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Augusta Tilghman High School, sitting on 10th Street/Murrell Boulevard just west of Clark Street, served as the primary public high school in Paducah, Kentucky from the beginning of the 1921 school year until 1955 when Paducah Tilghman High School opened. After that, the ATHS building housed Jetton Junior High School until 1980. Twenty years later, the building was renovated to become Jetton Schoolhouse Apartments. In 2020, another transformation was begun which is expected to result in an apartment complex called The Dunlap.
The building’s history begins about 1919 and will be chronicled here through the use of articles appearing in two Paducah newspapers of the time—The Paducah Evening Sun and The News-Democrat. A new Lincoln High School at Eighth and Ohio Streets was also constructed in 1921 and is also often appears within these articles as well. The following excerpts have been transcribed as they appeared in print and are presented here for educational use. The McCracken County Public Library Special Collections contain items from communities and time periods for preservation and to provide access to cultural and historical records. What may be perceived as materials containing harmful or disturbing content, the McCracken County Public Library presents as a unfiltered social records and does not endorse the views expressed therein.
Courtesy of Paducah Independent School District
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, September 19, 1919, Page 1
SCHOOL BONDS ARE
TO BE ASKED FOR
HIGH BUILDINGS
______
Board Will Seek Funds To
Erect Quarters to Care
For New Pupils
______
PRESENT STRUCTURES
ARE NOT ADEQUATE
______
Commissioners To Submit, If
Presented, For Vote In
November.
______
"The Board of Education, has voted to asked the City Commissioners to go to the people for a vote on a bond issue of approximately $260,000 for the purpose of building two new high schools, one for white students and one for the colored. The amount to be asked for will be hardly sufficient, but according to law the board can ask for no more than 2 per cent of the assessed property value.
The Board of Education has purchased the grounds adjacent to the Lincoln colored school, and in event the bond issue carries, the new colored high school will be built there. The west side of Eighth street from Ohio to Tennessee street now belongs to the board. The present High School is far too small to take care of the great number of students attending, as well as other schools, and this fact prompted the board to vote on asking the commissioners to ask the people to vote on the bond issue. The board now has a site in view where the new High school for white students will be erected."
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The News-Democrat, Saturday, September 20, 1919, Page 2
BONDS FOR HIGH
SCHOOL URGED
______
Board of Education Requests
Commissioners to Submit Is-
sue of $260,000 to Erect
Two Buildings.
______
"In a meeting of the Board of Education, it was voted to ask the city commissioners to put up for vote before the people of Paducah a bond issue of approximately $260,000 for the purpose of building two new high schools for this city, one for the white students and the other for the colored. The ground adjacent to the Lincoln colored school was purchased by the Board of Education some time ago and in event that the bond issue carries the new building will be built on that location. The present high school as well as other schools are unable to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of students and this situation is what prompted the board in requesting that a vote be put to the people. The site for the new (white) high school has been selected by the board but its location is not generally known.
Mayor Burns and the commissioners generally were in favor of a bond issue being presented to the people, for the erection of the two new school buildings.
In the November election, Paducah already has $350,000 in bond issues to vote upon and if the sum requested by the board of education goes through without alteration it will make the total bond issue that the city wants $610,000.
It is supposed that the school board will put the proposition up before the commissioners at a committee meeting to be held Monday."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, October 7, 1919, Page 9
DONATE SITE FOR
NEW HIGH SCHOOL
IF CITY BUILDS
______
Tilghman Brothers Offer
Palmer Home Grounds,
Gift to City.
______
"If Paducah carries the $250,000 school bond issue, she will receive absolutely without cost a beautiful and ideal site for a modern High School building, through the generosity of Messrs. Sidell and Frederick Tilghman, wealthy brokers of New York City.
Announcement of the magnanimous offer of the Tilghman brothers was made to the Board of Education in a called session late Monday afternoon in Superintendent Yakel’s office.
The Tilghman brothers propose to donate to the Board of Education and the City of Paducah the site upon which stands the handsome home of Mrs. Elbridge Palmer and her sister Miss Frances Gould, located at Tenth and Clark. Love for their boyhood home, and the wish to bestow upon Paducah a gift that shall stand through years as a fitting and permanent testimonial of their interest in this city and her growing generations, prompted the descendants of General Tilghman to make the gift. They request that the building be named the Augusta Tilghman High School, in memory of their mother.
The Board of Education yesterday adopted unanimously a resolution accepting the offer and thanking in behalf of all Paducah, the generous donors. This document reads:
“Whereas, Messrs. Frederick Tilghman and Sidell Tilghman of New York City, being exceedingly generous and loyal to the city of their boyhood days, offer to convey to the Board of Education of the City of Paducah, Kentucky, a site for the new high school building.
“Whereas, the Messrs. Tilghman have made arrangements to donate to the Board of Education the property owned by Mrs. Elbridge Palmer and her sister, Miss Fannie Gould, located in the City of Paducah, the following streets being the boundaries: Bronson on the South, Gould on the West, Clark on the North, and Tenth on the East.
“Whereas, the Messrs. Tilghman wish to donate this property to the School Board of the City of Paducah to be used for the purpose of the erecting thereon a high school building.
“Whereas, the donors of the above mentioned property request that the building erected thereon shall be called the Augusta Tilghman High School. The donors also make this gift contingent upon the passage of the Bond Issue for the school, which is to be voted upon by the voters of the City of Paducah on November 4, 1919.
“Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education of the City of Paducah accept the generous, loyal, and public spirited gift of Mr. Frederick Tilghman and his brother, Mr. Sidell Tilghman who in honor and memory of their dearly beloved mother, Augusta Tilghman, give this exceedingly valuable site for a high school building.”
Messrs. Sidell and Frederick Tilghman are sons of General Lloyd Tilghman whose statue is one of the city’s lofty and handsome monuments, and which stands in Lang or Tilghman Park, in the Circle at Fountain Avenue, Monroe and Madison streets, Gen. Tilghman was the only Paducah general who served in the Confederate army in the War of the States.
This is the third gift the Messrs. Tilghman have bestowed upon Paducah. The drinking fountain at Tenth and Broadway was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Frederick Tilghman, Vice-President of the American Humane Society. A donation of $10,000 by the Tilghman brothers made possible the erection of the handsome monument in Tilghman Park, by the Daughters of the Confederacy
It is interesting to note that the site of the Palmer residence is the spot on which the four Tilghman brothers began their education in Paducah. All four of them attended school there under Charles T. Bronson, known as “Daddy” Bronson, grandfather of Mrs. Elbridge Palmer."
Property of Paducah Independent School District
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The News-Democrat, Tuesday, October 7, 1919, Page 1
BROTHERS OFFER PADUCAH
PALMER HOME SITE FOR HIGH SCHOOL
Former Paducahans,
Now New York Mil-
lionaires, Will Pur-
chase “Ferns” Estate
and Give to the City.
BOND ISSUE MUST
BE CARRIED FIRST
Board of Education Ac-
cepts Offer and Issues
Appeal to People to
Vote for Bonds.
"Love for the city of their boyhood and a desire to bestow upon Paducah, a lasting gift that will be of benefit to the future generations of this city was what prompted Frederick Tilghman and Sidell Tilghman, millionare (sic) brokers of New York City, to offer to the people of Paducah a site upon which to erect a high school, provided that the coming bond issue election is successful, it was made known at a special meeting of the school board, yesterday afternoon.
This offer of the Messrs. Tilghman has been known by a few members of the School Board for some time but it was not officially announced until yesterday, when the resolution for the acceptance of the land was put before the members and passed upon favorably by all present. The resolution which was read before the board of school directors is as follows:
“Whereas, Messrs. Frederick Tilghman and Sidell Tilghman of New York City, being exceedingly generous and loyal to the city of their boyhood days, offer to convey to the Board of Education of the City of Paducah, Kentucky, a site for the new high school building.
“Whereas, the Messrs. Tilghman have made arrangements to donate to the Board of Education the property owned by Mrs. Elbridge Palmer and her sister, Miss Fannie Gould, located in the City of Paducah, the following streets being the boundaries: Bronson on the South, Gould on the West, Clark on the North, and Tenth on the East.
“Whereas, the Messrs. Tilghman wish to donate this property to the School Board of the City of Paducah to be used for the purpose of the erecting thereon a high school building.
“Whereas, the donors of the above mentioned property request that the building erected thereon shall be called the Augusta Tilghman High School. The donors also make this gift contingent upon the passage of the Bond Issue for the school, which is to be voted upon by the voters of the City of Paducah on November 4, 1919.
“Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education of the City of Paducah accept the generous, loyal, and public spirited gift of Mr. Frederick Tilghman and his brother, Mr. Sidell Tilghman who in honor and memory of their dearly beloved mother, Augusta Tilghman, give this exceedingly valuable site for a high school building.”
Memorial to Mother.
The Tilghmans were prompted to to (sic) choose this site upon the advise (sic) of Dr. F. B. Dressler, United States architect employed by the Government to select the property for Government buildings all over the country. Dr. Dressler was in Paducah some time ago and was asked by the School Board to make a selection of a suitable place for a school building and after careful inspection of the entire city finally selected the property owned by Mrs. Palmer and Miss Gould, as the ideal spot for the erection of the building.
Immediately after the decision by the Government inspector, the board proceeded to communicate with Mrs. Palmer in an effort to ascertain the valuation of the land. Mrs. Palmer was at this time in New York, and through her, the desire of the School Board to obtain the property was made known to the Tilghmans and they at once made the offer to her that they would purchase the beautiful home called “The Ferns” and present it to the city of their boyhood days in memory of their mother, as a site to erect a new high school.
The desire of Mrs. Palmer ad Miss Gould, to make a sacrifice for the betterment of their city, prompted them to release the magnificent home for a remarkably low sum.
The Tilghman brothers are the sons of General Frederick (Lloyd) Tilghman the only general that went from this city during the Civil War to fight for the Confederacy. This is the third gift that they have made to the city, the other two being the fountain at Tenth and Broadway and the $10,000 to the erection of the Confederate monument that was erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy of Paducah several years ago.
The generous gift from these two brothers, whose love for Dixie and the city of their youth has not waned, will no doubt have a great effect in carrying the coming bond issue to victory by a large margin.
Another meeting was also held yesterday in the auditorium of the high school by the Senior Junior High School League, at which many Paducah women were present and it was urged upon them the importance of registering today."
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The News-Democrat, Sunday, November 2, 1919, Page 1
SYLVAN NYMPHS DWELT AMONG “THE FERNS”
Former Paducah Men Remember Home
Of Their Boyhood Days and Donate
Site for Erection of Large School
Tilghman Brothers Purchase Old Landmark From Mrs. Mary
G. Palmer and Give It to the City on Condition That the
School Be Named in Honor of Their Mother.
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By Felix Holt
_______
"Have you ever stood beneath the trees at “The Ferns” and listened to music of the wind as it strikes the strings of Nature’s Aeolian harp? Close your eyes and to your ears will come the sound of Pan, the God of the woods tripping softly over the moss covered earth around the trees, with thousands of little wood nymphs dancing merrily to the strains of his enchanting pipes. Maybe you have and again you may have been denied this bit of mystic reverie, but the pipes of Pan, like the pipe of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, have an enchanting melody that is irresistible and in years to come you will eventually return to the places from which you first listened to their strange music.
No doubt it must have been the enchantment placed upon them in their boyhood days, that prompted the Messrs. Frederic Tilghman and Cidel Tilghman, now of New York City, to give to the city of their birth this beautiful home called “The Ferns” as a site for a new High School, which if the school bond issue carries will be erected to the memory of their mother, Augusta Tilghman. To say that we do not believe in fairies would only be to spoil this story and besides if any one doubts their existence it will be well worth the time for them to stroll to 10th and Clark streets and walk through the grounds of this wonderful estate, one of the last remnants of the Dixie that was, and see for yourself. After your sojourn with the fairies in this seclused (sic) spot you will understand why in the year 1910 the Messrs. Tilghman returned to this city and asked Mrs. Mary G. Palmer and her sister Miss Gould, to take them again to the places, that in their boyhood days they had played upon the deep moss, softer than the rugs of Persia, that nature had laid around the trees, and oft times had listened to the mystic strains from the woodland pipes of Pan. A history of their youth, penned by the hand of a master could have told them no more.
Found Recollections.
Long years ago, when the city of Paducah was a little village with its limits and jurisdictions reaching far westward as Seventh street, there were a number of French settlers located just on the outside of the town. When they came to this country they brought with them the traditions and customs of old France. Large and comfortable homes with stately servants that tread upon the soft velvety rugs and carpets, were the vogue those days, and to the westward of this city many of these estates dotted the land where the deer was often want to roam. These families in later years composed some of the first families of the land and their descendents (sic) are at this time to be found amongst the leaders of this country.
Many years before the civil war one of these estates was purchased by Mr. Charles T. Bronson, from a French woman by the name of Madam Marouze, and was named “The Ferns.” A large one story mansion stood stately within the enclosure of over thirty difference varieties of trees planted by the hand of nature upon this property. Mr. Bronson was then the Post Master of Paducah and also conducted a private school in the building adjoining the old French mansion. This school lay some forty feet westward of the beautiful home and was made of large boards cut from the large trees taken from the river valley. Many people of Paducah will remember this building for it withstood like the veteran it was, the onslaughts of wind and storm for over sixty years, but in the fall of 1901 when the city was visited by one of the worst storms in the history of this locality sturdy walls gave way and one of Paducah’s landmarks disappeared. No doubt the pipes of Pan accompanied the music of the trees in a dirge to their departed friend.
Here in this little school among the trees of “The Ferns” estate the Tilghman brothers, Frederic and Cidel, spent many hours of their childhood and romped with the elves and wood nymphs over the moss covered earth, under the comforting shade of the big elms, hickories, pines and birch. Their home was where the Whitfield home now stands at Seventh and Kentucky Avenue, and which was then on the edge of the city limits. The boys, they ware elderly men now, when on their visit to Paducah in 1910 walked from the old homestead to a spot that marked the old school at “The Ferns” and picked the familiar places that marked the way that their youthful feet had trod in the days gone by. There were not many of these landmarks but the few that still remain were like the sight of land to the wandering mariner.
General in Confederate Army.
Their father, General Lloyd Tilghman, was one of the 12 charter members of the Elephants Club, which is still in existence in Paducah at this time. One of the features that this club boasted of was an old darkey that was the servant in the club and who was made an Honorary Member to the organization. Lloyd Tilghman was the only general in the Confederate army that claimed this city as his home and the Confederate monument of Paducah bears his name. He was also City Engineer of Paducah during the year of 1859.
In 1861 when the war between the Confederacy and the North broke out, the Tilghmans were still here, and it was at this time that Mr. Tilghman joined in the cause of his beloved Dixie. The remainder of the family remained in Paducah until 1863 when Grant’s fleet was reported sailing toward this city up the Mississippi. With their mother the two boys went to Clarksville, Tenn., on the last boat to leave Paducah before the blocade (sic). In Clarksville the family remained until 1870 when they moved to New York City. Since that time that place has been their home.
Their record since going to New York has been one of success. Wall street called to them and within a few years they have built up one of the greatest banking and brokerage firms in the financial world. The firm was known as Tilghman Brothers and both Frederic and Cidel have been Governors of the New York Stock Exchange. An incident that goes to prove that sentiment is still a part of the financial center of the world, was enacted by the Tilghmans some years ago. A young street urchin that sold papers and ran errands in Wall Street was taken into the employ of the firm in the capacity of office boy. His surname was Carter. His business instinct had been sharpened with the experience gained on the street and from the first day in the brokerage firm of Tilghman Bros. the lad made good in everything that he attempted. When the time came for the Tilghman Brothers to retire to private life the man that they called upon to continue the business was the former office boy, Carter. The firm was reorganized under the name of Carter & Co., brokers. And at this time one of the directors of the New York Stock Exchange is the boy that long ago peddled papers on the hub of the world of finance.
Site Selected.
During this year one of the most famous government engineers in the United States was visiting Paducah and was asked by the school board to select an appropriate location for a high school. After two weeks of search he informed them that the Palmer estate at 10th and Clark streets was the ideal spot due to its natural beauty and healthy surroundings. Mrs. Palmer was at this time in New York City visiting relatives, so the school board wrote to her of the selection made by the government engineer and asked her to make a price on her property, which if she consented to sell would be used as a site for a high school. Naturally she hated to part with the home that had belonged to her family for generations but she was anxious to make a sacrifice of this kind for the betterment of Paducah. The Tilghman brothers were informed of the desire on the part of the school board to purchase the property and they immediately informed Mrs. Palmer and Miss Gould that they would purchase the estate and give it to the city of their boyhood days providing that it would be named in honor of their mother, Mrs. Augusta Tilghman, and should the city carry the School Bond Issue at the coming election.
In the history of this city there has never been an incident that exemplifies the love of a former or present resident of Paducah, for their city than this sacrifice and gift on the part of Frederic and Cidel Tilghman. Now will Paducah citizens stand by these men and go to the polls and cast their vote for the School Bonds and a bigger, better, forward moving city? "
“The Ferns”
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Various advertisements, such as the one below from The News-Democrat, appeared in the local newspapers, urging citizens to vote in favor of the school bond issue.
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, November 4, 1919, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer article)
HEAVIEST VOTE
COUNTY’S HISTORY
MAY BE BALLOTED
______
Keen Interest Prevailing In
All Races, Polls Crowded
All Day.
______
WOMEN THRONG BOOTHS
ON SCHOOL BOND ISSUE
______
"Paducah and McCracken County are polling today a vote in local and state issues that bids fair to exceed any previous balloting in the history of the county. When the polls opened at 6 o’clock this morning the election officers were greeted by long lines of eager voters and the lines did not diminish as the hours passed. Women as well as men filed into the polling places and displayed keen interest in all that was done. While they made a few mistakes, for the most part they stepped up to the booths and voted like veterans.
Due to the large number of eligible voters at some of the larger city precincts, such as Rogers’, where 700 are registered, it may be physically impossible to accommodate every voter. However, the work is being expedited to the utmost and officers of the polls are co-operating with the citizenship in an effort to give all an equal opportunity. At one precinct it was estimated that in order for every man and woman to vote it would be necessary for a ballot to be filled out and distributed in the various boxes every fifty seconds.
Women are coming to the polls in great numbers to vote affirmatively on the school bond project. Indications are that this issue, as well as that for sewers will carry nicely."
(We will note here that although women did not get the vote nationally until 1920, in Kentucky, women had been able to vote in school board elections and those deciding on taxes since 1838. The Kentucky Encyclopedia, page 288 and H-Net: Humanities & Social Services Online)
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, November 5, 1919, Page 1
School Issue Easy.
"The school bond issue carried overwhelmingly. From the first the issue was never in doubt, and practically every precinct in the city piled up a huge vote in the affirmative. At Rogers’ precinct, the largest, 556 voters cast affirmative ballots. A large percentage of them were women. Only 52 ballots were cast against the issue at the precinct. Eleven precincts show a total of 2,708 in favor of the issue and only 360 against it. It was impossible today to obtain complete figures on the issue as the records from most all precincts are in the vault at the clerk’s office."
