, circa 1920s.

Including newspaper portraits: Times, Scribblers, World staff.

Location

116.A.6.4

Miss Irma Meili’s photographs, circa 1920-1940.

Includes photographs of Miss Meili, a yearbook tribute to Miss Meili (circa 1926), student group photographs (circa 1920, circa 1940), and student portraits including Howard L. Cless and Alberta Hutchin (circa 1920).

Location

116.A.6.3

Safety and health, 1956-1963.

Special education, 1955.

Sports, 1902-1960.

Includes boys' and girls' sports (basketball, swimming), coaches, and portraits.

Staff, 1950-1963.

Students' individual portraits, with names, circa 1890-1964.

Location

116.A.6.4

Students and staff, unlabeled, circa 1900.

Student council and government, circa 1920s.

Student portraits, 1911-1945.

Identified students include Charles Brown (in WWI uniform); Bernard Bardwell, circa 1911; John Bentley Gallagher, 1911; Robert Fullerton Grant, in WWII uniform accompanied by letter from the U.S. Navy awarding him the Navy Air Medal, 1945; Scott M. Johnston, in WWI uniform with details on his death on reverse of photograph folder; and Carl J. Youngbert, in WWI uniform.

Summer School, 1959.

Theater and art, circa 1920s-1958.

Twins, from the student body, 1950-1951.

Location

114.C.2.6F

Slides:

Demolition of old building exterior and construction of new school building, circa 1970s. 27 slides in slide box.

Drama and music, circa 1980s. 15 slides in slide box.

Return to top

RECORDS REGARDING AMELIA EARHART, 1930S-1950S.

Location

114.C.2.6F

Correspondence concerning Amelia Earhart, 1955-1956. 5 items in folder.

Correspondence and memoranda about Amelia Earhart regarding a book the author, Jack Pitman, was writing about Amelia Earhart. Amelia Earhart attended Central High School during the period 1913-1914, and was in the junior class.

Letter from Jack Pitman to William J. Scanlan (Central High School Principal), December 15, 1955.

Memoranda from William J. Scanlan to Miss Flitch, Miss Claussen, Miss Bryant (Central High School staff), December 20, 1955.

Letter from William J. Scanlan to Jack Pitman, January 18, 1956.

Memoranda from Laurie C. Johnson, Central High School Librarian, December 1955.

Typed copy.

Memoranda from Laurie C. Johnson, Central High School Librarian, December 1955.

Handwritten copy.

Newspaper clippings regarding Amelia Earhart's aviation career, 1930s. 1 folder.

Return to top

CATALOG HEADINGS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:: Class reunions -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; College and school drama.; Debates and debating -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; High schools -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; High schools -- Alumni and alumnae -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Registers.; High school students -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; School buildings -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; School enrollment -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; School music -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; Schools -- Exercises and recreations -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; Schools -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- History.; School sports -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Registers.; Student activities -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; Student government -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; Students -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.; Students -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Registers.; Summer schools -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Photographs.; Teachers -- Retirement -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul.; World War, 1939-1945 -- War work -- Young Women's Christian associations.

Persons:: Earhart, Amelia, 1897-1937.; Harris, William T., Jr.

Organizations:: Central High School (Saint Paul, Minn.) -- History.; Central High School Glee Club (Saint Paul, Minn.) -- Photographs.; Girls Athletic Association (Central High School, Saint Paul, Minn.).; Minnesota. Independent School District No. 625 (Saint Paul).; Minnesota Work Projects Administration.; National Honor Society (U.S.) -- Photographs.; Saint Paul Public Schools.

Document Types:: Scrapbooks.; Photographs.

Return to top