On January 31′ Lawrence High School will celebrate its 103rd birthday. The doors opened on January 31″ 1848 at the corner of Haverhill & Lawrence Streets and the school still occupies that site but is no longer the City’s high school Seventeen students were the first graduating class,and since then many great men and women have passed through the portals of this building over the years.
When the school first opened it couldn’t boast of the long spacious corridors,the many rooms,the various courses of studies,the gymnasium the shops,cafeteria and were just starting to log memories.
In 1848 the school committee members of what was then called the Town of Lawrence found the obligation of the Town according yo a State statute to provide a High School.
Long debating sessions were held before the sum of twelve thousand and five hundred dollars was appropriated to start this project.
The school was to house both lower and higher grades and was opened on January 31′ 1848. One teacher was hired with the title of High School Teacher. The first High School Headmaster was Mr. T.W.T. Curtis, And Miss Sarah Hooker was appointed the first assistant.
In 18552 C.S. Pennell succeded Mr Curtis and Jane Gerrish donor of the Gerrish award became the assistant.
In 1901 in the month of June the present High School was opened and in 1924 the Annex was opened.
In 1951 the faculty and student body planned a huge birthday party to recognize this outstanding date in the City of Lawrence history.
More history of the class of 51: Jack Skelly a Central Catholic transfer student was chosen to represent LHS in Boston on Government day at the State House. Jack has been a popular student and is captain of the basketball team and has made the honor roll each month at LHS. He will lead his team into the season opener this night for the 1951 season.They will travel to Salem to face on of their Essex County League opponents. Hitting the hardwood for the blue and white will be Derby,Johnny D’Angelo a multisport star who still lives in the area,his good friend Charlie Rigoli,Jackie Donahue of So Lawrence,Frankie Ball a multi sporter and also a good boxer,he still lives in So Law.,Billy Quinlan a local legend also still a local resident when he’s not at the beach,and Guy Smith who also starred in track and football for the blue and white.
Coach Jimmy Jordan is retiring as the hoop coach after tonights game and will leave his job to Ed Webb of Tower Hill.
A public opinion pol was asked should LHS have a girls hoop team? Marion Marad answers, yes,the have the equiptment, and many girls who would be willing and eager to play. Marietta Shea replies yes, girls hve no sports at all.Many schools have girls hoop. Why not Lawrence.
Joe Sheehan: It’s a great idea,it’ll increase the girls social activities by playing other schools and inter class teams Franny Delaney a football player: I think it’s a splendid idea,they have bowling now so why not provide more recreation for them.