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, November 5, 1919, Page 8
TO THE VOTERS OF PADUCAH
"We, the members of the Junior class of Paducah High school, do extend to the voters of Paducah, our sincere appreciation and thanks, for your vote and influence in passing the school bond.
We extend to Mr. Jones, our principal, and to the High school faculty, our gratitude for their untiring efforts in the good cause.
To the Tilghman brothers, we extend the promise that the class of ’21 of the Augusta Tilghman High School will graduate with a record which will forever be an honor to their mother’s name.
We again thank the voters for their help in giving the children of Paducah an opportunity of a better and nobler education, and equipping them for their life’s work.
Class of ’21 of the Augusta Tilghman High School.
Fred Mobley, President."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, November 24, 1919, Page 1
BOARD RECEIVES
DEED GIVING IT
TILGHMAN PLACE
______
Brothers Pay $20,000 to
Present Owners, to Do-
nate Site.
______
"Deed transferring property at Tenth and Clark streets to the Board of Education has been received by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the board. Accompanying the document of deed was a personal letter from Sidell Tilghman of New York City, who with his brother Frederick Tilghman, generously gave to the city of Paducah the property for the erection of the Augusta Tilghman High School.
The Board of Education will hold an informal meeting in Dr. Reddick’s office in the Columbia building at 5 o’clock this afternoon to receive the deed, take steps to have it recorded, and hear the report of Superintendent of Schools Ralph Yakel, who has returned from a trip to Illinois and Missouri to glean ideas for Paducah’s new building.
A price of $20,000 was paid by the Tilghman brothers to Mrs. Elbridge Palmer and her sister, Miss Gould, for the property, according to the deed of conveyance. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Education accepting the Tilghman offer are incorporated in the deed. The Paducah schools secured the property through success of the recent bond issue, that being the one condition set forth for this donation.
“We are very glad the bond issue carried and hope that in due course the new High school will be erected,” Mr. Sidell Tilghman wrote. “If possible some time in the near future one of us may find that we are able to drop in on dear old Paducah and renew our acquaintance with some of the fast failing landmarks.”
Construction of the new building is expected to begin within a few months at least. Superintendent Yakel will present to the board this afternoon his ideas, and the advice of architects and experts on school buildings will be sought."
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The News-Democrat, Saturday, December 13, 1919, Page 1
School Board Selects Louisville
Architect to Design High School
______ ______ ______
"At a special meeting of the Paducah Board of Education called by Dr. J. T. Reddick, President of the Board, Mr. Earl Henry, well known school architect of Louisville, was appointed as official architect for the new high school building to be erected at Tenth and Clark streets, during the coming year. The selection of the Louisville architect, was made after a thorough investigation of the work accomplished within the last few years by contractors and architects, from Chicago, Indianapolis, Evansville, St. Louis and Louisville, that have been concentrating their operations to school building designs.
Mr. Henry is one of the members of the firm of Nevin & Henry, one of the best known architectural firms in the south, and who’s (sic) work has been confined to schools and churches. They are experts in this line of building design, Mr. Henry having had charge of the designing of all school buildings for the city of Louisville for the past eight years.
A tour of several large cities thru out the north and also in this state was made some time ago by Superintendent of schools, Ralph Yakel, in an effort to decide upon what type of building should be erected in Paducah. On this tour he saw many buildings that seemed to be the very first thing in modern school construction but not until he visited the schools of Louisville was he sure of the type that would be of most benefit to this city. He ascertained the name of the architects that had made the plans for these buildings and with this information he returned to Paducah to notify the Board of Education.
Board Sought Bid.
Several applications from architects from a number of cities, including Chicago and St. Louis, have been received by the Paducah Board of Education since the passing of the School Bonds in the recent election. None however, was received from the firm of Nelvin & Henry, and it was not until a request from the local board was sent to Mr. Henry that any desire on their part for the drawing of the plans was received. Mr. Henry stated yesterday afternoon that the reason for this was that he thought that the Paducah Board of Education knew of the work that they had accomplished and thought it only proper that they should be consulted by the board rather than the firm trying to solicit the contract for the plans.
A meeting was held last Wednesday afternoon by the Board of Education, in Dr. Reddick’s office, for the purpose of inspecting the plans, proposed by a Chicago architectural firm. The plans presented by this firm were not what the Board of Education thought that Paducah should have and after the meeting it was decided that a committee appointed from members of the board, should go to Louisville and look over the buildings that have been constructed under the plans drawn by Nevin & Henry. The Committee appointed for this purpose was Dr. Reddick, Dr. Steinfield and Supt. Ralph Yakel. The inspection of the Louisville schools by this committee was very satisfactory and after a conference held in that city, Mr. Henry was requested to come to Paducah and lay before the entire board his plans and suggestions for the new buildings.
Paducah Schools Superintendent Ralph Yakel
At the meeting of yesterday which was held in the offices of Dr. Reddick, the entire board was unanimous in its opinion that the Louisville architects were the ones who should be selected for the drawing of the plans, whereupon a vote was taken and the work was immediately turned over to Mr. Henry.
The drawing of these plans will include the design of the school building to be erected for the colored students and which will be erected at the site of the Lincoln school. This building will also be one of the most modern in the city and will rank with some of the best schools for colored students in the south, it was announced last night by members of the board of Education.
Auditorium to Seat 1,000.
It is the intention of the School Board to have an auditorium, with a capacity for seating one thousand people and a most up-to-date gymnasium, equipped with all modern facilities that adorn the school gymnasium of our largest cities. The building will cost $250,000 it was stated yesterday and will rival any in the state. A cafeteria will be built in the school and will have all the modern facilities of the commercial establishments, and will be of great benefit to the students that desire to eat their meals here instead of having to return to their homes during the noon hour. These meals will be prepared and sold practically at cost to the students. Rooms for instruction in the art of domestic science and commercial work will be included in the building and a very thorough course will be conducted.
The members of the Board of Education, who attended the meeting yesterday afternoon were: Miss Dow Husbands, Mrs. Lillard Sanders, Dr. M. Steinfeld, Dr. J. T. Reddick, Mr. J. L. Wanner and Professor Ralph Yakel.
Begin Work in Spring.
The plans will be drawn by Mr. Henry within the next two months and will be presented to the Board of Education upon their completion. Comencement (sic) of the construction of the high school will probably not start for three or four months it was stated last night. There is considerable work connected with the building as the contracts will have to be released during the period of receiving the plans by the board and the date upon which the erection will start.
The contract will be offered to local contractors first and if their bids are satisfactory the entire number of buildings will be let out by contract to the one bidder. It was thought by the Board of Education that this would be the best plan both for the contractor and the city. There will be a number of out of town contractors that will be ready to make bids as soon as the plans are released as several have made known their intention to do so.
Mr. Henry was registered at the Palmer hotel last night but expected to leave this morning for Louisville on the 1:30 train. The work of drawing the plans will be started by him next week and no delay is expected at this time in their early completion."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, January 19, 1920, Page 5
FIRST DRAWINGS
RECEIVED FOR NEW
HIGH SCHOOL HERE
______
"The Board of Education has received preliminary sketches for construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school work and the addition to be built to the Franklin school, Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the board, stated. The board held a conference Saturday to discuss building plans and will have another meeting today.
J. C. Herrin, architect, will arrive Tuesday from Louisville to confer with board members in regard to building plans. The preliminary sketches indicate that the new Tilghman High school will be a beautiful structure its plan of construction being guided both by practicability and beauty of architecture. The other improvements are to be made along the same modern and artistic lines."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, January 20, 1920, Page 6
MITCHELL TO PLOT OFF
GROUND FOR HIGH SCHOOL
______
"First lay-off of the ground for the new Augusta Tilghman High school at Tenth and Clark streets will be made this afternoon and tomorrow by City Superintendent of Public Construction McClain Mitchell. Preliminary drawings for the new structure were received by the school board last week. The ground will be carefully gone over and the plans altered where necessary to conform to the topography. The task will require probably two days."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, March 12, 1920, Page 6
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DELIVERS BONDS TO
CITY NATIONAL BANK
"School bonds totaling $250,000 to cover the erection of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building and general improvements on school buildings of the city were officially given over by the Paducah Board of Education to City National Bank representatives at a called meeting of the Board held last evening at the office of Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the Board. The full number of bonds was delivered last night.
The bonds numbering five hundred were delivered by Commissioner Wynn Tully to the school board who in turn delivered them to President J. C. Utterback. Other matters of business were considered by the board members. Those present were Dr. J. T. Reddick, Dr. M. Steinfeld and Mrs. Sanders.
To confer with members of the board, Dr. F. M. Dresser, of the (P)eabody Institute, who conducted the survey of buildings and grounds of (P)aducah schools several months ago, will arrive in Paducah this evening. A special meeting of the board with Dr. Dresser and representatives of the Louisville architects will be called within the next few days."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, May 9, 1920, Page 6
Palmer Residence Is
Bought by Education,
Use as Store Room
______
"The announcement was made yesterday of the purchase of the Palmer residence, at Tenth and Clarks streets, by the Paducah Board of Education for the sum of $1,800, and the building will be used as a store room for the new Paducah high school, which will be built immediately behind the Palmer house. Later it is thought that the building will be used for the domestic science classes and for any other classes that will not be able to find room in the new building. The property that the Palmer home stands on was donated to the Board of Education for the new school and according to Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the Paducah School Board, the new building will be built in the rear of the Palmer building.
The low price that was paid for the building is astonishing and the board of education feels highly pleased with the purchases. The house will be renovated from top to bottom for school use, and at the present time is one of the most substantial and modern homes in Paducah. The board of education finds that they will be unable to erect a high school here as complete as they desire on the funds that have been appropriated, and the Palmer building will find many uses relative to the high school work.
Preliminary sketches and plans of the new high school have already been drawn and submitted. The death of Earl Henry, one of the architects who was engaged to build the Augusta Tilghman high school, has caused a delay in the preliminary progress of the work, but work in the future is expected to go throught (sic) with a rush.
Plans for the new Lincoln high school (negro) are also under way, as are plans for the improvements on the Franklin building. All will be submitted to the board of education in the near future."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, May 23, 1920, Page 1
SIX HUNDRED STUDENTS WILL BE ACCOMODATED
IN NEW HIGH SCHOOL; UNITS MAY BE ADDED
______
Will Be Built on Beautiful
“Ferns” Estate Donated by
Tilghman Brothers as
Memorial to Their Mother.
______
"Here is the picture of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building which will be built at Tenth and Clark streets in the very near future. The picture, of which a cut was made especially for the News-Democrat, is now in the hands of Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the school board, and shows more distinctly the rare beauty of the new High school building. The building in itself is of the latest model for a high school and will be modern in every respect. It will be situated on one of the most beautiful sites in the city of Paducah, where huge oak trees have cast a shade on a beautiful lawn for many years. The Palmer site at Tenth and Clark streets is one of the most desirable in the city. It is elevated much more than most of the city and is the ideal place for the new High school building. It is located in the heart of the city, and a High school for the size of Paducah should be located in the heart of the city.
The building will be of red brick with fancy stone trimmings. It is two stories in height and will accommodate 600 students. At the present time there are 400 children in the High school at Thirteenth and Broadway, and the present building was made to accommodate in the neighborhood of 200. The new building will face Tenth street or Murrell boulevard, but will also have an entrance from Bronson avenue on the left and from Clark street on the right. The main entrance will be on Tenth street. There are 14 classrooms in the new building’s plan. One big library, two rooms for bookkeeping and typewriting, two laboratories and one lecture room besides the big gymnasium, which can also be used for an assembly room and theatre for High school plays. The gymnasium is located immediately in the rear of the main building and will be one story in height instead of two. It will be one of the most modern in every way, with hardwood floor and with a stage in the rear of the floor space.
There are seven classrooms on the first floor of the building and the huge library, which will be twice as large as the class rooms, will be situated at the northern extremity of the first floor. A corridor will run down the center of the building separating the different rooms. Two locker rooms will also be situated on the first floor, besides one big storage room.
On the second floor will be situated seven class rooms, one room for bookkeeping, one for typewriting, two locker rooms, one lecture room and a laboratory. Two locker rooms are also planned for the second floor.
Locker rooms, dressing rooms and showers will be situated in the basement, underneath the gymnasium. The gymnasium will be the only part of the building that will be on the ground, an elevation of several feet being used for the main part of the building.
The new building will be put up so that the school boards in the future can add to it with the greatest of ease. The plans are drawn so that parts of more buildings can be attached to the building every time the city grows to a place where expansion is needed. Tentative plans have already been drawn for the placing of six more class rooms in a building at the rear of the gymnasium, but these are not being considered at this time. The Paducah Board of Education has only $250,000 to build the school with, and this is wholly inadequate for a building that Paducah needs at this time, therefore nothing can be done except spend the money on a building that will take care of the needs as best as possible at this time and with the hope that state laws will either be changed or that a bond issue can again be floated in the future. At the present time the state laws give to Paducah a right to raise the $250,000, which has been done, and the Board of Education will do all they can to make the money go as far as it can. Although the present site was donated to Paducah and did not cost a cent, it must be remembered that the $250,000 will have to be spent on a new High school for the negroes and for the improvements on other school buildings in the city will total approximately $100,000, and that $150,000 which is left will be far too little to build a school house that will accommodate the school children for the next several years.
The entire length of the new building is 206 feet, showing the huge proportions of it, while the gymnasium alone is 52 x 75 feet and will seat comfortably about 600 persons.
Work on the new building will start in August, according to a statement made yesterday by Superintendent of Schools Ralph Yakel."
-____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, July 25, 1920, Page 12
PASSING OF AN OLD HOME
“THE FERNS”
"In these days of rush and turmoil when few people remain at any one place long enough to create a home, the loss of one established by a former generation and maintained until the fifth generation has seen the light in it, is cause for profound sorrow to the community. All the elements of a home were there; a religion whose expression was ever a sincere worship of the true, the beautiful and the good; a simple elegance only possible where exists the broadest culture; a courtesy whose quality reflected the purest refinement; a hospitality which seemed boundless. Gracious welcome was given the lowest as well as the highest. Persons of differing opinions could express themselves frankly under this roof and be assured of an intelligent and open-minded hearing. To the family it will ever be the old home which has sheltered them and brought them up and where all their joys and sorrows have come. How full it was of both! Mother and father and deaths and partings, brides and babies, and now partings again—all of Life is there.
This is the old Gould-Palmer homestead which is now passing into the hands of the city of Paducah as a site for its new Augusta Tilghman High school. The Poem which follows, written by Mrs. Myra Gould Buck, tenderly expresses the feeling which the family share in parting with the place which has been so dear to them:
Farewell dear old Kentucky Home,
No, rather let me say “Good morning,”
Knowing the future holds for thee
A larger, a more splendid dawning.
The walls that for these seventy years
Have kindly sheltered round one fold,
Now open wide with vision high,
And countless children thou shalt hold.
Teach them the truest love of home—
The love that we thy children share,
That each may go forth from thy walls
To make a home of joy and prayer.
Thy Druid oaks whose sweeping branches
In benediction o’er us spreads,
Now wave their benediction kind
O’er every young uplifted head.
Whisper to them a message great,
Inspire them to be strong and true;
Big-hearted citizens to make
Helping to build the world anew.
Loving they mission we can go
And leave the dearest spot on earth,
Nor shed the tears that long to flow,
Rejoicing well in thy new birth."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, November 6, 1920, Page 1
BOARD ASKS BIDS
FOR NEW SCHOOL,
TENTH AND CLARK
"Plans for the construction of Augusta Tilghman High school will be received by the Board of Education Wednesday, December 16, at 8 a.m. in the office of Superintendent of Schools Ralph Yakel. Tenth and Clark streets. Sealed bids have been advertised for. Proposals will also be received for constructive improvements to the Lincoln and Franklin school buildings, for the installation of heating plants in all three buildings, and for the furnishing of hardwear (sic) for Augusta Tilghman high school and Lincoln high school.
Bidders are advised by the board that they may obtain plans and specifications from the architects, Nevin, Henry and Wischmeyer, in Louisville.
Advertisement for bids by the board is taken to indicate an early beginning of work on the new High school, which will be erected at Tenth and Clark streets on property deeded to the Board of Education some time ago by the Tilghman brothers of New York City."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, November 6, 1920, Page 3
The News-Democrat, Saturday, November 6, 1920, Page 7
NOTICE.
________
"Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of Paducah, Ky., at the office of the Superintendent of Schools, Paducah, Ky., until 8 o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, December 15th, 1920. As follows:
- Erection of a public school building, to be known as Augusta Tilghman High School.
- Installation of heating plant for Augusta Tilghman High School.
- Furnishing finished hardware for Augusta Tilghman High School.
- Erection of a public school building to be known as Lincoln School.
- Installation of heating plant for Lincoln School.
- Furnishing finished hardware for Lincoln School.
- Erection of a public school building, to be known as Franklin School.
- Installation for heating plants for Franklin School.
Plans and specifications can be obtained from the architects, Nevin, Henry & Wischmeyer, 1317 Starks Build., Louisville, Ky.
The following deposits will be required: For plans and specifications of the Augusta Tilghman High School, $10,00; of the Lincoln School, $10.00; of the Franklin School, $5.00.
For general conditions, certified check, bond, etc., see specifications; and all bids must comply with conditions named therein.
The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
BOARD OF EDUCATION, PADUCAH, KY.
By J. T. Reddick, President"
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, November 7, 1920, Page 4
Board Education Asks
For Bids On New High
School Building
______
"Plans for rushing the work on the new Augusta Tilghan (sic) High school building are under way with the Paducah Board of Education, and sealed bids for the construction of the High school, the constructions of the new Lincoln High school and the repair work that is to be done on the other schools of the city have been advertised for.
Work will start as soon as possible and although it is impossible to say at this time just when the new buildings will be opened, members of the board say that it will be as soon as possible."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, December 15, 1920, Page 1
Open Bids For Contract
On New High School Work
"Bids for contracts on the new Augusta Tilghman High school, the new Lincoln school building, and the addition to the Franklin school building will be opened tonight at a meeting of the Board of Education in the office of Ralph Yakel, superintendent of city schools, according to an announcement from Mr. Yakel’s office.
More than twenty-five bids for the construction work have been received, and a large number of representatives from leading contractor and architectural firms of Kentucky and other states are in the city today. Firm architects and representatives will be present at the meeting of the board tonight, it is understood.
The work on which contracts are to be let include the new building for the High school to be erected at Tenth and Clark streets, an entirely new building for the Lincoln High school, colored, and an additional building for the Franklin school."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, December 16, 1920, Page 1
TO TEST LEGALITY
OF BID PROJECTS
Total of Lowest Bids Given
Exceeds Amount Set Aside
By Bond Sales.
