Category: Preservation of History

Posted in Dodds Avenue, Historical Archives, Historical Marker on Dodds Avenue, Library, Preservation of History, Thanks

Update on the Tennessee Historical Marker for Central on Dodds Avenue

Posted on by Bob Johnson

Thanks to a select few who donate to the Preservation of Central History Fund, we now have enough to procure a replacement marker.

This week Central History Archives Team will send a check to the State to pay for a marker to replace the one run over by a careless driver or vandal.  We are coordinating with TDOT and City of Chattanooga for final approval to place the marker on State property just outside the McCallie fence.  Mindful that we need to reduce the risk of “accidental” damage to the marker, we intend to place it facing Dodds Avenue and as close to the McCallie fence as possible.

Please keep in mind, your continuing donations to Preservation of Central History Fund will allow the Chattanooga Central History Archives Team (CCHAT) to continue other preservation efforts such as cleaning the Bellamy Flag and procuring a case in which to archive it.

The vast majority of CCHAT efforts are by a few volunteers who spent countless hours supporting the Central Librarian who directs our efforts and works tirelessly to preserve Central history and rare books in the Central Library–Central alumni are grateful.

Posted in Early History, Faculty, Preservation of History

PRINCIPAL ZIEGLER STOPS DANCE AFTER JUNIOR FEED – 1919

Posted on by poundertown74

Here is a wonderful example of Central lore that we are uncovering in our research. Please add your reflections into the human side of the Purple and Gold.

PRINCIPAL ZIEGLER STOPS DANCE AFTER JUNIOR FEED
-Chattanooga Times, May 15th, 1919
Fair weather prefaced a storm and a tranquil and sweet beginning preceded a bitter end last night when at the Junior-Senior banquet and entertainment of Central High school Principal J. S. Ziegler, with stern and emphatic language, declared against a dance planned by the boys and girls of the Junior class.

At the end of the dinner program last night, when the Juniors had planned to clear the Patton (Hotel) ballroom and end the evening with a dance. Mr. Ziegler ordered the room cleared; staying some forty-five minutes to see that the lingering banqueters did not indulge their terpsichorean fancies.

After a number of those in both classes had decided to disregard his admonitions and run the last part of the program to suit themselves, they found the ballroom locked and as Manager John Lovell was nowhere to be found, they left the hotel with a bitter taste and rebellious trend of reflection, to go to their homes.

The banquet went off with exquisite smoothness until George J. Heron, the president of the Junior class, announced the dance, when as one present remarked, “Turmoil broke loose.”

Not only did the principal announce that they must not dance but he declared that he would suspend all who stayed in the hotel.

A representative number of Central boys last night declared that knowing their principal’s objections to dances; they made the dance a separate part of the program. The principal was not to be in charge of this feature and, according to some of the youngsters, was not even invited.

Mr. Lovell, they said, agreed to let them use the ballroom for dancing when the banquet was over. The orchestra was furnished by them and the dance; they said was to be a “private” affair. They doubted the principal’s right to interfere, but as they found the ballroom closed they were forced to go away disappointed, not however, without budding plans for a continuation of the program in the future to be held without his supervision.

P. P. Celzer (probably W. P. Selcer) and Mrs. L. M. Russell were two other members of the faculty present. They advised the youngsters to go home without crossing the will of the principal.

Posted in Memories, Preservation of History

Tell Your Stories

Posted on by Bob Johnson

Charlie Sedman and others like Buffy Hoge are diligently pursuing documented history of fellow Purple Pounders who are no longer with us–their continuing efforts will be documented on this site.

So much of Central history is undocumented, and only you can tell those stories.  Perhaps you can document events with photos, newspaper clippings, Central publications you have, etc.

Please help us capture the rich Central history.

Posted in Memories, Preservation of History

Be True to What Central High School Did for You and Me

Posted on by Bob Johnson

Politicians raise millions these days.  We just need to raise thousands to preserve what means so much to us!

We have a Federally approved account for whatever donation you can make.  We have prominent attorneys who can take it to the next level of making it tax free.

Don’t think tax deduction is the issue here–just think about what that purple and gold blood flowing through your veins and arteries did for you and share what you can to preserve the Central history and traditions.

Posted in Library, Preservation of History, The Central Digest

Update from CHS Librarian

Posted on by Bob Johnson

I wanted to update everyone on the happenings and progress that have been taking place here in the E. F. Chapin Library.

A local designer has taken an interest in our Library and came in to meet with me last week about the possible renovation of our space.  Se was part of the team that designed East Hamilton High and Middles’s Libraries and is currently involved with renovation of the Library at UTC.

The meeting went very well and Ms. Fitzgerald walked out with our blueprints and is in the beginning stage of designing a layout that will best suit our needs.  We are hopeful that the current issues with Central well be taken care of swiftly so that the interior of our Library will be fresh and ready for the updates we so desperately need from this talented local designer.

To ready ourselves for possible renovation, I have moved all Central Digests, Yearbooks, and anything “historical” into what will be our Alumni Room..  Now that they are in one area, I am confident we can do a detailed inventory of what we have in our collection.  Please feel free to visit us and do not hesitate to call me to discuss any aspect of our archives and/or issues that you feel need to be addressed.  I’m here for all of you.

I have also “struck a deal” with an amazing Chattanooga company called “SouthTree.”  The company will be converting all our 8 mm and 16 mm reals, VHS tapes, photos and slides onto DVD!

I visited the company yesterday and was amazed at the technology.  The owner of the Company was very excited to have an opportunity to preserve film from Chattanooga and ever willing to take on the project of digitally archiving some of our print media.

I asked Mr. Boeselanger he could tell me the oldest film conversion he’s done.  His answer was around 1931.  An older lady from Signal Mountain had wanted it transferred.  If anyone could beat that with a CHS film from the attic, I am sure we could impress him even more!

You can read and learn more about this company at SouthTree.  I will say that I am very proud that we can keep our business local, and I am very confident that it will take great care of our cherished memories.

In my research on the type of scanner we need to archive the Central Digest, I have found out that the best way to preserve the spines and and overall integrity of the book itself is to place The Digest open on a book stand and photograph each double spread, using at least a 6 megapixel SLR camera, tripod, and basic lighting.  The numbering system on a camera (providing we use the same camera) will be consistent and after each book is photographed, the JPEG files can be converted to PDF.

Thanks to you all for your dedication and support.

Ms Martin, CHS Librarian