Photo Credit: CoolestCoast.com
100 years ago today (January 25th), the historic building that is Lincoln High School opened.
According to the Manitowoc County Historical Society, plans for establishing a central high school were considered in 1869 and again in 1900.
But plans for Lincoln began in 1917 with a letter recommending the purchase of Roeff’s Hill as a site for the school for $26,000.
It was a good place for the school because it was centrally located in the city and was easy to walk to.
Approval for building the building happened in February 1922, with the Board of Education making one change.
Instead of building a 14-foot tower, it would be 60 feet with a clock on it. Construction was completed on January 9th, 1924, and the school was then opened about two weeks later.
The first principal of the school was C G Stangel, but now it’s Principal Micah Hoffman.
He says it’s mindblowing to think about the Lincoln building being here today.
“Same rooms,” he said. “I’m sure things are somewhat different; you know the floor has changed or there’s been a number of updates, but over 100 years, and it’s the same space, really.”
925 students were enrolled at the new school at the time.
Hoffman says this year, it’s over 1,400.
The students and staff have been celebrating the building’s opening with several events during homecoming week, which included a bond fire.
Hoffman says, “Which is something that used to be done many, many years ago. We’ve brought that tradition back; hopefully, we can maintain it.”
Today (January 25th), students will be getting cake served at lunch to recognize the day the building was opened.
The next big event to recognize 100 years is the class of 2024 graduating at the end of the school year.
More information about the building of the school can be found on the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s website while more information about 100 years of Lincoln High School can be found at Manitowoc Lincoln’s website.