______
"Contract for construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building will be awarded within the next thirty days provided funds appropriated for an addition to the Franklin school may be legally diverted to this channel and added to the original two High school buildings. The board of education decided upon this procedure at a called meeting this morning.
Upon the opening of bids for construction of the three buildings at a session of the board last night with representatives of important contracting firms, it was found that the total sum of the lowest bids exceeded the amount appropriated for the three buildings. A total of $250,000 is the amount available for the entire construction work from the sale of bonds. The appropriation calls for an expenditure of $150,000 for the Augusta Tilghman High school; $75,000 for the Lincoln building; $20,000 for the Franklin building; and $5,000 for miscellaneous purposes.
The lowest bid on the Augusta Tilghman building was offered by George W. Katterjohn & Son.
According to the decision of the board of education this morning the funds appropriated for the Franklin building will be diverted to the two high school buildings, provided the procedure stands a legal test. Judgment in the case is expected in Circuit court within the next thirty days.
The lowest bid on the Franklin building was also submitted by the Katterjohn firm at $21,000. The lowest bid on the Lincoln school building was submitted by the Mursch Construction company."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, December 16, 1920, Page 1
LOW BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS ABOVE
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE
______
Board of Education Withholds Contract Until
Today; Reduce Specifications to Meet the
Money Limit.
______
"When bids for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school, the new Lincoln high school (negro) and the proposed addition to the Franklin school building were opened last night the board of education found the lowest bids offered for the work proposed, total approximately $285,000, or $35,000 more than the $250,000 available from the sale of bonds issued. In order to gain time to consider the feasibility of reducing the specifications to bring the cost of the buildings within the financial limits of the board, contracts were withheld until 10 o’clock today when the board will meet again with the contractors and their representatives.
Of the three contracts offered the firm of George W. Katterjohn & Son submitted the lowest bid for two of the buildings, Tilghman High school and the addition to the Franklin building, bids being submitted by that firm of $157,575 for the Tilghman building, and $21,000 for the Franklin building. Murch & Company’s bid of $92,000 was the lowest for the Lincoln school. These bids did not include the cost of plumbing and hardware which contracts are to be let separately, and the approximate costs of those items will run the total to $385,000, or more than the fund available for school building purposes."
(See bids for the three projects below in The Paducah Evening Sun article dated December 24, 1920.)
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, December 17, 1920, Page 1
MAY SACRIFICE
FRANKLIN BLDG.
ADDITION PLAN
Board of Education
Needs Money for
High Schools
______
"At a called meeting of the city board of education held yesterday morning it was decided to award the contracts for the construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building within the next thirty days provided funds appropriated for the addition to the Franklin school can be diverted legally to this channel and added to the funds for the two new High schools, the Tilghman and the Lincoln High schools.
George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors here, were the lowest bidders for the Tilghman High school, which was in the neighborhood of $192,000. Other out of town bids were much higher.
Roscoe Reed, attorney, will bring a test case in the McCracken county circuit court within thirty days to see whether or not the appropriation for the addition to the Franklin school can be diverted and added to the original funds appropriated for the two high schools. After this case is tried, the contracts will be awarded.
The Katterjohn firm was also the lowest bidder on the addition to the Franklin school, at $21,300."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, December 23, 1920, Page 1
HIGH SCHOOL PLAN
MUST BE TRIMMED
TO MAKE POSSIBLE
Reed Rules Grade Schools
Cannot Be Mulcted To
Assist Building.
______
MAY MEAN ‘GYM’ LOSS
______
Lowest Combined Bids For
Three Projects Exceed
Total of Funds.
______
"A decision that funds appropriated for the construction of the new Franklin school building can not be diverted to the channel of funds for the new Augusta Tilghman high school was handed down by Judge William Reed in Circuit Court this morning. The case was brought in court as a friendly suit to test the legality of the proposed plans.
The ruling by Judge Reed is that the funds set aside for the construction of the Franklin building can not be used for the High school building and may only be used as was specified when the bonds were issued. The cost of construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building must be brought within the figures of the original appropriation. A meeting of the Paducah Board of Education will be at 4 o’clock this afternoon
Was Interpretive Case.
The suit was brought in Circuit court by Dr. L. D. Sanders against the Paducah Board of Education, namely Dr. J. T. Reddick, J. L. Wanner, Dr. M. Steinfeld, Miss Dow Husbands, and Mrs. L. D. Sanders, seeking to enjoin the board from using the money appropriated for the new schools in any other way than directly specified in the ordinance. The decision was against the board of education.
Following the opening of construction bids on the buildings, it was found that the lowest bid for the Augusta Tilghman High school was $277,000. The appropriation for the building was $250,000. It was proposed, should the matter be legal, that funds originally appropriated for the Franklin school building be diverted to the Augusta Tilghman building.
Must Revise Plans.
Since the proposition was adjudged illegal by court ruling, it is probable that the plans for the High school building will be brought within the appropriation possibly by the elimination of the gymnasium from the plans. The lowest bid was that offered by G. W. Katterjohn & Son.
Members of the Board in session this afternoon will probably let the contract for the High school building. Since the lowest bid for work on the Franklin building did not come within the funds appropriated, the construction of the addition to the Franklin building will be postponed. The Board members conferred in the office of Superintendent Yakel this afternoon."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, December 24, 1920, Page 1
MASS MEETING MONDAY NIGHT
TO SENSE PUBLIC FEELING ON
NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
______
Court Rules Franklin Building Addition Funds
Cannot Be Diverted; Suggestion That Gym-
nasium Plan Be Eliminated.
______
"Judge Reed, yesterday morning ruled that no more money than the original $150,000 could be used for the building of the Augusta Tilghman High school building and that money appropriated for the Lincoln High school building and the Franklin graded school could not be used to construct the new High school building, after a test case had been filed in the McCracken circuit court by Dr. L. D. Sanders vs. the Paducah Board of Education for an injunction restraining the board from using the funds appropriated for other buildings for construction of a new High school. The case will now go to the court of appeals where a final answer will be written.
The lowest bid on the new Augusta Tilghman High school building which will be erected at Tenth and Clark streets, was in the neighborhood of $176,000, and was made by G. W. Katterjohn, local contractor, or $27,000 more than is called for by the appropriations for the building. Should the matter have proven legal, the school board planned using some of the money appropriated to the improvement of the Lincoln school and to the Franklin school to make up the deficit on the Tilghman High school.
Yesterday afternoon the Paducah Board of Education met with Contractor Katterjohn and discussed the problem. Mr. Katterjohn showed why his was much lower than other bids, and stated that he had spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 making trips to this and that state securing bids on lumber and brick.
The school board came to the conclusion to hold a mass meeting next Monday night at the superintendent’s office in the Washington building and to discuss the situation with the citizens of Paducah to determine which would be the best course to follow. It is planned that either the board borrow the $27,000 needed to build the new High school or that they build the high school and leave off the gymnasium. The board is not anxious to do this, as the school is badly in need of a “gym” at this time, and has always needed one.
Letters will be delivered to approximately 100 business men in the city Monday morning asking their presence at the meeting at the Washington building on Monday night to talk over the advisability of either leaving the gymnasium from the plans or that of borrowing the money and making the building complete.
Ministers in all the pulpits in the city will also announce the time and date of the meeting at the High school and the board hopes to have a big gathering present to discuss the problem."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, December 24, 1920, Page 1
ASK OPINION FROM
PUBLIC ON SCHOOL
______
Board of Education Reaches
No Decision In Matter,
Meet Monday Night.
______
"Citizens of Paducah will have an opportunity Monday night to express their desires in the school building projects. A meeting has been called for 8 o’clock next Monday evening in the administration building, Tenth and Clark streets. After a conference lasting more than two hours yesterday afternoon the Board of Education deferred action on the building bids until later and decided to ask the public to participate in a general discussion of plans.
A dozen bids returned to the board on the three construction projects indicate that G. W. Katterjohn & Son of Paducah outbid their competitors by a big margin in the Augusta Tilghman High school proposal and the Franklin plan. It is believed the board can proceed with construction of Augusta Tilghman school under the Katterjohn bid, which is $157,575. From this sum, $18,537 can be deducted if the gymnasium is omitted. The basement of the building would be built so that the gym could be added later, however, it was explained.
Circuit Judge Reed ruled yesterday on a test litigation brought to ascertain whether the board could eliminate the Franklin school improvement project, carried in the bond issue. His decision was negative.
Following were the bids on the three proposals submitted to the board:
Augusta Tilghman School.
G. W. Katterjohn & Son, $157,575
J. E. Hollingsworth Co., Memphis, $166,000
Martin Construction Co., Chicago, $168,000
Jack Cole, Paducah, $168,000
Murch Bros. Construction Co., St. Louis, $169,000
James I. Barnes, Logansport, Pa., $179,980
E. G. Holliday & Co., Nashville, $182,586
L. W. Hancock & Co., Louisville, $185, 700
Alfred Stuck Co., Louisville, $189, 990
Geo. H. Rommell Co., Louisville, $182,000
King Lumber Co., Charlesville, Va., $24,800
Franklin School.
G. W. Katterjohn & Son, $21,300
Gus Lockwood, $22,827
Jack Cole, $23,612
B. T. Davis, $24,418
King Lumber Co., Charlesville, Va., $28,800
Geo. H. Rommell Co., Louisville, $28,000
Martin Construction Co., $24,000
J. N. Boston, Marion, Ky., $35,650
Alfred Stuck Co., Louisville, $25,107
Holliday & Co., Memphis, $28,882
James Barnes & Son, $23,056
Lincoln School.
Murch Bros. Co., St. Louis, $92,800
G. W. Katterjohn & Son, $94,516
Jack Cole, $100, 092
L. W. Hancock Co., Louisville, $111,295
Geo. Rommell & Co., Louisville, $117,000
Alfred Stuck Co., Louisville, $114,505
J. N. Boston & Son, Marion, Ky., $124,700
F. G. Holliday & Company, Nashville, $103,105
J. E. Hollingsworth Co., $105,000
Martin Construction Co., Chicago, $108,000
James Barnes & Son, Logansport, $109,850
King Lumber Company, $128,000"
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, December 28, 1920, Page 1
LET CONTRACT ON
NEW HIGH SCHOOL
WILL PUSH WORK
_______
Eliminate Gymnasium From
Plans To Bring Within
Appropriation.
________
CITIZENS FOR ACTION
________
School Board Finds That
Sentiment To Build
Is Unanimous.
________
"Contract for the erection of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building was awarded at a meeting of the Board of Education last night to be drawn at once, and actual construction work will be started at an early date. The contract was awarded to G. W. Katterjohn & Son following a conference of board members and citizens.
Between thirty and forty patrons of the schools attended the meeting held last night in the Administration building, Tenth and Clark streets, for discussion of the school building project. It was the general opinion of the meeting that the work on the new High school building should be begun at the earliest possible moment.
According to the decision reached by the board, the gymnasium will be eliminated from the building plans in order to bring the expenditure within the amount of $250,000, originally appropriated for the Augusta Tilghman building. Funds on hand are insufficient to erect the gymnasium at this time, but immediate steps will be taken to secure funds for this purpose, it is stated. The elimination of the gymnasium from the plans was the only method whereby the building could be brought within the terms of the contract figures.
Citizens present at the conference supported the plan for beginning the new High school building with the least possible delay. Brief talks were made by the Rev. Curtis Fletcher, of the Grace Episcopal church, and the Rev. B. P. Robertson, of the First Baptist church.
Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the school board, explained the purpose of the meeting. He stated that the original appropriation of $250,000 for the new High school building failed to come within the lowest contract bid for the work which was $277,000, and that by ruling of court the funds appropriated for the improvement to the Franklin school building could not be legally used for the High school building."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, January 5, 1921, Page 1, continued on Page 2
CONSTRUCTION FOR
AUGUSTA TILGHMAN
HIGH IS LAUNCHED
______
Handsome Structure will be
Up Soon, Excavation to
Start Next Week
______
SEEK FUND FOR A GYM
______
Katterjohns Donate Corner-
Stone: Details of Rare
Artisanship
______
"Preparations for the erection of Augusta Tilghman High school at Clark street and Murrell boulevard have begun. When completed some time in the late summer, Paducah’s new High school will be one of the finest and most modern structures of its kind in this part of the country.
The building is to be erected at a cost of approximately $145,000, under a bond issue passed by citizens more than a year ago. Contract was let to George W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors and builders. The papers were signed last week and yesterday a force of workmen began clearing away property at the rear of the site on Murrell boulevard and placing the ground in readiness for excavation. Frank Brenner, of Paducah, has the contract for the carpenter work. The building is to be completed by September in time for the beginning of the 1921-22 school semester.
Augusta Tilghman High school will be a building in which the whole city can take pride. The site is ideal for a High school and has been approved by some of the best landscape artists and topographers in the country. The location is at Clark street and Murrell boulevard, the biulding (sic) to have its main entrance on the boulevard and side entrances on Clark and Adams. It will run length-wise with Murrell boulevard 207 feet, and will be 64.4 feet in width. It will be two stories with basement under half.
Materials of Best.
Everything that will go into the new building will be of the finest quality and workmanship. The structure will be built of brick, with front and trimmings of cut stone and handsome ornamentation. It will have concrete footing and foundation. The face brick, used in the front of the building and in its more elaborate designing, will be an expensive and high grade mat brick, probably of a brown shade, with black mortar.
The basement will contain showers for both boys and girls, and spacious lockers for students. On the first floor will be toilets and lockers at each end, the school library, officers (sic) for the principal and faculty, and seven large class rooms ranging in size from 18.6 feet by 22 feet to 26.4 feet by 22 feet.
Library Is Feature.
The library will be one of the most attractive features of the new school. It will be located at the Tenth and Clark street corner and will have broad windows admitting ample sunlight. The library will be a separate unit, in that it will have a special entrance for the street and can be heated independently of the rest of the building.
Fireproof corridors, floors of terrazzo, and modern stairways are features of the new building. Metal lathes will be used throughout, an additional proof against fire. When completed the structure will be practically fire proof. The interior woodwork will be oak, with maple floors. The vestibules and main corridor will have terrazzo floors.
Two Laboratories.
Plans call for two large laboratories on the second floor for the science classes. One will be used for chemistry research work and the other for physics. There will be ten large class rooms on the second floor, in addition to the lecture room and the two laboratories for science students. Rooms for the business classes, including book-keeping and typewriting, will also be located on the second floor.
The uni-lateral lighting system will be used in illuminating the building. Each class room will contain a cabinet for the instructor’s use, and a special instructor’s blackboard, above the students’ blackboard. All blackboards in the building will be of slate and a new feature will be the screens and chalk trays at the base. The screens permit the escape of all dust from the board and insure cleanliness in blackboard work.
Designs Beautiful.
Plans for the building, which were drawn up by Nevin, Henry and Wischmeyer, Louisville, call for an ornate finish of unusually beautiful design. The front entrance, facings and trimmings will (be) handsome and of rare artisanship, in a massive scale which will compare favorably with any new architecture in the South. Ten thousand dollars’ worth of cut stone will be used in the front of the building. The front steps will be of massive size and the main doorway a masterpiece. At the entrance will be placed flaming torches of knowledge, done in cut stone. The steps will be of concrete, with brick rises.
The cove base feature will be used in the flooring of all corridors, thus eliminating the accumulation of dust. This feature is found in the new Illinois Central hospital here, a structure of the most modern type in all details. The corridors of the new High school will be arched and will be done in the most attractive architectural style.
Good Heating System.
The boilers and furnaces of the building will provide ideal heating for every unit, and will be so arranged that separate units can be heated independently. A 65-foot stack will be built from the boiler rooms at the rear of the building. The vacuum steam-heating plan will be used.
The only feature of the early plans which is not provided for is the gymnasium, an important unit to extend back of the main building toward Eleventh street. This unit will cost about $21,000 and thus far it has been eliminated because the board would go over its bond issue allotment if it were included. The board and Superintendent Ralph Yakel are making every effort to have the gymnasium included, and later the citizens may be given an opportunity to assist in providing this essential feature of Augusta Tilghman High school. A gymnasium is one of the most necessary adjuncts of any modern High school today and Paducah children would be deprived of an important part of the training if it were not included.
Donate Cornerstone.
Mr. Katterjohn and his son George W. Katterjohn, Jr., have donated the handsome cornerstone of the building to the city. The stone will bear an appropriate inscription with date. It will be placed at the Murrell boulevard and Clark street corner.
The large oak trees will have to be cut down to make space for the new building. Cutters began work of removing the trees today. Old buildings at the southern end of the sit (sic) toward Adams street, are being torn down and the debris removed. Excavation will begin next week. The administration building, formerly the Palmer residence, will stand.
Augusta Tilghman High school will have a maximum capacity of 884 students."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, January 7, 1921, Page 7
REDDICK AGAIN
ELECTED HEAD
SCHOOL BOARD
______
Is For Many
Different Occasions
______
"Dr. J. T. Reddick has again been elected president of the Paducah Board of Education for the coming year. The election of officers for the body took place at the regular meeting of the board at the offices of Superintendent Ralph Yakel, at the High school building.
Miss Dow Husbands has been re-elected vice-president, and all the committees of the past year were re-elected.
Several representatives of brick concerns over the country met with the board at its meeting recommending its brick to be used in the new Augusta Tilghman High school building, but at this time no one certain kind of brick has been selected by the school board.
A superintendent of construction for the new building was also discussed at the meeting, but no one was mentioned for the position at this time. It is thought a special meeting of the board will be held in the near future for the purpose of electing a superintendent.
The Board of Education has at this time taken no steps towards remodeling of the Lincoln High school. No contract as yet has been let, but President Reddick stated that the board would act in plenty of time for a new building for the negroes of the city by next fall."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, January 12, 1921, Page 5
Meeting of Senior-Junior
High School League.
"Mrs. George B. Hart, president of the Senior-Junior High School League, has called an important meeting of the League for Thursday afternoon at 4 o’clock, at the High school. All mothers and patrons are expected to be present and assist in the discussion of plans for the raising of money for the gymnasium for the new Augusta Tilghman High school. Plans for the work to continue in the present High school will be discussed, also. The report from Magazine Week is to be given. A faculty play is an event of the near future, and a night meeting for the patrons of the school will be an event of next week."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, January 15, 1921, Page 2
LET CONTRACT FOR
LINCOLN BUILDING
______
Board of Education Gives
Construction Job To
St. Louis Firm.
______
"Members of the Board of Education awarded the contract for the construction of the new Lincoln High school building, colored, at a meeting of the board held yesterday afternoon in the office of the superintendent. The contract was let to the Murch Brothers Construction Company of St. Louis.
By terms of the contract the new building must be completed and ready for occupancy by the opening of the new semester next September. The new building will be erected on the site of the present Lincoln building.
When completed, the new building will be thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every respect. The rooms will be large, well lighted, and adequate equipment will be installed to meet the needs of scholars in the Lincoln High school. The present building will be razed, and none of the old material will go into the construction of the new building. Contractors will start work on the new building at an early date, and it is probable that the Lincoln students will have classes in the Garfield school building.
