The Life of Siouxland- The High School

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The charm of history and its enigmatic lesson consist in the fact that, from age to age, nothing changes and yet everything is completely different.

-Aldous Huxley

In 1893, a school opened sectioned in the middle of Sioux City known as “The castle on the hillHigh School.”  Around thirty years passed, and this historic building and school was renamed as Central High School.  The school was way ahead of its years and had luxuries that other schools and buildings during this time didn’t.

Nearly $105,000  were poured into this school as it was a direct effect of Sioux City’s thriving economy at this time.  For the first year, the enrollment came to 292 students and 9 teachers (32 kids per teacher).  As Sioux City grew and the economy flourished, the numbers ballooned in 1913 to 965 (300% increase in 20 years).  This influx of students led to plans for a new addition to this already large school.

The new design was mulled over and a special election was held.  The vote was orchestrated by the city’s womens’ club to decide if citizens were willing to pay taxes to keep the same stone material and architectural design.  This addition cost more than double as the lump sum came to $225,000.

The enrollment grew as a direct result and Central High School stood the test of time during some critical times in Sioux City & American History.  For exactly 80 years, “The High School” and Central High School opened its doors to then the youth of Siouxland.  After it was closed in 1972, the “Castle on the Hill” has been placed on the National Registry of historic sites.  We’re proud to have this magnificent piece of architecture in Siouxland as it stands as a living link to our past.

A couple years ago, Rockestra was held within the doors of Central High.  I remember looking around while listening to the sweet tunes of some old time rock & roll by Siouxland’s finest musicians and thinking about all the memories that have passed through the halls.

castleThese walls harbored and facilitated learning, friendship, and growth.  Some of the lives have passed that use to roam these halls and some our still living here in Sioux City today.    Nevertheless, they served as the backbone for this great city coupled with the men and women from Heelan and East.

So today as you drive around on this beautiful day take a little trip by the “Castle on the Hill.”  Look at it and smile, because it still breathes and is waiting to breathe again.  It waits for a new life, a new era entrenched in a Siouxland economy that welcomes it back once again…

Ian, Social Media Intern

pictures courtesy of www.globalindex.com/CastleWeb/

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