Note: Credit to Bobby Byrd for the research.
Indicates Construction Began in 1906
Posted on by Bob Johnson
Author: Bob Johnson
Graduated from Central in 1965. Had the honor of being Mr. Central 1965. Started on the Central Basketball Team for three years and was a member of the Track Team in my senior year. Shared command with Bryant Millsaps of the Central JROTC unit in my senior year. Other activites at Central are documented in the 1963 -1965 Champions. Received an athletic scholarship and played Division I College Basketball for four years. When I graduated from Auburn in 1969, I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Adjutant General Corps and served 25 years on active duty, retiring in 1994. Some of the military awards I earned include the Legion of Merit, one Meritorious Service Medal for Achievement, six Meritorious Service Medals for Service, Joint Service Medal for Achievement, two Army Commendations Medals, and Viet Nam Service Medal. After retirement in 1994, I became a Real Estate Broker until my second retirement in 2010. I am passionate about Central History and am pleased to be Administrator of this Blog/Site. View All Posts
Preservation of Chattanooga Central History 
Appears to me the flag pole was not in the center of the building in 1927. Earlier photos show the flag pole on the SW corner of the roof at first. When I graduated in 1965, it was front-center of the building.
Bob,
The 1st. photo of Central shows the first section to be rather small while the 2nd picture indicated as the “first section” is spread out. Does this mean it was still under construction in the first picture? As for the flag pole, it was front and center during my years there so, appearently it moved around a couple of times. Also the big tree seemed more centered than shown in the older pictures. During one of my art classes, Ms. Derryberry allowed us to wander the campus to draw what we saw. I chose to sit on the front steps and draw the big tree, flag pole and the buildings across the street, including some parked cars. I got an A on the picture, then I thought about coloring it. I wasn’t very good with a brush back then so, I put it off. I put the picture, which was about 18 x 24, under my bed at home. One day I showed it to a lady who liked it so much I gave it to her. My Mom had a fit! I couldn’t understand then why she was so upset. Now, I’d pay to have it back!
Marshall L. Harris
class of 1962
The first photo accurately represents the building when it opened for classes. Second photo shows the building after additions on both ends. I need to get the date of these additions for you.