Type of brick to be used in the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building and the Lincoln building was decided upon. Contract for brick for the Augusta Tilghman building was let with a brick firm of Tell City, Ind., and Paducah-made brick will be used in the Lincoln school building. A number of brick-firm representatives were present at yesterday’s board meeting."
_____
The News-Democrat, Saturday, January 15, 1921, Page 1
LINCOLN HIGH
CONTRACT LET
______
Murch Bros., St. Louis
Will Build Negro
School
______
"Contract for construction of the new Lincoln High school for the negroes of the city was let yesterday afternoon at 1 o’clock at a special meeting of the Paducah Board of Education, which met at the High school building in the office of Superintendent Ralph Yakel. The contract was let to the Murch Brothers Construction company of St. Louis, the lowest bidder for the work. The bid was about $77,000.
According to the contract that is let to the St. Louis firm, the new negro high school which will be erected on the site of the present Lincoln High school building, must be finished by September 1 of this year.
The building will be ready for occupancy on the first day of September so that the school term of the fall semester will in no way be affected by a delay in getting the building up and ready for the students.
The new building when finished will, with the exception of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building, be the finest in the city of Paducah. It will be two stories in height and will contain a large number of “daylight” rooms. The negroes in the city are badly in need of a new high school building, the present one being inadequate to take care of the large number of students at the building and which number is increasing with every year.
The present building will be torn down and none of the brick in the old building will be used to build the new high school building. New brick will be used and it will come from a Paducah concern, according to a statement made last night by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the Board of Education.
It will be necessary for the contractors to start work on the new building within the very near future in order to complete it by September 1. The students of the Lincoln High school will probably be forced to take up their classes in the Garfield school on North Ninth street during the time the contractors are busy at Eighth and Ohio streets.
The Board of Education also decided on the kind of brick that would be used in the two buildings at their meeting yesterday afternoon. Paducah-made brick will be used for the building for the negro school and brick from Tell City, Ind., will be used for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman building.
The meeting yesterday was an important one, and several representatives of brick concerns over the country were present to present their kind of brick to the board. The brick for the Tilghman building is a pretty face product of expensive quality."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, January 16, 1921, Page 7
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, January 27, 1921, Page 1
TYREE GETS CONTRACTS TO
PAINT TWO NEW SCHOOLS
"R. L. Tyree of Paducah, has between awarded the contracts for painting and decorating in the Augusta Tilghman High school and the Lincoln high school, his bids being accepted by Geo. W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors for the Tilghman school, and Murch Bros. of St. Louis, on the Lincoln school."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, January 27, 1921, Page 2
BOARD OF EDUCATION TO
HOLD SPECIAL MEETING
"A special meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 6 o’clock this afternoon in the office of Ralph Yakel, superintendent of schools, in the administration building. A full attendance of the board membership is desired. The matter of selecting a superintendent for the project of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building will be considered."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, January 28, 1921, Page 4
Davis to Supervise
Construction New
School Buildings
______
"B. T. Davis, local contractor, was yesterday afternoon elected as supervisor of the two new High school buildings which are now being built in the city, the Augusta Tilghman building at Tenth and Clark streets and the Lincoln High school at Eighth and Jones streets. His election took place at a special meeting of the Paducah Board of Education held yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the offices of Superintendent Ralph Yakel at the Washington building.
Mr. Davis’ duties are to see that the contractor doing the work on the two buildings does it according to the plans and specifications and to see that the buildings are finished at the time required.
No other business came up before the board yesterday afternoon.
Work on the new Augusta Tilghman building has been started by George Katterjohn and Son, contractors, and will be pushed to completion. The building must be finished by September 15 or the contractors forfeit $100 per day after that date. The ground has already been cleared and a force of some twenty men are working there at the present time.
Excavation work will start next week, according to the contractors, and at this time the working force will be doubled. Much preparation work is necessary on the grounds before actual work can be started on the building, and this is the work that is being completed by the contractors at this time."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, February 5, 1921, Page 7
HANNAN GIVEN CONTRACT
FOR NEW SCHOOL PLUMBING
"The Ed D. Hannan Plumbing Company, this city, was awarded the contract for the plumbing in the new Lincoln High school building by the Board of Education and not a Louisville firm as was stated through error. The Netherson Company, Louisville, was given the plumbing contract in the new Augusta Tilghman building. The contract for hardware for the schools was awarded the Belknap Hardware Company, Louisville."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, February 11, 1921, Page 6
GYM BOOSTERS
FINING QUOTAS
______
Expect a Ready Re-
Sponse to Appeal for
Worthy Cause
______
"Chairman Charles Vahlkamp and several of his committee who were appointed Wednesday afternoon to raise $24,000 needed for the erection of a gymnasium for the new Augusta Tilghman High school building held a four-hour meeting in the Paducah Board of Trade rooms yesterday afternoon, at which time they were busy quotaing Paducahans who will be expected to give generously to the cause.
The High school building, which Paducah has been trying to get for the past number of years would not be complete without the gymnasium and it is the purpose of this committee, made up of business men, to see that the gym is provided, and they will not fail in their enterprise.
Hundreds of names were jotted down on paper yesterday afternoon and although the committee will probably be a day or so longer in getting all of the names they need before they start out on the money campaign, when they do start Paducahans are not expected to hinder their progress but to give freely and as used to be said in the days of war, “give till it hurts.”
The committee does not expect to meet any great amount of trouble in raising $24,000 for the gymnasium, for it is the general belief in Paducah that the gymnasium is badly needed and necessary in the work of training the body as well as the mind of the average school child."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, February 15, 1921, Page 1
$210,000 ISSUED
FOR NEW SCHOOLS
______
Slaughter Gives Building
Permits to Contractors
On New City Jobs.
______
"Building permits for the construction of Augusta Tilghman High school and Lincoln High school (colored) were issued Monday afternoon by Fire Chief Slaughter. The permits call for construction work to cost $145,000 on Augusta Tilghman school and $65,000 on Lincoln school. They are the largest building permits issued in Paducah in several years.
Contract for Augusta Tilghman school was let to George W. Katterjohn and Son by the school board. Murch Brothers, of Louisville (sic) have the contract for Lincoln school. Work on the Augusta Tilghman school has already begun. The contractors are making rapid headway with preliminary work, the spring weather offering opportunity for progress at this time."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, February 17, 1921, Page 7
Permits Issued for
New High Schools
______
"Chief Jack Slaughter, of the Paducah fire department has issued the building permits for the new Augusta Tilghman High school building at Tenth and Clark streets, and also for the new Lincoln High school at Eighth and Ohio streets. The permits call for construction work on the Tilghman building to cost $145,000, and $65,000 for the work on the Lincoln High school building.
These permits are the largest that have been issued by the chief in several years."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, February 17, 1921, Page 8
SPEED WORK ON
NEW SCHOOLS
Good Progress Made
On Both High School
Buildings
______
"Work on the new Augusta Tilghman High school building at Tenth and Clark streets is going on with the greatest possible amount of speed, and the entire program of school building in the city is being pushed as fast as possible so that students can enter the new buildings at the beginning of the next fall term. The Lincoln school building is also being pushed and good progress has been made the past week on the building.
Contractors at the two buildings have been handicapped by bad weather, but the past several pretty days has aided them a great deal and much work has been done.
At the Tilghman building, the foundations have all been dug. This building requires a six-foot foundation except where the cellar is located, and this also has been dug. Much concrete work has been done and the foundation of the building is practically done at this time. Workmen will start on the walls of the building some time this week.
At the Lincoln building where the foundations were not dug so deep the walls are already up and much of the brick work has already been finished. To look at the two buildings it seems that the more work has been done on the negro school building, but the Tilghman building is a much larger one and therefor its work does not show up as does the work on the Lincoln building.
The approximate cost of the Tilghman building alone will be $145,000 and the construction of the Lincoln building will cost about $65,000. The building permits which have been issued by the fire chief of the city are the largest issued in Paducah in the past several years."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, February 18, 1921, Page 1
Why “Outside” Funds Must
Be Raised For Gymnasium
______
“Why is the Board of Education unable to erect a gymnasium for Augusta Tilghman High school out of the school bond issue funds?”
That question will probably be one of the first encountered by the gymnasium solicitors when they open their campaign Monday morning. It can be answered readily.
The bond issue was for a specific purpose. It was divided as follows: High school for white children $150,000; school for colored children, $75,000; repairs and additions to Franklin school, $20,000; repairs to other buildings, $5,000, making a total of $250,000.
This apportionment was a definite understanding between the school board and the voters before the (citizens) went to the polls. The allotment for Augusta Tilghman school was $150,000. The COST of the Tilghman building, WITHOUT the gymnasium, will be $164,997, divided as follows:
General contract . . . . .$145,538
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,654
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . 1,948
Architect fees . . . . . . . 7,857
_______
Total . . . . . . . . $164,997
Therefore, the Board of Education is assuming a debt of $14,997 to erect the main part of (the) Tilghman building. Besides this, the Board will have to furnish (the) Tilghman building at a cost of $10,000. The Board expects to be able, through careful management, to finance this. But it should be obvious that the gymnasium, a vital part of the building plan, cannot be built unless outside funds are raised."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, February 19, 1921, Page 1
Board Cannot Borrow to
Build Gym; Law Restricts
______
"Yesterday it was explained that the Board of Education cannot build the Augusta Tilghman gymnasium with band (sic) issues.
Another question that may occur to some citizens who are not quite convinced of the necessity of raising public funds for the gym is this: Why can’t the Board borrow money to build it?
That question too is readily answered. The school board CANNOT borrow the money. The law limits the Board’s borrowing power to one-half of the anticipated revenue for any fiscal half-year. This gives the Board $35,000 as a borrowing limit.
All of the $35,000 which it may borrow is needed urgently by the Board to operate the schools and meet running expenses. Right now, the Board has to borrow money to pay expenses in anticipation of the June taxes it will receive from the city.
The Board is assuming a debt of about $25,000 to erect the main part of Augusta Tilghman school, and this in itself is a heavy burden to assume. The Board cannot legally borrow any additional money with which to erect the gymnasium."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, February 21, 1921, Page 1
Second Bond Issue For Gym
Impossible Now; Drive Opens
______
"The campaign to raise $25,000 for a gymnasium at Augusta Tilghman High school started today. The canvassers hope to see every Paducah citizen during the week, and the efficient war-time organization that has been perfected will achieve this task provided it meets with the proper co-operation.
Chairman Charles Vahlkamp and his committee began the drive with energy, enthusiasm and determination. There is evry (sic) prospect of success. The cause is one of the most worthy Paducahans have ever been called upon to assist, and the response should be unanimous.
The campaign organization has fortified itself against every possible negative. All objections that may be presented have been anticipated and an answer prepared. It will be shown conclusively that the school board cannot erect the gymnasium out of the bond issue funds, because they are taken up entirely by the main building units; that the board cannot borrow money for a gymnasium because the law limits and restricts its borrowing power; and that the board cannot obtain more money through another bond issue for several years to come.
Why can’t the Board float another bond issue to obtain the necessary funds for a gym? Because the law enters again and says that bond issues for school purposes shall be limited to a 2 per cent of the assessed valuation of property. The bond issue of $250, 000, voted at the polls in 1919 used up that amount. It was based on 2 per cent of $12,500,000, the city’s total assessed valuation of property.
It will be 1924 before the School Board will have the right to ask for an additional bond issue.
Meanwhile, valuable time will be lost if the city’s youth are deprived of systematic training. The money can be given now as well as three years from now. And Freshmen entering the High school this fall would have three years of gymnasium work which they would miss altogether if the new building is erected without the “gym” unit.
What are you going to do about it? Common sense, civic pride, interest in your children and your neighbor’s children, and the realization that Paducah cannot expect to have a vigorous, efficient citizenship in the years to come unless her school boys and girls develop healthy bodies along with active minds—all these things impel you to contribute to the gym fund."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, February 22, 1921, Page 1
Gym Fund Means Leadership
Of City in Years To Come
______
"Estimates for the gymnasium at Augusta Tilghman High school, for which a city-wide campaign is being conducted this week, call far (sic) an expenditure of a little more than $25,000. In order that public spirited citizens who plan to contribute may know exactly how their money is to be spent, the following figures are quoted:
General contract . . . . . . $18,537.00
Heating contract . . . . . . 1,080.00
Hardware contract . . . . 492.00
Architects; fees . . . . . . 1,009.50
_________
Total . . . . . . . . . .$21,118.50
Cost of Equipment:
Seats and bleachers . . . . $1,550,00
Stage equipment . . . . . . 500.00
Apparatus for
Gymnasium . . . . . . 2,000.00
________
$4.050.00
Grand total . . . . . . . . . . $25,165.50
It is obvious that a suitable gymnasium for the new High school could not be constructed at any figure under that asked for by the committee. The sum requested of the public is a happy medium. More money would mean a larger, finer, more complete gymnasium; less would of necessity mean none at all, since it wil (sic) cost over $21,000 to put up the building, leaving out the athletic equipment altogether.
The committee which is working this week feels confident that no real citizen of Paducah can reject the proposition. It covers a tangible, practical, vital need; the need for wholesome athletic recreation for Paducah’s growing children. In no cause could the city’s funds, publicly donated, be spent to better advantage. For every dollar given in this cause, the city will collect in after years a hundred fold in stronger, healthier and more efficient citizenship."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, February 24, 1921, Page 1
Paducah Brick Will
Be Used in Interior
High School Bldg.
______
"The Paducah Board of Education decided at a meeting held yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock to use Paducah brick on the inside work of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building instead of the hollow brick that was first selected and from a Louisville brick company. This was the cause of the meeting, to settle for all time the kind of brick to be used.
The meeting was held in the office of the president, Dr. J. T. Reddick. All members of the board were present.
Work on the High school building is going along as well as could be expected and some good work has been done up to this time, according to the reports made by the board, who are well pleased with the progress that has been made thus far. The meeting yesterday was a special one called by the president."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, February 26, 1921, Page 1
GYM DRIVE GOES
INTO NEXT WEEK
______
Workers Out But Reports
Are Hard To Gather;
Reaches $5,000.
_____
"The campaign for $25,000 to equip Augusta Tilghman High school with a modern gymnasium will be extended through next week.
Figures on actual subscriptions were unobtainable today, because of the difficulty in gathering reports from the individual workers. Chairman Vahlkamp said the fund had reached the $5,000 mark, however, and that with fair success the whole sum should be obtained by the end of the coming week.
It will probably be a slow drive, but none the less certain. Most Paducah people are convinced of the necessity for a gymnasium at the new High school and very few citizens have refused to assist thus far."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, March 1, 1921, Page 5
SLOW PROGRESS IN
GYMNASIUM DRIVE
______
Leaders Disappointed By
Lukewarm Response Met
In Some Circles.
_____
"Comparative slow progress is shown in the campaign for a gymnasium at Augusta Tilghman High school. About one fifth of the sum needed has been subscribed. Unless the remaining three-fourths is pledged or paid within a very few days, the gymnasium project, it is feared, will have failed for lack of public support.
A member of the soliciting committee today said that the response from the city’s business and professional men has not met expectations. Those who were counted upon to give liberally have in number of instances failed altogether.
The committee which is marshalled by Charles G. Vahlkamp and composed of energetic workers, is not disheartened, but admits that it will take much longer to attain the goal than was first anticipated." _____
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, March 2, 1921, Page 1
Arrange Details
New School Houses
______
"At a special meeting of the Paducah Board of Education, held yesterday afternoon at the Washington School, in Prof. Ralph Yakel’s offices, the board decided to use black mortar in the Augusta Tilghman building and chocolate mortar in the Lincoln building. The building plans reached the stage where the brick work will be started within a short time."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, March 2, 1921, Page 1
MORTAR SELECTED
FOR NEW SCHOOLS
______
Regular March Meeting of
School Board To Be
Held Tonight.
______
"The type of mortar to be used in construction of the new High school buildings in Paducah was decided upon at the special meeting of the Board of Education called yesterday afternoon in the office of Ralph Yakel, superintendent of schools. All members of the board were present.
Samples of various sorts of mortar were on display in the office of the superintendent. Herman Wischmeyer, Louisville, architect, was present at yesterday’s meeting. The type of mortar selected for the Augusta Tilghman building was black mortar and chocolate mortar for the Lincoln High school building. Three samples were on display. The raked joint system in placing the mortar, similar to that of the First Baptist church, the only building built in this manner, will be used in the Augusta Tilghman building, it was decided. The regular March meeting will be held this evening."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, March 4, 1921, Page 5
Need Gym to Make School
Really Complete—Students
______
“Leave it to the people,” says Miss Elizabeth Staten, a High school student, writing on the gymnasium project. Miss Staten is confident that the good judgment of Paducah citizens will show them the necessity of a gym at Augusta Tilghman school and she does not see how they can turn it down.
“The question is being asked the people of Paducah, shall the new High school have a gymnasium? This question is left to the people to decide.
“The new High school SHOULD have a gymnasium, for it is essential to other parts of the building. It is also necessary for the child to be developed physically as well as mentally, and this cannot be done unless a gymnasium is provided. Every parent of Paducah is anxious for his or her child to receive the best of training. Every child in High school will have the benefit of this gymnasium.
“People within and without the state will hear of the new school being built at Paducah and it will be much better if in speaking of the new High school one could say that it is fully equipped, with a gymnasium. It will prove to other people that Paducah intends to do its best toward the development and education of future generations.
“It used to be that an up-to-date school could be built without a gymnasium, and it was all right; but that is not true now. Probably some people think that a gymnasium is not necessary, but it is, for today no High school can be considered complete until fully equipped, and the gymnasium is one of the first things to be considered.”
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, March 11, 1921, Page 1
PUPILS “PEP UP”
GYMNASIUM DRIVE
"New interest is shown in the Augusta Tilghman gymnasium campaign and the fund has climbed to a mark considerably above $8,000, committee workers announced today. A group of High school students joined the solicitors yesterday and gave the effort a decided stimulus by their enthusiasm and convincing arguments.
It is hoped to complete the drive within another week and turn the money over to the board of education in order that Paducah’s children may be assured of a fully equipped High school when Augusta Tilghman building is completed this fall."
_____
The News-Democrat, Saturday, March 12, 1921, Page 1
Lay Cornerstone of
Lincoln High Sunday
______
"The laying of the corner stone of the new Lincoln High school, colored, at Eighth and Ohio streets, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the school board, will make a talk, and representatives of the colored Masonic organization will place the stone in position with appropriate ceremonies. Pupils of Lincoln high school will sing."
______
The News-Democrat, Sunday, March 13, 1921, Page 5
Lincoln High Corner
Stone Ceremonies
______
"This afternoon at 2:30 o’clock the corner stone of the new Lincoln High school, colored, will be laid at Eighth and Ohio streets. A musical program has been arranged, and the corner stone will be placed in position by members of the Mt. Zion lodge of Masons, colored. Prof. H. D. Jones, colored, of Henderson will deliver the principal address at the exercises."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, March 13, 1921, Page 1
SPEED WORK ON
SCHOOL BLDG.
