"Rockport High School 1928-Probably 1929 Graduation Class and all grades represented."

This was Rockport High School in 1928. I am thinking that the picture was made in 1928, but it is of the 1929 Graduation Year. The Rockport High School Graduates in 1929 were Emerson Bratcher, Rosa Mae Cummins, and Cletus Wilson.

What a fine bunch of Students! Did you recognize any before you looked at the names? I certainly did not pick out any students before I scanned the names, but I do know or have heard of most of the students. Some, I knew well. Don't get confused on this picture. In this day and time, normally the names are written from left to right. At least that is the way that I am used to. The identities for these students are from right to left.

In this time frame, the students were going to school in the Bluff Street School. That is the one that stood where the Mason Cemetery is now located. This, Bluff Street School, was established in 1908 with the first class starting in August of 1908. Initially, the school was a grade school that included a two year high school. In 1925 a four year high school was started. The first class to graduate was in 1926. The above picture was made in 1928 and the School Principal was Stanley Phillips. The Assistant Principal was Willie R. O'Nan. The school building was one of the finest in Ohio County and the residents were very proud. In 1931, new hardwood floors were added to the gymnasium, asphalt walks were installed and a few other improvements were made. The new school year was scheduled to start on August 31, 1931 and teachers and students were all excited about their improved school. Guy Schenk was scheduled to be the principal, with Gilbert Lamb as the assistant principal. The teachers were scheduled to be Corbet Farris, Woodrow Park, Mrs. Gerry Barnes, and Miss Flossie Wilson. Times were good in Rockport, but for only a few more years. On January 5, 1933, the school was destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire was undetermined, but was believed to have started in the furnace room. A new school was to be build, but not on this location. Instead, the school board was to donate the land to the town of Rockport for a cemetery. On the back side of the cemetery, there is still evidence of the old school building. Parts of the brick walls are still standing, but one will have to look close as the vines and trees are about to erase all evidence of a building ever being on this location.

Hope you enjoyed.



--- See you......---
jrd.

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