______
Brick is Being Laid on
Augusta Tilghman
Structure.
______
"Work on the Augusta Tilghman High school building is progressing with a great deal of speed. Contractor George Katterjohn is laying brick now as fast as could be expected and the giant building is alreading (sic) taking shape. All of the foundation of the building is in and ready for the brick. According to a statement made yesterday by Supt. Ralph Yakel, much of the face brick has already gone up at the building and the contractor is making ready for the laying of the cornerstone of the big building. He stated that good weather during the past several days had aided the workmen a great deal and that much progress was seen during the past week.
Just when the cornerstone laying for the Augusta Tilghman building will take place has not been determined. Contractor Katterjohn has been unable up to this time to say when he will be ready for the ceremonies, but thinks that it will be latter part of this month, according to a member of the school board.
A committee composed of four members of the school board has been appointed by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the board, to make all arrangements, including a program for the laying of the cornerstone, and from the plans that are being made by the committee, the ceremonies are to be impressive. It is planned to have all of the students of the different schools in the city attend.
The laying of the cornerstone of the Lincoln High school building, which is rapidly going up at Eighth and Ohio streets, will take place this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Supt. Yakel stated yesterday that the plans for the ceremonies were in the hands of Principal Small of the Lincoln building, who will be in charge of the afternoon.
Dr. J. T. Reddick will make an address as part of the ceremonies this afternoon while all of the students of the Lincoln building will be gathered around the corner of the building for songs that will follow the placing of the stone in its permanent position. The negro Masonic order in the city will place the stone where it belongs."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, March 14, 1921, Page 4
LAY CORNERSTONE
OF LINCOLN SCHOOL
______
Crowd of Thousand Wit-
ness Ceremonies On
Grounds Yesterday.
______
"A crowd of one thousand or more of Paducah’s colored population assembled at 2:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon to witness the ceremony of placing the cornerstone of the new Lincoln High school building at the corner of Eighth and Clay streets. A good program was arranged for the occasion.
The principal address for the afternoon was made by F. H. Jones, principal of the High school, colored, of Henderson who spoke on the subject “The Value of High School Training.” His remarks were good and were well received by his audience.
Several musical numbers were given by the Lincoln High school chorus.
The cornerstone was placed in its position by the members of the Masonic lodge, colored, with between 150 and 200 lodge members taking part in the ceremony.
The cornerstone was accepted by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the Board 0f Education, with a few remarks. Good progress is being made in construction work on the new building."
_____
The News-Democrat, Tuesday, March 15, 1921, Page 7
LARGE CROWD ATTENDS
CORNERSTONE CEREMONIES
______
"Before a large audience, the corner stone of the new Lincoln High school, colored, was laid Sunday afternoon. It was formally accepted by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the school board. The principal address was delivered by Prof. H. F. Jones, of Henderson, on “The Value of High School Training.”
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, March 17, 1921, Page 1
LAY CORNERSTONE
NEW HIGH SCHOOL
______
Appropriate Ceremonies to
Take Place at Grounds
Friday Afternoon.
______
"Fitting ceremonies will mark the placing of the cornerstone of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building at 4 o’clock on Friday afternoon, and it is expected the event will draw hundreds of interested citizens to the scene. The building is under construction at Tenth and Clark streets.
Arrangements for the afternoon are being made by a committee from the board of education, and an invitation has been extended the general public to be present. An excellent program of musical choruses by children of the city schools and addresses has been arranged.
The act of formally placing the cornerstone will be accomplished by the members of the Masonic lodge with Fred Acker, grand master of Kentucky Masons, officiating.
The program which has been announced is:
Invocation—The Rev. J. R. Crawford
Chorus—“America, the Beautiful,” sung by students under the direction of Miss Norma Cassady, music supervisor.
Address—“The Importance of a High School and Its Functions,” –The Rev. B. P. Robertson.
Chorus—“America,” “Old Kentucky Home,” “Old Black Joe,” “Old Folks at Home,” and “Dixie.”
Acceptance of the Cornerstone—Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of School Board.
Placing the Cornerstone—Masonic lodge members.
Benediction__ The Rev. B. P. Robertson."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, March 18, 1921, Page 6
Letters to Editor
"See That You Are Tagged.
Editor of the Sun:
That tomorrow is to be a “Tag Day”
in the interest of the Augusta Tilghman
High school gymnasium, it is to be hoped
for the good name of Paducah that there
will be a most generous response. It is
difficult to conceive of any cause more
deserving of success.
The time has passed when religion
was considered a matter that concerns
only people’s souls; that the body is
the gift of God and as such should be
regarded also as sacred, has come to be
recognized by thinking people.
For this reason any scheme of
education that fails to provide for the
needs of the body is recognized today as
being incomplete or one-sided or more
so, as would be the omission of one of
the scholastic departments like
mathematics or natural science.
That a well-trained, vigorous
body is capable of rendering so much
greater service to the world than a
weak, effeminate one, is not recognized
by the masses as it should be, which
is an added reason why the gymnasium
should be built, that the fact may be
more fully demonstrated. Hence, let
everybody be tagged tomorrow and
several times over for that matter, and
prevent such a black disgrace on
Paducah’s name as will follow if
the “Gym” has to be abandoned.
A CITIZEN."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, March 18, 1921, Page 11
SOPHS TO STRIVE
FOR GYM GIFTS
"Sophomores of Paducah High school will hold a “Tag Day” all their own tomorrow. Their drive is to obtain funds for the Augusta Tilghman gymnasium.
Between $8,000 and $10,000 has been raised for the gymnasium through the efforts of the committee of citizens headed by Charles Vahlkamp. The school students are eager to do their part in making the effort a success and will carry the drive into as many homes as possible tomorrow.
It is estimated that $12,000 can be raised by students if every parents (sic) will contribute $15."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, March 19, 1921, Page 3
LAY CORNERSTONE
NEWHIGH SCHOOL
______
Voices of Children Raised
In Songs, Thousads (sic)
Witess (sic) Ceremony.
______
"Several thousand school children lifted their voices in school and patriotic songs at the ceremony of placing the cornerstone of the new Augusta Tilghman High school, Tenth and Clark streets, yesterday afternoon and made the occasion one of the most impressive in the history of the city. Probably four thousand persons assembled at the grounds to witness the performance and to hear the program which was arranged.
The act of placing the cornerstone was in charge of the Paducah lodge of Masons, with Fred Aker, grand master of Kentucky Masons, and A. E. Orton, of Dawson Springs, state junior warden who came to Paducah to assist in the rites. More than 30 Masonic lodge members were seated on the platform, placed for the occasion.
The principal speaker for the afternoon was the Rev. B. P. Robertson of the First Baptist church, who spoke on the “Value of a High School and Its Functions,” stressing the importance of adequate educational facilities. “The forces operating in the city’s public schools that make for good citizenship are first, general training which will provide general intelligence, and second, exemplary teachers, whose lives are influential in moulding the characters of the students,” he stated.
Urge Gymnasium.
The matter facing Paducah’s citizens of raising necessary funds for the construction and equipment of a gymnasium was urged by the speaker, declaring the city would be falling far short of its duty in failure to provide the funds. When he asked how many of his audience would help in raising this fund, the response was quick with hands going up through the crowd.
In a few remarks appropriate to the occasion Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the board of education, accepted the cornerstone of the new building in behalf of the school board. The moment which they were witnessing, he declared, was among the most important in the history of Paducah.
The singing of Paducah’s school children, directed by Miss Norma Cassady, was a feature of the program. They united in singing “America, the Beautiful,” “America,” and “Dixie.”
The program was opened by an invocation by the Rev. J. Russell Crawford, of the Kentucky Avenue Presbyterian church.
Articles of interest were placed in a lead-sealed copper box into the cornerstone, including copies of all Paducah’s newspapers, a Masonic paper, history of the school, names of the board of education, names of the building contractors, names of students and faculty, and other articles."
_____
The News-Democrat, Saturday, March 19, 1921, Page 1
GYMNASIUM FUND GROWING;
CHILDREN WILL HUSTLE FOR
MORE; TODAY IS ‘TAG DAY’
______
"According to a report received by Superintendent Ralph Yakel yesterday, more than $4,000 has been added to the Tilghman gymnasium fund by the school children of the city who have turned loose their efforts to try to keep Paducah from going under on their drive for $25,000 for a gymnasium and auditorium in construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building which is now being constructed at Tenth and Clark streets.
The $4,000 announced yesterday makes a total of $12,000, which is half of the money needed for the building of the gymnasium. There is still $13,000 to be added, and as the students of the Paducah schools have made up their minds that they are going to “put it over,” the committee in charge of the drive hold hope that it will be possible.
There are hundreds of people in the city of Paducah who have heard of the “gym drive.” There are hundreds more who don’t know what a benefit a gymnasium of this kind would be to the oncoming generations. These are the people that the children hope to reach.
Today is “Tag Day” for the gym drive. The Sophomores of the Paducah High school will have charge of the drive and it is to be hoped that a large amount of money will be subscribed to the fund today.
One Louisville financier has written to Paducah stating that he would give $1,000 to the gym fund if Paducahans would raise the other $24,000.
Business men have not given their share of the money yet, either, and as the last days of the month arrive Paducahans should come to the front and give all they possibly can."
_____
The News-Democrat, Tuesday, March 22, 1921, Page 4
More Than $13,000
Raised for “Gym”;
Class Gives Play
______
"A little more than $13,000 has been raised by the committee working for the Augusta Tilghman High School gymnasium, according to a statement made last night by Ralph Yakel, superintendent of Paducah schools. He stated that a great deal of hope for the success of the drive was being entertained and that he was of the opinion that the drive would be a success.
The “tag day” held last Saturday by the members of the Sophomore class of the High School netted the “gym” fund $140.00.
The High school now announces a play to be given for the fund, according to an announcement made last night a booth will be put in the Custom building, post office department within the next several days for the purpose of getting subscriptions to the fund. School children will be stationed there morning, noon and night.
The committees working for the fund will redouble their efforts within the next few days and it is hoped that the money will be raised."
_____
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, March 23, 1921, Page 1
SCHOLARS ARE
DETERMINED TO
RAISE GYM FUND
______
Booth at Post Office to
Remain Open Until
Goal Reached
______
"With almost three-fifths of the amount of money needed for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building in hand, students of the Paducah High school and other schools in the city are re-doubling their efforts the last days of this week in order to reach the quota amount of $25,000. They will work hard for the next several days in an effort to raise the money for the much-needed addition to the new Augusta Tilghman High school building.
A booth has been placed in front of the Post office building and will be open from early tomorrow morning until the money for the gymnasium is raised, according to a statement made by leaders of the High school children yesterday. They are determined to get the gym and they have promised to stay at the booth until every citizen in Paducah has given his or her share to the fund.
A little more than $13,000 has already been raised by the committees working on the fund. There is $2,000 that can be gotten when the $20,000 mark is passed and another $1,000 when the $24,000 mark has been passed.
The committees are optimistic and believe that the next two or three days will see enough of the money to insure the success of the drive."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, March 24, 1921, Page 3
REDOUBLE EFFORT
IN GYM CAMPAIGN
______
Vahlkamp Tells City Work-
ers To “Go and Get It”
While Iron Is Hot.
______
"'Go and Get It' was the command issued to committee workers in the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium fund today. With the total gym fund touching $14,000, Chairman Charles Vahlkamp called his campaign committee into conference this morning and gave them instructions to redouble their efforts. The committee had suspended solicitations for a few days to see what success the school boys and girls met in their drive.
Before noon the citizens’ committee had made another trip through the business district and had added a substantial sum to the total.
“Paducah has never fallen down on any job yet,” said Chairman Vahlkamp, “and we won’t permit her to do so on this one.”
The High school students have put new life into the campaign and will be in at the finish. Their work has been an inspiration to the citizens’ committee and to every one interested in the gymnasium cause.
Headquarters for the gymnasium fund have been established in a hut at the federal building corner, Fifth and Broadway, with E. O. Davis in charge. Both the citizens’ committee and the students will work from this center. The hut recalls War Savings Stamp days, when huts dotted Broadway for the war cause.
Efforts will be made to enlist the support of every man and woman in Paducah in the gymnasium movement. Yesterday the Rotary Club donated $505 to the fund. Max Cohen, a High school student, made a talk to the club. Cohen addressed the Exchange Club at noon today and another excellent boost was given the fund."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Saturday, March 26, 1921, Page 11
Friends Society to
Aid Gymnasium Fund.
"Friends society of Grace Episcopal church will give an evening entertainment at the parish house Friday at 8 o’clock to assist in raising the fund for the new Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium. A play will be given by students of the High school, and a musical program will be rendered."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, March 27, 1921, Page 7
Good Progress Made
On Tilghman School
"Work on the Augusta Tilghman High school building has progressed to a great extent during the past week. In spite of bad weather at the first of the week remarkable progress has been seen in the construction of the building and it is the opinion of several contractors that the building will be finished before the time set for it to be done.
All the brick work up to the second floor of the building has been completed on the north end of the building, and several of the window sashes have been put in.
Contractors have been busy during the past week and a big force of men have been at work constantly."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, March 29, 1921, Page 2
(Excerpt from HOT FROM THE BAT)
"Sports lovers will enjoy a real treat Wednesday night, when an athletic exhibition will be staged at Paducah High school for the benefit of the Augusta Tilghman gymnasium fund. (Albert) McElya is pitted against John Huffaker for a ten minute (wrestling) match. It will give home team fans a chance to see the champion in action, and it will be McElya’s first appearance since his victory over Cody Fleming several weeks ago. The other events promise lively sport. A small admission fee will be charged and all proceeds go to the gym fund."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, March 29, 1921, Page 1
Push Gym Drive Steadily
Up Ladder; Athletes Help
______
"Pushing steadily ahead, the Augusta Tilghman gymnasium workers are beginning to see light ahead. By the end of the week it is believed the goal will be attained, and the new High school will have its gym beyond peradventure of a doubt.
Today the committee leaders announced that $6,000 will cover the remainder needed to send the fund up to the top of the ladder. More than $18,000 has been subscribed.
Cold weather kept the High school girls away from their Fifth and Broadway hut this morning, but they will resume station there as soon the chilly breezes abate just a trifle. The students chafed under the delay, as they were eager to take up their work at the downtown office this morning and push the drive through to a speedy close. Chairman E. G. Davis, who is in charge of work at the booth, was optimistic today and predicted an early victory for the gymnasium cause.
The citizens’ committee under Chairman Vahlkamp’s leadership is still at work, and has a substantial gain to show for its energies today.
Tomorrow night in the High school building an athletic exhibition will be held for the benefit of the gym. Albert McElya, champion wrestler, will meet John Huffaker in a ten minute go, and Albert Ford, another well known athlete, will do a tumbling act. According to the committees in charge, another big treat is in store for those who attend the match—four charming High school misses are going to engage in a friendly boxing match to show the benefits of wholesome gymnasium training. A record attendance at the show is expected."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, March 30, 1921, Page 1
HIGH SCHOOL TO
GIVE OPERETTA
______
Present Musical Play For
Benefit of Gym Fund
Tomorrow.
______
"Probably the most pleasing of High school dramatic ventures in years will be presented tomorrow evening at the Paducah High school auditorium, the proceeds from the production to be given to the High school gymnasium campaign. It is expected the players will be greeted by a crowded house.
On account of the heavy expenses which would necessarily be incurred, it was decided to present the operetta, entitled. “The So’sn”s Bride,” at the High school instead of in the Kentucky theater as was previously announced. The presentation will be given under the direction of Miss Norma Cassady, music supervisor in the city schools. The music will be furnished by the High school orchestra.
The best of the High school’s talent will take part in the operetta with great care taken in the selection of the voices for the leads and the chorus. One hundred boys and girls will sing in the chorus.
Among those who will handle leading roles are Harris Smith, tenor; Raymond West and Rufus Dowdy, baritone; Frank Crider, bass; Marie Cruse, soprano; Irene Greif, mezzo soprano; Ruth Johnson, contralto.
The scenes of the play are laid aboard the U.S.S. Barnacle while the argument of the tale deals with the happy adventures of a party on ship."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, March 30, 1921, Page 1
GYM DRIVE ENDS TODAY WITH OVER $25,000 IN
Tilghman Fund Goes to
Flagpole in Final Rush
Rotarian Finish Campaign
With 40 Percent of Whole
Subscription List; Finish
Plans For Convention.
______
"The Augusta Tilghman Gym Fund went over the top today.
It went roaring.
It went at today’s Rotary luncheon and when the smoke of battle had cleared away in the lobby President Carl Wells of the Rotary club, with viable emotion, told Ralph Yakel, superintendent of schools, that the pledges guaranteeing $25,000 to the school board for the building of a gymnasium were oversubscribed, and he handed the superintendent a batch of papers that made good the assertion.
With all organizations pulling hard on the traces, and many citizens doing even more than their full duty it was the great pleasure of the 83 members of Rotary to subscribe $9,400 or over 40 per cent of the total collected.
Generous applause was given the name of George Goodman and Charlie Vahlkamp, boosters deluxe, who directed the drive in its final and victorious phase.
President Wells said that the club counted it a happy distinction to participate in the drive and that the appreciation of the pupils of the fact that the adult population of Paducah was behind them, was more than ample reward."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, March 30, 1921, Page 2
(Excerpt from P.H.S. NOTES)
By Ruth Rose
"Work is progressing rather rapidly on the Augusta Tilghman High school building. We are delighted to know that this building is to be ready for us in September. We feel that with the gymnasium as an addition we will have a very fine working plant and expect to show our appreciation by doing a lot of very fine work next year."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, March 31, 1921, Page 2
GYM FUND GOES
OVER TOP WHEN
ROTARIANS AID
______
Announcement of Suc-
Cess of Drive Made at
Lnucheon (sic)
______
"A generous Paducah finally awakened to the need of a gymnasium for the new Augusta Tilghman school, and yesterday at noon the fund of $25,000 was oversubscribed $311.
The climax was reached yesterday at the noon luncheon of the Rotary club when the quota was passed and in the enthusiasm the mark was exceeded. The announcement was the signal for a hilarious celebration of the members of the Rotary club, who have sponsored the gymnasium throughout the campaign. Members of the Rotary club unanimously re-subscribed to the fund yesterday, and had the honor of assuring the construction of the gymnasium.
The members of the Rotary club have subscribed a total of approximately $9,500 of the fund for the gymnasium."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, April 1, 1921, Page 1
LET CONTRACT FOR
HIGH SCHOOL GYM
______
Athletic Hall To Be Built
At Once, Will Seat
600 People.
______
"Contract for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium was awarded to George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, at a special meeting of the Paducah Board of Education held yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock in the office of Dr. J.T. Reddick, president of the board. Erection of the gymnasium was assured when campaign funds passed the goal of $25,000 by several hundred dollars.
Contract was awarded the same firm which is engaged in construction of the new High school building at Tenth and Clark streets. Plans and specifications for the gymnasium were drawn at the same time the plans for the building proper were presented. Provided the funds for the gymnasium could be raised by April 1, the terms of the contract would hold good. The contract was given the last day before the time expired.
The gymnasium will be erected at a cost of $21,000 it is estimated, and will be built and equipped in a thoroughly modern and up-to-date manner. Seating arrangements will accommodate 600 persons while 200 more may be gotten into the building when occasion demands. The gymnasium will be equally as good as any in the state.
The building will be situated at the rear of the High school building. It will be completed by the opening of the school semester in September."
_____
The News-Democrat, Saturday, April 2, 1921, Page 5
(Excerpt from longer article)
PLAY GYM FUND BENEFIT.
"The play and musical entertainment given at the parish house of Grace Episcopal church, Friday evening under the direction of the Friends’ society, was an unqualified success from every standpoint. Given for the benefit of the new gymnasium at the Augusta Tilghman High school, and the majority of the talent being High school students, made its appeal and a capacity house was the result. The program was well balanced and well rendered, with a number of instrumental and vocal selections presented preceding the little play."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, April 8, 1921, Page 3
(Excerpt from Important Session Woman’s Club.)
"The department of education, Mrs. Auber Smith, chairman, collected $175 in the canvass of the club for donations to the new gymnasium at Augusta Tilghman High school"
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, April 15, 1921, Page 4
Students Raised
$9,000 for “Gym”
______
"Reports given at the Senior-Junior High school League Friday afternoon show a sum of $9,000 was raised by the pupils of the High school and Junior High school in the recent campaign for the gymnasium at Augusta Tilghman High school. Of this amount the clubs in High school pledged $750 and those in Junior High $300. A substantial sum was realized from the entertainment given at the parish house of Grace Episcopal church."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, April 19, 1921, Page 11
BERNHEIM DONATES
$1,000 TO GYM
"A check for $1,000 was received today by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the Paducah Board of Education, from Bernard Bernheim, prominent Louisville business man. The money is Mr. Bernheim’s pledge for the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium fund.
Some time ago, Mr. Bernheim promised that he would give $1,000 to the gym fund as soon as Paducah citizens made up $24,000. The offer was gladly accepted. A committee composed of Miss Dow Husbands and Mrs. Elbridge Palmer went to Louisville recently and called on Mr. Bernheim, explaining the need for the gymnasium fund and enlisting his co-operation.
Mr. Bernheim is a former Paducah resident and has contributed generously to a number of funds raised in recent years for the betterment of the city."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, April 21, 1921, Page 1
COBB’S HOMECOMING LECTURE
WILL BE FOR BENEFIT OF HIGH
SCHOOL “GYM;” MONDAY NIGHT
______
"Old Irv’s going to speak Monday night.
The grand homecoming lecture will take place at the Kentucky theatre.
Irvin S. Cobb, himself Paducah’s prime gift to the world of humor and literature, will adorn the stage with all of his inimitable self.
Proceeds of the lecture, every red cent, will go toward purchasing equipment for the gymnasium of the Augusta Tilghman High school. Mr. Cobb thus, places his gift toward the upbuilding of the physiques of the boys and girls of “my home town.”
Worn by his long tour about the country, happy at being again in Paducah, interested as ever in the doings about his own home, Colonel Cobb said last night that a mere thing like being tired wasn’t going to keep him from having a part in that High school gymnasium.
There was one condition in regard to the lecture:
“If Monday night suits you all right, and you think anybody will come, why, I’ll be glad to do it,” came the colonel’s words right out alongside the fat side of his cigar. “But there’s one condition. Every cent must go toward buying equipment for the new High school gymnasium.”
Thus spoke Kentucky’s best known citizen. And so it shall be.
And it’s surely going to be some feast Monday night. Think of it! Irvin S. Cobb, himself, right here in Paducah—he, bodily form and breathing—and going to talk to his own folks.
There’ll be shades of old Paduke, no doubt. And there shall be showers of the blessings of wit and brilliance. “Old Judge Priest,” “Fibble, D.D.” “Local Color,” “The Abandoned Farmers,” “Speaking of Operations”—and all that long line of achievements of wonder and the subtle art of natural humor will be there.
And those who know the colonel say that humor doesn’t touch the bottom of his nature. There’s always something about him at home. They say, that makes him a little bit different from the Mr. Cobb he is anywhere else. Those who hear the world’s greatest humorist at the Kentucky theatre Monday night may be assured of seeing the Cobb who is renowned wherever books are read and wherever people love to laugh, and they may also be assured of seeing the Cobb of Paducah, Ky., in his home town—and that particular sight is said to be something worth staying up nights for.
High school students will distribute tickets for the unique entertainment today, tomorrow and Saturday. There will beyond doubt be a rush for the limited number of seats in the Kentucky theatre. Publicity will be given the lecture in neighboring towns, and numerous visitors will come for the special occasion."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, April 22, 1921, Page 1
Swift Sale of
Tickets Greets
Cobb’s Lecture
______
Students Find Ready Tak-
ers and Promise Big
Crowd Monday.
______
"Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb will be greeted by a tremendous crowd on Monday night in the Kentucky theater, if the first day’s ticket sales are a barometer. High school students started out yesterday with tickets and raided the downtown district. They met with enthusiastic response.
If anybody in town refused to buy a ticket to hear Col. Cobb, he could not be found. Col. Cobb himself was the only individual who did not purchase yesterday when approached, and the student who tried to argue with him about it went away convinced that the Colonel was right when he gracefully explained that he would feel out of place in the audience and on the stage at the some (sic) time. This student didn’t know he was approaching the distinguished writer himself when he walked over to a large man seated at a soft drink table in Gilbert’s yesterday afternoon. Col. Cobb and a large cane occupied the chairs surrounding the table. Paducah’s famous owl listened to the student’s plea with that patience he always commands, and after the explanation, the student made a hurried escape.
Anticipate Real Treat.
All Paducah is looking forward to Monday night’s treat with keen interest. One of the biggest houses in the history of the Kentucky (theater) is anticipated, as it will be Paducah’s first opportunity of hearing Mr. Cobb since his war lecture several years ago.
Tickets are on sale for the lecture now. They may be obtained from any High school student; go out on the street and you will meet one. Reservations may be made at the Kentucky box office, or by mail. If you mail your check, send a 2 cent stamp for the return of tickets. No war tax is necessary. All proceeds will go to equip the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, April 26, 1921, Page 1
OVER $600 FOR
HIGH GYMNASIUM
Cobb Lecture is Splendid
Boost to Fund For
Gym Equipment.
______
"Irvin S. Cobb’s donation to the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium fund, through last night’s lecture, will total something over $600, according to a statement by High school officials today. The sum will assist materially in providing equipment for the gymnasium. School officials, faculty members and students today voiced appreciation of Col. Cobb’s generosity in making this asset to their gym fund possible.
The only expense incurred was the rental of the theater, which amounted to $100. Leuteumeyer’s orchestra donated its services, as did the ushers.
Col. Cobb was introduced last night by Dr. J. T. Reddick, president of the school board, who made a very happy introduction. Community singing was led by Mrs. Edna Hays Lyle, chairman of the Paducah Community Service music committee."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, May 6, 1921, Page 1
HOLD INQUEST IN
JIM HUDSON DEATH
______
Verdict of Jury Stated
Death Caused By the
Falling of Stone.
______
"That James Hudson, 37, a Negro employed in construction work on the Augusta Tilghman High school building, came to his death by the falling of the cornice stone from the new building in process of erection was the verdict of the coroner’s jury. The inquest was held this morning by Coroner J. F. Wright at the A. W. Watkins’ Undertaking company.
Evidence brought out at the inquest showed that Hudson met instant death when the heavy stone struck the back of his head. The skull was only cracked in one place near the base of the head. Instant death resulted from a fracture at the base of the brain or from concussion of the brain, according to physicians’ statements. The brick underneath the cornice stone gave way, it is believed. No person witnessed the falling of the stone. A Negro workman followed a few steps behind Hudson, but had not come around the corner of the building.
The verdict of the coroner’s jury read: “We, the jury, find that James Hudson came to his death by the falling of the cornice stone from the Augusta Tilghman High school building.”
Members of the jury were Frank Augustus, F. W. Vance, George Kreutzer, R. E. Draffen, W. A. Vance, and J. A. McMahan."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, May 6, 1921, Page 1
STONE FALLS ON
NEGRO WORKER
______
Jim Hudson Meets In-
stant Death at High
School Building
______
"Instant death was met by James Hudson, a negro employed by George W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors in the erection of the Augusta Tilghman High school at Clark street and Murrell boulevard, yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock when he was struck by a falling stone. The heavy stone fell from the second story, striking him on the head and crushing the skull.
Hudson was rolling a wheelbarrow around the corner of the building when the stone, which had just been placed in position, fell without warning. The wheelbarrow Hudson was pushing was destroyed. The piece of stone measured three and one-half feet long, ten inches wide, and weighed more than 1,000 pounds,
Hudson resided in an alley between Ninth and Tenth streets and Washington and Clark streets."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, May 22, 1921, Page 1
IMPROVEMENTS
GOING STEADILY
TO COMPLETION
______
Work on School and
Others (sic) Buildings Are
Rushed
______
"Much work has been done on the construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building at the corner of Tenth and Clark streets, during the past week. The place has already begun to be a show place for visitors coming to the city and hundreds of people go through the incomplete building every week commenting on its beauty.
The contractors have done good work in spite of spring rains which have hampered them to some extent. The brick work for the building is about completed and visitors have the opportunity of seeing the outlines of the building as it will stand, as far as the brick work is concerned.
The Lincoln High school building is also going up in great haste. This building, owing to its size, will be finished much sooner than the Tilghman building, it is thought. The architects are from St. Louis, while the George Katterjohn & Sons firm of this city is building the Tilghman building."
_____
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, June 15, 1921, Page 7
NOTICE.
______
"Board of Education of Paducah, Kentucky, will receive until 8:00 p.m. on July 1, 1921, bids upon the following fixtures and equipment for the Augusta Tilghman High School and the Lincoln school”:
Window shades,
Lighting fixtures,
Steel lockers,
Tablet arm chairs,
Teachers’ and library chairs,
Folding chairs,
Teachers’ desks,
Pupils’ desks,
Physics tables,
Library tables,
Specifications and bid forms may be had from architects Nevin, Wischmeyer & Morgan, No. 1317 Starks building. Louisville, Ky.
BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Paducah, Ky.
By J. T. Reddick, Prest."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, July 7, 1921, Page 12
(Excerpt from longer story)
SCHOOLS TO GET
LARGER REVENUE
FOR 1921-1922 TERM
______
Buy New Furniture.
"Chairs for the new Augusta Tilghman High school were ordered last night after more than a dozen styles and types had been examined. The board bought 650 handsome chairs for the classrooms, and 250 desks for the Lincoln building. The Tilghman chairs were bought from L. W. Henneberger & Co., of this city. The desks were ordered from a representative of a school equipment concern in Minneapolis, Minn., who demonstrated his product last evening. The furniture will be finished in harmony with the interior decorations of the two new structures. The Tilghman chairs are of birch.
New cutting tables were ordered for the sewing room of the domestic science classes, and 200 box lockers for Lincoln and Tilghman High manual training rooms were ordered."
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The News-Democrat, Friday, July 15, 1921, Page 8
LINCOLN HIGH
IS FOUND O.K.
______
School Board Pays
Last Installment,
Cost Is $85,000.
_____
"The new Lincoln High School was formally accepted by the school board Wednesday afternoon. Members of the board made a trip through the building and found it in excellent condition throughout. The structure was pronounced entirely satisfactory.
A called meeting of the board was held at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon for the purpose of recording approval of the building and to make the final payment to Murch Brothers’ Construction company of Louisville (St. Louis), builders of the new school. A check for $16,500 was paid to the firm’s representative. This sum represents the last payment with the exception of $1,213.60 which was held out because of the unsatisfactory condition of a shipment of blackboards. The boards were damaged in transit and the board found it necessary to order new blackboards for the Lincoln building. The item will be paid as soon as adjustment is made, President Reddick said.
The Lincoln High school was designed by the architectural firm of Nevin, Wischmeyer & Morgan, of Louisville, who also drew plans for the handsome Augusta Tilghman building. Both structures are considered beautiful examples of modern American architecture. Mr. Henry Wischmeyer, of the firm, was in the city yesterday and conferred with the school officials.
The Lincoln building cost $85,000."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, August 9, 1921, Page 1
SUIT IS BROUGHT
TO COLLECT BONUS
ON TILGHMAN JOB
______
Katterjohn Sues Board For
$7,000 Alleged Due
Under Contract.
______
“GYM” IS MOOT POINT
______
Plaintiff Says Is No Part
of Contract, Board
Holds Included.
______
BULLETIN
" MAYFIELD, KY Aug. 9.—Judge Bunk Gardner refused to grant the mandatory injunction sought in the case of George W. Katerjohn (sic) and Son, contractors, against the Paducah Board of Education and the architectural firm of Nevin, Wischmeyer, and Morgan, of Louisville, following a hearing in the Graves county Circuit court this morning, according to advices (sic) received from Mayfield early this afternoon.
______
Seeking a mandatory injunction, suit has been filed in McCracken county Circuit court by George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, against the Paducah board of education and the Louisville architectural firm of Nevin, Wischmeyer and Morgan. The plaintiff seeks to force the architect to accept the Augusta Tilghman High school as completed and to force the board of education to pay him the amount alleged due on a contract, which, he claims, calls for the collection of $100 per day for every day that the building is finished before September 15.
Due to the fact that plaintiffs are seeking immediate action, the case is being tried today in Graves county Circuit court before Judge Bunk Gardner. It was taken to the Graves court because McCracken county Circuit court is not in session at this time. Attorneys, the principals in the case, members of the school board, and Superintendent Ralph Yakel went to Mayfield today for the trial.
$100 a Day Bonus.
According to the petition of the plaintiff he holds a contract which grants him a payment of $100 per day for every day elapsing between the day the Augusta Tilghman building was finished and September 15. The amount due him will total $7,000, he claims. The building was completed August 4, and would have been completed at a date earlier than that except for delay occasioned by the school board, the plaintiff alleges. The plaintiff claims that the contract does not include the completion of the gymnasium. The defendants hold that the contract includes the completion of the gymnasium as well as the school building proper before the payment of $100 a day is due. They claim that Katterjohn will have to finish the gymnasium before he can collect the $100 per day for every day the work is finished before Sept. 15.
”Gym” Causes Trouble.
The Augusta Tilghman building alone is all that the contract holds shall be finished before September 15, the plaintiff alleges. Payment of $100 for 29 days, or $2,900, for which time he claims it is the fault of the school board that the building was not completed, is alleged due from August 4, making a total of $7,000.
The defendants claim the contract holds that the school board does not pay for the construction work until it has been officially accepted by the architect, as completed. On the grounds that the gymnasium is not completed, Mischmeyer refused to accept the work as finished.
Attorneys for the defendants are Mocquot, Berry and Reed and the attorney for the plaintiff is W. M. Oliver."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, August 10, 1921, Page 1
NEXT STEP IN
SCHOOL BOARD
CASE PENDING
"The next legal step to be taken in the case of George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, against the architectural firm of Nevin, Wischmeyer, and Morgan, of Louisville, and the Paducah Board of Education, has not yet been determined, according to a statement from W. M. Oliver, attorney for the plaintiff, this morning. Whether or not an appeal will be taken in the case has not been determined.
The mandatory injunction sought by Katterjohn to force the architects to accept the Augusta Tilghman building as finished and to force the school board to pay $7,000 as bonus for completing the building was refused by Judge Bunk Gardner in Graves county Circuit court yesterday."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, August 11, 1921, Page 2
PRESENT KEYS
OF NEW SCHOOL
TO AUTHORITIES
"Keys to the new Augusta Tilghman High school building were delivered by the sheriff into the hands of the Paducah Board of Education yesterday, the building being completed. The contractors, George W. Katterjohn and Son, retain possession of the new High school gymnasium which is still under process of construction.
According to the contractors the construction of the Augusta Tilghman building and the gymnasium follow terms of two separate contracts. One contract, dated December 30, 1920, calls for the completion of the Augusta Tilghman building at a cost of $145,538 before September 15, with provisions for bonus payment of $100 for every day the building is finished before September 15, the contractors hold. The second contract, dated March 31, 1921, calls for the construction of the gymnasium at a cost of $18,537.
Katterjohn lost the fight for an injunction to force payment of the bonus on the Augusta Tilghman building. The school board holds that the completion of the gymnasium is included in the contract."
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The News-Democrat, Friday, August 12, 1921, Page 2
Board of Education
Gets Keys To New
High School Bldg.
______
"Keys to the new Augusta Tilghman High school, recently finished, have been turned over to the Paducah Board of Education by Sheriff George Alliston. The contractors, George Katterjohn & Son, still hold the keys to the new gymnasium of the school, which at this time has not been finished.
Katterjohn lost the fight in the lower court for an injunction forcing the architect to accept the building as completed, on the grounds that the gymnasium was part of the contract and this has not been finished. He refused to turn keys over to the board until after court decision was rendered."
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The News-Democrat, Sunday, August 21, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
THREE MORE WEEKS OF PLAY,
THEN STUDY GRIND BEGINS
______
4,500 Paducah Children
Expected to Answer
Books Call.
______
"At a cost of $80.000 the new Lincoln High school building for the negroes has been completed at the corner of Eighth and Ohio streets. There will be 75 negro students enrolled in the high school. The building formerly occupied by the Second African Baptist church has been purchased from the trustees of the church and has been converted into a gymnasium for the students of the Lincoln High school.
Superintendent Yakel has had a busy summer supervising the construction of the two new high school buildings, and the repairing and refurnishing of other school buildings."
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The News-Democrat, Thursday, August 25, 1921, Page 1
SCHOOL BOARD
DEFENDANT IN
$33,000 SUIT
______
Breach of Contract
And Bonus Claimed
By Contractors.
______
"Alleged breaches in the contract for the construction of the new Augusta Tilghman High school resulted in George W. Katterjohn & Son, the contractors, filing suit in the McCracken county circuit court yesterday against Dr. J. T. Reddick, M. Steinfeld, J. L. Wanner. Mrs. Ann Sanders and Miss Dow Husbands, members of the city school board. In the suit the contractor seeks to collect the balance alleged due for the construction of the building.
It is recited in the petition that the contract for the erection of the new high school was made on Dec. 20, 1920, at the price of $145,538, with the stipulation that the contractor was to receive $100 for each day the building was ready for occupancy before that date and the school board was due to receive $100 for each day’s delay beyond the time limit.
Further it is alleged that the building was ready for occupancy on Aug. 4, or 41 days before the expiration of the time limit. The plaintiffs ask that they recover the bonus, totaling $4,100.
In another paragraph in the petition the contractors seek to collect $2,200 damages for alleged delay on the part of the trustees to furnish the designs for the stone work used in the construction of the building. It is recited that the contractors were delayed by 37 days by the failure to obtain the necessary designs, and because of the neglect were delayed in completing the building sooner than Aug. 4. Under the terms of the contract it is alleged that the contractor is entitled to the bonus of $100 a day for the 29 days.
Due to the alleged faulty plans the plaintiffs allege that one of the basement walls collapsed, and this entailed an additional cost of $597.80 in the construction. Negligence of the trustees in obtaining the proper specifications is alleged responsible for the collapse of the wall. It is also sought to obtain a judgment for $896.32 which is alleged to be the expense of the alterations and additions to the original plans.
The contractors allege that the building was ready for occupancy on Aug. 4 and that on that date they offered the building to the trustees but that they declined to accept it. As a result of the alleged completion of the high school, the contractors seek to collect $33,794, the balance alleged due of the original contract price.
Filed with the petition is a copy of the contract, and also a copy of the blue prints of the building. Together the petition and the exhibits are one of the most bulky pleadings ever filed in the McCracken circuit court.
Recently litigation was filed by George W. Katterjohn & Son against the members of the school board seeking to force the trustees to accept the Augusta Tilghman High school building. In a hearing before Judge Bunk Gardner at Mayfield, a decision adverse to the contractors was handed down. The defense of the school board at that time was that the contract provided for the completion of the gymnasium also before the payment of the bonus became due."
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The News-Democrat, Thursday, August 25, 1921, Page 7
TILGHMAN HIGH
SCHOOL WILL BE
READY SEPT. 12
______
Rumors That Lawsuit
Will Prevent Use
Are Denied.
______
"Denial of current rumors that the new Augusta Tilghman High school will not be opened at the beginning of the 1921-22 session of the city schools was made yesterday by Dr. J. T. Reddick, chairman of the city school board.
“It is due the public to know that the new Augusta Tilghman building, due to be opened with the fall term this year, will be opened,” Dr. Reddick declared.
Rumors having their origin out of the law suit of George W. Katterjohn & Sons, contractors, against the Paducah Board of Education and the building’s architects have been wide spread in the city. The suit will in no way deter plans of the school board for completing preparations for the opening of the building Sept. 12.
New furniture and equipment is being installed at the present time in the new building. Fully 500 high school students will register at the new building situated at Tenth and Clark streets.
According to a statement made last night by contractors, George W. Katterjohn & Son, in case the building is not opened at the appointed time, it will not be the fault of the contractors, as the building was turned over to the school board on Aug. 4, some six weeks before time for school to open."
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The News-Democrat, Sunday, August 28, 1921, Page 2
(Excerpt from PERSONALS)
"Miss Sadie Minor, of Lebanon, Kentucky, is expected to arrive today or Monday. She will be principal of the Augusta Tilghman High school this year."
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The News-Democrat, Sunday, September 4, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
ONE MORE WEEK
UNTIL VACATION
WILL BE AT END
______
Boys and Girls Will
Answer Call to
Books Sept. 15
______
"Buildings have been erected and repairs have been made on old structures for the opening of school tomorrow week. Work on the Augusta Tilghman High school gymnasium is progressing steadily. Twenty-four class rooms for high school students are in readiness for pupils of the Augusta Tilghman building at Tenth and Clark streets. Administration offices and the high school library and students room will be on the first floor of the new building. Offices of Ralph Yakel, superintendent of city schools, and of Miss Sadie Miner, principal of the High school, will adjoin on the same floor.
Under the supervision of the advanced classes in domestic science at the High school a cafeteria will be established in the old Palmer building adjoining the High school building. The domestic science laboratory will be located on the second floor of the building while the cafeteria is on the main floor. Laboratory equipment is being installed in the domestic science department.
The faculty list for the High school is practically complete at the present time. Members of the faculty who will serve this year are: Miss Sadie Minor, principal, Georgetown College; Miss Lucille Bray, English, Georgetown College; Miss Grace Baker, mathematics, University of Kentucky; Miss Ruth Stevens, history, University of Indiana; Miss Lena Hanks, mathematics, Cumberland College; Miss Mary Joe Harwell, English, Vanderbilt University; Miss Margaret Schweers, English, University of Kentucky; Bruce S. Robbins, English, University of Kentucky; Olney Wright, science, Cumberland College; Miss Ruth Parsons, French, Tennessee College; Miss Lucille Dean, athletics, University of Kentucky; R. L. Montgomery, commercial subjects, Peabody College; Miss Will Mary Cobb, Latin, Georgetown College; Miss Mary Theresa Ross, librarian, University of Kentucky.
Miss Lottier Bundesman will be secretary in the office of the principal, and Miss Ina Rollston will be secretary in the office of the superintendent."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, September 6, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
OPENING HIGH
SCHOOL TO BE
DELAYED WEEK
______
Litigation In Court IS
Cause of Session
Being Postponed.
______
"Sessions in the new Augusta Tilghman High school building at Tenth and Clark streets will not begin next Monday morning, (and) the opening of the High school classes has been postponed one week until Monday, Sept. 19. The delay in opening is a result of litigation with the contractors, George W. Katterjohn and Son.
The building is already completed according to the claim of the contractors while the Board of Education maintains that the new building is not yet finished. With the exception of the Augusta Tilghman building all the public schools in the city will open sessions of the 1921-22 semester on Monday, Sept. 12. According to an announcement this morning from Ralph Yakel, superintendent of city schools. Sessions will begin at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.
The Lincoln High school, colored, will register Friday afternoon, September 9."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, September 7, 1921, Page 1, continued on Page 5
BUILDER SAYS
TILGHMAN DELAY
BOARD’S FAULT
______
Katterjohn Denies
That Lawsuit Causes
Postponement.
______
"George W. Katterjohn, contractor, denied today that the delay in opening Augusta Tilghman High school is caused by the litigation between his firm and the board of education. Mr. Katterjohn claims that the real cause of the delay is failure of the school board to provide equipment.
The following statement was prepared today by Mr. Katterjohn and his attorney, in regard to the board’s declaration that pending court litigation necessitated a delay in opening the new building.
It is not our policy to try suits through the newspapers, or to use the press for spreading rotton (sic) propaganda. But for the fact that on yesterday an article appeared on this page saying that the Tilghman High school would be delayed a week on account of the litigation in court with the contractors, Geo. W. Katterjohn & Son, we would not now be annoying the reading public with this statement, but in justice to ourselves, and in order that the people may know the truth, this statement is made.
We desire that the public know the true facts.
The Augusta Tilghman High School Building was completed in every detail, according to plans and specifications, and turned over to the Board of Education on August 4, 1921.
The public will understand that we are not the contractor for the heating plant, nor of the equipment, which goes in the building. Your Mr. Yakel, as superintendent, has had 38 days since we completed the building to install the equipment, and if the building is not furnished so the High School can be commenced on September 12, as intended it is no fault of ours, and it is unfair and unjust that an attempt be made to cause the public to believe that we as the contractors are the cause of the delay.
The litigation is not the cause of the postponement. If the opening of the school in the building depended upon litigation, the school could not be commenced until the litigation was ended.
The law suit can not and will not be tried by September 19, therefore it is plain to be seen that if the school can open on September 19, before the law suit is tried, it could just as well commence on the 12th of September.
If Mr. Yakel, superintendent, and in charge of the installation of the equipment, had performed his duty promptly, there would be no excuse on earth for school not opening in the building on next Monday.
As we view the situation, what the Board of Education and the city of Paducah need above all other things is a superintendent with executive ability.
As Contractors and on December 30, 1920, we gave a surety bond for the faithful performance of our contract in construction the Tilghman High School Building, to the amount of $72,769.00, and on May 7th, we gave another bond for $8,968.00 to guarantee our work under our gymnasium contract. Under our contract we were to be paid 80 per cent of the material delivered on the ground and work done, on the 1st and 15th day of each month, the remaining 20 per cent to be retained by the Board to further guarantee the completion of the building.
The Board has retained, as it had a right to do, $29,113.60, on original contract for the High School building under the date of December 30, 1920, and $3,707.40 on the gymnasium contract awarded to us by the board on March 31, 1921.
Under our contract the Board of Education had the right to employ a competent superintendent of construction of these buildings. Mr. Davis was selected, by resolution of the Board of Education, it was made the duty of the superintendent to inspect and supervise the work and O.K, estimates, and the president to pay us by check as the work progressed, and by mutual agreement, the 1st and 15th days of each month was adopted as pay day.
Mr. Davis stated to us that he has orders from Mr. Yakel, to do nothing without first consulting him, and to not O.K. any estimates.
We had payment justly due us on the 80 per cent on the first day of August, again on the 15th day of August and on September 1st, aggregating many thousand dollars, none of which has been paid up to this date.
This failure on the part of the board to pay us is a breach of their part of the contract with us, and we are, as we are advised, justified in discontinuing work until these payments are made, but on account of the interest we have in the school children of Paducah, and in order that we may give to these children who worked so faithfully to secure the necessary donations to insure this gymnasium for which there has been a long felt want, we are rushing the same to completion, even though Mr. Yakel, as superintendent, withholds from us any cooperation, without any just cause or even excuse except to create a false impression in the minds of the public, and defeat us in the collection of our bonus money, under our contract of December 30, 1920.
We now desire to say to the public, regarding the bonus of $100 per day that it was not us that demanded the forfeiture and bonus clause in the contract, but same was attached as a rider to require us to forfeit $100 for each day that the building was not completed after September 15, 1921. We accepted the rider prepared by your Mr. Yakel, and completed the building on August 4, 1921, at a large extra expense to us, and we believe every fair minded citizen of Paducah will, if they take the pains to go through the building and see for themselves the character of workmanship done by us, say that we are justly entitled to our bonus money.
In conclusion if any citizen desires to know the true facts about this entire transaction, we will at any time furnish them with authentic information"
Very Respectfully,
GEO. W. KATTERJOHN, SR.
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The News-Democrat, Thursday, September 8, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer article)
EQUIPMENT FOR
HIGH SCHOOL IS
IN NEW BUILDING
______
Installation Held Up
By Controversy Says
Superintendent.
DELAYS CLASSES
FOR ONE WEEK
______
"Furniture and equipment for the offices and classes of the Augusta Tilghman High school have arrived and are being stored in the new building according to a report made to the school board at the meeting last night by Ralph Yakel, school superintendent. Mr. Yakel also reported that the equipment cannot be installed until the building is formally accepted by the school board from the contractors George W. Katterjohn & Son. At present a suit is pending between the contractors and the school board over the completion of the building.
Because of the existing controversy the classes in the Augusta Tilghman High school will be delayed one week. Instead of the High school classes convening next Monday, the sessions will not begin until Monday, September 19.
After reading of a signed card by the contractors published in a local paper, the members of the school board went into executive session from which the citizens and newspapers were excluded. A formal typewritten resolution was all that was handed the press as a result of the session."
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The News-Democrat, Thursday, September 8, 1921, Page 5
(The Board of Education apparently had to pay for the space to have their “resolution” printed in the newspaper, as evidenced by the notation of “Advertisement.” at the end.)
RESOLUTION
______
"Whereas a long article appeared in today’s Sun relating to the Augusta Tilghman High school from Contractor George Katterjohn, no doubt indicted by his attorney in order to try to create public sentiment in his behalf, and
Whereas, Contractor Katterjohn has forced us into litigation,
Therefore, be it resolved by this Paducah Board of Education, in regular monthly session, Sept. 7, 1921, that we are governed in our dealings with Contractor Katterjohn in accordance with the plans and specifications of our architects and our contract with Katterjohn & Son, and by the advice of our attorneys, in all matters pertaining to the erection of this building, the payments thereon, and the time of the opening of the school.
Resolved further, that we have unbounded confidence in the executive ability, honesty and integrity of our superintendent, Mr. Yakel, and he is acting under the instruction of the Board of Education. This is a matter that concerns the entire citizenship of Paducah, and we beg that the public will withhold opinion until and adjudication of all the questions involved in this procedure."
PADUCAH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Paducah, Ky., Sept. 7, 1921.
(Advertisement.)
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, September 16, 1921, Page 1
SCHOOL BOARD
TAKES CHARGE
NEW BUILDING
______
Members of the Board
Adopt Resolution
Special Meeting.
______
"A resolution that the Board of Education take charge of the new Augusta Tilghman High School building preparatory to the opening of the fall semester on next Monday morning was adopted at a called meeting of the school board at 5:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon in the administration building. The new building officially passed into the hands of the board this morning.
Resolutions that the board take charge of the building was passed by unanimous vote of the school board. The resolution specified that the board did not accept the building as finished but as being subject to certain defects. The keys of the new building were extended some weeks ago by the contractors, but the new school was not officially taken in charge.
The adoption of the resolution was the only matter of business to come before the board at this special meeting.
Plans are in the readiness for the opening of the High school classes on Monday morning. Furniture and equipment for school room procedure is in place."
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The News-Democrat, Tuesday, September 20, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
TILGHMAN HIGH
OPENS SUMESTER
______
Largest Enrollment
Ever Shown at P.H.
S. is Tabulated
______
"With an enrollment of 440 students Augusta Tilghman High school began its 1921-22 semester Monday. The first day’s matriculation was the greatest in the history of Paducah High school, and increased the total city school enrollment to almost 4,000.
Every school in the city showed a substantial gain over its total attendance last year, comparative figures for the first day of September, 1920, sessions indicating an increase of nearly 400 pupils."
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The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, September 22, 1921, Page 12
"Any air of solemn quiet which might have haunted the long corridors and empty classrooms of the Augusta Tilghman High school building in its newness before the opening of school has already been dissipated by the scurrying footsteps of the boys and girls up and down the stairs and about from room to room, by the regular buzzing of the students’ bell, and the general hum of class recitation wafted through the classroom doors. The handsome new building, now re-echoes to school voices and is a-tingle in every corner to a vigorous school spirit.
Bulletin boards with gay-colored posters already herald coming events in club and athletic circles, and school has begun with a swing.
The new Tilghman building is a matter of personal pride with each student of the 440 boys and girls who have registered in High school for the fall and winter semester. Even the most callous student who might declare French verbs and geometry theorems a dreadful bore, is forced to admit that the new building is all right.
Modern Type.
With no point neglected which the mind of modern educators deems proper in school buildings of the present day, the Augusta Tilghman High school building situated at Murrell boulevard and Clark streets, stands as a splendid monument to the progressiveness of Paducah’s citizenship.
Erected at a cost of $164,000, the building in its structure and equipment, is inferior to none in the entire country, even in cities much larger than Paducah. The building is thoroughly modern in every respect.
28 Class Rooms.
Twenty-eight classrooms, all the same size, the number allowing for the continued growth in attendance of the city’s High school, a library, commercial rooms, science laboratories, and the administrative offices line the corridors of the first and second floors of the building. Shower baths of modern type are installed in the basement. The gymnasium has not yet been completed but is under speedy construction.
The main entrances to the building open into a small lobby and thence into the lower corridor. Offices of the superintendent and principal are on the first floor of the building, looking out from the Murrell boulevard side. The private office of Ralph Yakel, superintendent of city schools, where future meetings of the Board of Education will be held, is modernly equipped. Blackboards line one side of the room, and built-in bookcases form an attractive feature. The office of the superintendent opens into that of his private secretary, Miss Ina Rollston, which leads into the general school office, opening into the corridor. The desk of Miss Lottie Bundesman, secretary to the principal and the desk of Miss Alice Compton, attendance officer, are in the outer office. The private office of Miss Sadie Minor, principal, opens from the general office on the left.
Classrooms in White.
Walls of the classrooms and halls in the Tilghman building are white, and many broad windows provide excellent lighting facilities. The floors of the halls and stairs are of terrazzo. All the doors of the building are square glass-paned, and “breeze windows” in each of the rooms afford good ventilation. All the rooms are numbered with enameled figures above the doorways. The lighting fixtures are attractive. The woodwork finishing is of oak. Desks and chairs in all the rooms are oak.
Each of the twenty-eight classrooms is equipped with blackboards, bookcases built in the wall, bulletin boards and “tablet-arm chairs.” A rack is beneath the arm of the chair for holding books and classroom supplies. Desks of the required style are in the commercial rooms and the science laboratory.
Library is Feature.
Tall book-shelves line three sides of the school library or study hall, the largest room in the building, which is located on the first floor. The library, where the study hours of the various classes are maintained, is a room sixteen by thirty feet, well lighted and conveniently arranged. The room is at the south end of the corridor.
Study hours are supervised by Miss Mary Theresa Ross, a graduate of the University of Kentucky. While the shelves of the school library have not been filled, efforts will be made by students and teachers to secure a good collection. Persons having good books of any nature in their possession who would like to give them to the school library would find them gratefully received.
Individual lockers for the students are provided in the new building, half on the first floor and the other half on the second floor. The lockers, securely fastened with padlocks, are installed in the cloak rooms of the girls and boys. Books which are not taken home by the students after school hours or any individual possession may be placed in the lockers.
Install Showers.
Showers for both the girls and boys are in the basement. A separate entrance leading directly from the gymnasium into the shower rooms has been provided. All benches and hooks for dressing convenience have been placed.
The gymnasium, built as a west wing to the building proper, will be up-to-date in every detail. The gymnasium has an entrance into the main corridor of the building as well as into the shower rooms. Outside entrances are constructed in order that the gym may be completely shut off from the school building proper when entertainments or athletic meets are in progress.
Complete Gym.
The rooms of the Commercial department, double rooms separated by glass partitions, are on the second floor of the building. Sixteen type writers clatter merrily through the day. The book-keeping students occupy the other room. R. L. Montgomery is instructor in the commercial branches. The rooms of the science department with full equipment for chemical and biological research work are on the second floor. Olney H. Wright is science instructor on the faculty this year.
While complete equipment has not yet been installed for the cafeteria and Domestic Science department, plans for opening the work in the old Palmer residence are underway. The cafeteria where lunches will be served the students at nominal prices, will be operated on the first floor of the building with shining white tables and chairs in place. The long white counter has already been installed. The kitchen and serving rooms are in the rear on the lower floor. On the second floor is a cooking laboratory for the Domestic Science students. A large sewing room is furnished. House-keeping, house-cleaning and general domestic arts will be taught the girls in the classes.
Students in the advanced Domestic Science classes will supervise the cafeteria although the cooking of the luncheons will be done by a woman employed by the school. The department is under the direction of Miss Blanche Turnbull of Cedarville, Ohio.
Retail Selling.
Among the newest features of the High school is the department in retail selling to be taught by Miss Florence Crowe. The course is put on in the High school in cooperation with seventeen Paducah merchants. Miss Crowe will not only have the High school instruction but will conduct classes among the sales people in the downtown stores.
Physical training is a compulsory subject in the High school course this year and will be taught by L. C. Sullivan, a Georgetown College athlete."
The News-Democrat, Sunday, September 25, 1921, Page 1
Temporary Order Restrains the School
Board From Drawing On Building Fund
______
Contractor Alleges
Money Used For
Other Purposes
______
"Upon the allegations made in the amended petition filed in the suit of G. W. Katterjohn & Son against the school board, a temporary restraining order has been made by Circuit Judge William M. Reed against the members of the board. The trustees are restrained from making payments out of the special fund of $150,000 allotted for construction of the Augusta Tilghman High School and the emergency fund of $5,000. A hearing will be held next Saturday to determine if the restraining order is to be made permanent or dissolved.
It is alleged in the amended petition that there was a special fund of $150,000 set aside to meet the payments for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school and out of this fund the contractors have been paid the sum of $118,793.37, leaving a balance of $30,844.63. Allegations are made that (school officials) have utilized the fund to make payments of other existing indebtedness and at present the fund is only $27,497.33, or less than the amount claimed due by the contractors. Unless the court granted the restraining order it is alleged that the trustees were preparing to make other payments of the fund, which is alleged to be a trust fund.
It is alleged also that there is an emergency fund of $5,000 and that the plaintiff is entitled to receive $2,900 of this amount. The same allegations are made regarding the necessity of preserving this fund by the restraining order.
It is the contention of the contractors that the school board has the right to appropriate only the sum of $362 which is the difference between the fund of $150,000 and the contract price, to the payment of other debts.
It is recited in the petition by the plaintiff that the restraining order is necessary to protect the rights of the contractors in collecting the balance due on the building."
_____
The News-Democrat, Saturday, October 1, 1921, Page 5
School Building
Litigation Will
Be Heard Today
______
"A hearing on the motion to make the temporary injunction granted to the plaintiff in the suit of G. W. Katterjohn & Son versus the school board permanent, will be given by Judge William M. Reed in the McCracken county circuit court this morning. The suit is pending because of the controversy over the construction of a contract providing for the erection of the Augusta Tilghman High school.
Subpoenas duces tecum were issued yesterday from the circuit clerk’s office requiring the officials of the school board to have certain records in the court this morning."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, October 2, 1921, Page 1
AGREEMENT IN
SCHOOL BOARD
CONTROVERSY
______
Funds Due Contractor
Stay in Bank Pend-
ing Litigation
______
"By an agreed order, temporarily at least adjusting the controversy between G. W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors erecting the Augusta Tilghman High school, and the trustees of the school board, filed in the McCracken circuit court yesterday eliminated the hearing of testimony on a motion of the plaintiffs seeking a permanent injunction. Final disposition of the case will be made on the twentieth day of the November term when the case was set for trial,
Terms of the agreed order include that the sum of $27,492.33 now on deposit in the First National bank, is not to be subject to check by the school board until the final adjudication, and will be held subject to the orders of the court. It is also agreed that the defendants are not to make any changes or alterations in the new building. The contractors agree that they will, or through the sub-contractors, agree to make without interference on the part of the school board and correct all defects, errors and omissions in the building according to the plans and specifications.
It is mentioned in the order specifically that the agreement has no bearing upon the claim of the plaintiffs for $4,100 alleged due as a bonus for completing the building before a specified time. This matter will be settled in the final adjudication. The plaintiffs secured a temporary injunction against the school trustees seeking to prevent the expenditure of the fund until the balance alleged due on the building is paid."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, October 6, 1921, Page 1
SCHOOL BOARD
HOLDS MEETING
______
"Response to a recent communication was ordered sent to the firm of G. W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors for the Augusta Tilghman High school, by the members of the school board at the regular monthly meeting yesterday afternoon. The trustees acknowledged receipt of the notice from the contractors of the completion of the gymnasium to the new building, but declined to make any payment until a certificate is presented to the board from the architects.
In the answer of the trustees it is stated that 80 per cent of the contract price has been paid to the contractors less a few deductions. The trustees say that they can not make a payment to the contractors at the present time because the building fund is held subject to court orders as a result of an agreed order made in the present litigation. In the letter the members of the school board say that the fund will have to be released before they can make a payment claimed by the contractors.
Complaints have been made that the contractors have not begun the work of repairing the defects as agreed upon in the recent order. The trustees recite that coal cannot be placed in the basement of the Augusta Tilghman High school because of the condition of the floor. As a result, they say there can not be heat in the building, and that it is needed at present. Failure to make the necessary repairs to the laboratories it is claimed has resulted in the delay to classes. In the communication it is recited that other delays are being encountered because of the failure of the contractors to abide by the agreed order."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, October 7, 1921, Page 2
(Excerpt from longer story)
ENROLLMENT IN
CITY SCHOOLS
AT HIGH MARK
______
Attendance Record is
Good as Shown in
Yakel’s Report.
______
"Purchase of a piece of property west of the Augusta Tilghman building to be added to the athletic field was decided upon by the school board. The purchase price is approximately $375. Authority to sell 8,900 bricks which were not needed in construction of the building was given Superintendent Yakel. He was authorized to purchase 30 fire extinguishers to be placed in the Tilghman and the Lincoln school buildings. Purchase will be made of 3 electric vacuum cleaners."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, October 7, 1921, Page 3
(Excerpt from TOWN GOSSIP)
"A shed to house bicycles owned by Augusta Tilghman High school students will be erected, according to tentative plans of the faculty and board of education. Scores of wheels are brought to the school every day and in bad weather they are unprotected. The building and grounds committee of the board will make an early report on the matter."
________
"Although it possesses two handsome and adequate library rooms, Augusta Tilghman High school has no books. Its shelves, attractively arranged, are empty. The school board at this time is without sufficient funds to purchase books, and while a few volumes are borrowed from Carnegie library, the school needs some books of its own. The principal, Sadie Minor, indicated that donations of books will be received gladly, the school board having voiced its approval for the solicitation of volumes. No campaign is planned, but Paducah readers who desire to contribute a few volumes to the school will find their gifts appreciated by the students."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, October 10, 1921, Page 6
CORRECT DEFECTS IN
TILGHMAN HIGH SCHOOL
"Errors, omissions and defects at Augusta Tilghman High School were corrected Saturday by W. G. Katterjohn, contractor. The work was completed in a short time, according to a statement by W. M. Oliver, counsel for Mr. Katterjohn, and the entire job represented an expenditure of only $18.
Work on the gymnasium is nearing completion. It was stated that the gymnasium will not be submitted to the board of education until the contract price has been paid.
Litigation involving Augusta Tilghman High school will come up in McCracken circuit court in November."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, October 21, 1921, Page 1
CONTRACTORS SAY GYM
COMPLETE AT PRESENT
"The gymnasium of the new Augusta Tilghman High school building has been completed and due notice has been served upon the school board members that the building is ready for acceptance, according to the contractors. Work on the building was completed two weeks ago, it is stated by George W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors, but the school board has not taken action toward accepting the new building.
Members of the school board maintain that they have been given no opportunity to accept the building, stating that is has been locked and padlocked at all doors leading into the gymnasium. The school board maintains that funds to be used in payment for the gymnasium construction have been tied up by legal procedure and that payment therefore is impossible at the present time."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, October 21, 1921, Page 1
Gymnasium Complete,
Padlock Put on Door
______
"Work on the gymnasium of Augusta Tilghman High School ceased more than two weeks ago. Contractors G. W. Katterjohn and Son say they have completed the gymnasium. Further more they contend they have served notice upon members of the school board that the gymnasium is ready for acceptance, but the trustees have not taken any action.
Not only is the gymnasium locked, but a padlock has been placed upon the main floors (sic) leading to the gymnasium by the contractors. The school trustees contend the funds to be utilized for the payment of the construction work are held in a local bank subject to the orders of the court in accordance with the agreed order."
______
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, November 16, 1921, Page 1
School Board Will
Fill Vacancy; Is an
Important Position
______
"Who will be named the successor of Dr. J. T. Reddick, who resigned as trustee and as president of the school board Monday afternoon?
The power of filling the vacancy until the next general election rests with the other four members of the school board. Trustees say that they have not discussed any person for the vacancy as the announcement of the resignation of Dr. Reddick came as a complete surprise.
At present, the school board is involved in litigation with the contractors over the completion of Augusta Tilghman High school. It is also likely that a deficit will be shown at the end of the fiscal court, as the present school board has carried on an unusual building program in the last year. For this reason, the four trustees announced they will use unusual care in selecting a successor for Dr. Reddick."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, November 16, 1921, Page 12
(Excerpt from TOWN GOSSIP)
"Students of Augusta Tilghman High school have a library, but very few books to go in it. According to a statement by the principal, Miss Sadie Minor, contributions of books will be greatly appreciated by the students and faculty. About 100 books have been donated since the semester began. In the attractive book shelves of the library there is room for several thousand volumes. In time, the school hopes to fill all of the cases. Books have been donated by Mrs. Anne Sanders, Fred G. Neuman, Dr. M. Steinfield, Supt. Yakel, Mrs. John Slaughter and others."
_____
The News-Democrat, Thursday, November 17, 1921, Page 5
JUDGE BUSH WILL HEAR
SCHOOL BOARD LITIGATION
______
"Judge C. H. Bush of Hopkinsville has been designated to preside as special judge in the actions involving the dispute between the trustees of the school board and George W. Katterjohn & Son, the contractors of Augusta Tilghman High school."
_____
The News-Democrat, Sunday, November 27, 1921, Page 1
Litigation Makes
School Board Post
Undesirable Now
_____
"No successor has been chosen by the members of the school board to succeed Dr. J. T. Reddick, who resigned recently because of becoming ineligible to serve after accepting an appointmet (sic) at the Illinois Central railroad hospital. No formal caucus has been held to fill the vacancy.
At present the school board is involved in litigation over the erection of the Augusta Tilghman High school, and it is possible that the vacancy will not be filled until some disposition has been made of the law suit. One member of the board stated yesterday that he doubted seriously if any citizen would accept the appointment as a trustee while the litigation is pending."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, November 29, 1921, Page 11
KATTERJOHN’S
SCHOOL ACTION
IS BEFORE BUSH
"Judge C. H. Bush of Hopkinsville, special judge in the Augusta Tilghman High school litigation, heard attorneys state facts in the damage suit today. Evidence took up the greater part of the day and the case will go into tomorrow it is expected.
For the plaintiff, attorney Charles C. Grassham stated the case to the court. Attorney W. A. Berry made the statement for the board of education. The school board is represented by Mocquot Berry, and Reed; the plaintiff by attorneys Grassham and Oliver. The case involves about $40,000 which George W. Katterjohn & Son seek to recover on the Tilghman High school construction project.
A decision is not anticipated before Wednesday or Thursday. Judge Bush may ask for time in which to study the case after evidence has been completed."
_____
The News-Democrat, Tuesday, November 29, 1921, Page 1
Hearing of Dispute
Over School Bldg.
Before Court Today
______
"Trial of the suit involving the dispute over the erection of the Augusta Tilghman High school and the new gymnasium will be called in the McCracken circuit court this morning. Judge C. H. Bush of Hopkinsville, of the Third judicial district, has been designated as the special judge to preside over the trial.
The suit was filed by the contractors, G. W. Katterjohn & Son, against the trustees of the school board, alleging that the building has been completed according to the specifications and seeking to collect approximately $40,000 said to be due. The school trustees have denied that the building has been constructed in accordance with the specifications.
It is expected that a lively legal battle will be staged in the court room, and a number of citizens is expected to attend the hearing of the testimony. Several contractors and architects have been subpoenaed as witnesses. Attorneys Charles C. Grassham and W. Mike Oliver are representing G. W. Katterjohn & Son, while Mocquot Berry & Reed are counsel for the school trustees."
_____
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, November 30, 1921, Page 5
Slow Progress Made
in Litigation Over
High School Bldg.
______
"Only a few witnesses for the plaintiff were heard yesterday in the trial of the suit of George W. Katterjohn & Son against the school board over the alleged breach of contract for the erection of Augusta Tilghman High school. Circuit judge C. H. Bush of Hopkinsville is presiding as special judge. Unless greater speed is shown in hearing the proof it is likely that several days will be required to hear the testimony.
George W. Katterjohn occupied the witness chair the greater part of yesterday. A large number of local architects and contractors have been summoned by both sides to give testimony. The trial began yesterday morning and following the opening statements testimony was heard yesterday until dark."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, December 2, 1921, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
BUSH TO STUDY
SCHOOL BLDG.
CONTROVERSY
______
Will Render Decision
Before Jan. 1, Tells
Attorneys
______
"Following arguments of the attorneys, Judge C. H. Bush, who presided as special judge during the trial of the suit of George W. Katterjohn & Son against the school board involving a dispute of the contract providing for the erection of Augusta Tilghman High school, took the case under advisement. He announced that he will hand down his decision some time before the end of year.
Although the hearing of evidence has consumed three days, Judge Bush told the attorneys that he had listened with interest to every step in the proceedings and that it was not any bore to him. He complimented the attorneys upon the able arguments made in the case, and assured them that they had assisted him materially in grasping the essential of the testimony.
The testimony was completed yesterday afternoon, and in order to accommodate the attorneys, Judge Bush held an evening session last night to hear the arguments. The speeches began at 7 o’clock and concluded at 10 o’clock. Because of the interest in the case, the circuit court room was comfortably filled last night during the arguments. Many women were in the audience.
The suit is one of the most lengthy tried in the McCracken circuit court in several years."
_____
The News-Democrat, Tuesday, January 10, 1922, Page 1
(Story carried similar to one below from The Paducah Evening Sun)
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, January 11, 1922, Page 1
BUSH INDICATES
41 DAY BONUS
TILGHMAN CASE
"Judgment in the suit of George W. Katterjohn & Son, contractors, against the Paducah Board of Education which involves controversy over the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building is being prepared and will be filed in circuit court this afternoon, it is announced. Judge C. H. Bush of Hopkinsville, presided as the special judge in the case.
Judge Bush has already indicated in a measure what his final opinion to be handed down today will embrace. The bonus feature of the contract is legal, Judge Bush holds, and the plaintiff is entitled to the bonus of $100 per day for 41 days, for the period of time the building was completed before September 15, the contract date. Judge Bush declined to allow plaintiff the bonus claim for 29 days before the beginning of the 41 days."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, January 12, 1922, Page 1
APPEAL IS GRANTED
BOTH SIDES, SCHOOL
BOARD LITIGATION
______
Litigants In Tilghman Suit
Given Even Break In
Court’s Ruling.
______
JUDGE BUSH DECIDES
______
Claim of Contractor Is
Allowed In Main and
Bonus Granted.
______
"Judgment in the suit of George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, against the Paducah Board of Education, involving controversy over the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building, which had been pending for several months in Circuit court, was filed yesterday afternoon by Judge C. H. Bush, of Hopkinsville, who presided as special judge. Claims of the plaintiff were allowed in part while the school board was favored in instance of certain damages alleged.
It was adjudged by the court that the plaintiff recover of the defendant a bonus of $100 per day for 41 days or a total of $4,100. The court adjudged there were two separate contracts between the plaintiff and the defendant, one for the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school building at the price of $145,538 and the other for the construction of the gymnasium building at a cost of $18, 537 to be paid for out of a fund paid for by the citizens of Paducah. It was also adjudged by the court that the contractors constructed both of said buildings to a substantial compliance with the plans and specifications and that the plaintiffs completed the main building on the fourth day of August 1921, or 31 days prior to September 15 on which day the building was to be completed according to the contract.
The court adjudged that the plaintiffs recover $26,750.97 from the school board and their costs in this action expended. The judgment held that the plaintiffs recover nothing on their claims for 29 days of the alleged delay nor for the fall of a section of wall and their claim for $2,900 and for $597.80 was disallowed. The claim of the defendant for $6,200 penalty for not completing the building by Sept. 15 was wholly disallowed and their claim for damages on account of alleged defects for $2,500 was disallowed except to the extent of $1,000.
The court adjudged that the plaintiff recover of the board of education on account of the construction of the gymnasium the sum of $18,537 less the sum of $11,590 heretofore paid in cash and fees the sum of $500 for brick donated which leaves the net sum of $6,372 due the plaintiff.
The board of education is forthwith ordered to pay the contractor the sum of $26,753.97 out of the fund arising from the sale of the high school bonds and the cost of the action and also to pay the plaintiffs the sum of $6,419.79 out of the gymnasium fund together with his costs expended. Appeals were granted to both the plaintiff and defendant and it is likely the suit will be appealed in the court of appeals on both sides."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, January 13, 1922, Page 5
School Board Will
Not Appeal From
Bush’s Decision
______
"Members of the school board are satisfied with the decision rendered by Judge C. H. Bush, who presided as special judge in the trial of the suit of George W. Katterjohn against the school trustees. According to the attorneys representing the school board, the trustees will not prosecute an appeal to the court of appeals. George W. Katterjohn indicated yesterday that he is likely to take an appeal to the appellate court.
The amount of the judgment awarded the firm of George W. Katterjohn & Son, less the offsets awarded the school board, as a balance due on the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school will be paid today according to announcement made last night by the attorneys for the school trustees."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, January 25, 1922, Page 5
HEAR MOTION TO
FORCE PAYMENTS
BY SCHOOOL BOARD
"Seeking an order from the court to require the school board to perform the judgment rendered against it on January 9 by payment of the amount George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, were adjudged entitled to recover from the board, further arguments were presented in Circuit court this morning by W. Mike Oliver, attorney for the plaintiff.
The case was taken under advisement this morning until Saturday by Judge Joe L. Price. The attorney for the plaintiff served a notice yesterday upon each member of the board that the court would be asked to give order commanding them to pay the plaintiff within 48 hours and in their failure to do so to proceed against them for contempt of court. The motion was entered today."
_____
The News-Democrat, Friday, January 27, 1922, Page 1
PAY KATTERJOHN
BY AGREEMENT
_____
Compulsory Order on School
Board Was Not Acted
Upon by Price.
______
"The agreed order by which the money paid by the members of the school board to George W. Katterjohn & Son, the contractors in the erection of Augusta Tilghman High school, was filled yesterday in the McCracken circuit court. The agreed order preserved the right of George W. Katterjohn & Son to appeal from all parts of the judgment to which exceptions were taken.
Under the agreed order the payments were made as follows: Main building, $26,753.97; gymnasium, $6,419.79: costs, $187.15; interest, $53.24. The agreement to receive the money was made after attorney Roscoe Reed had entered a motion that he would ask circuit judge Joe L. Price to compel the attorneys for the contractors to accept the money. The motion was not acted upon as Judge Price indicated it was doubtful if he had the authority. The attorneys for the contractors had a motion filed to the effect that they would seek to enforce contempt proceedings unless the money was paid. The attorneys had sought to have Judge Bush, who presided as special judge and gave the opinion, return Saturday. However the agreed order will obviate the necessity of the trial."
_____
The News-Democrat. Wednesday, May 23, 1923, Page 1, continued on Page 2
TILGHMAN HIGH
BUILDING BONUS
RULED ILLEGAL
______
Appeals Court Holds Board
Had No Authority To Pay
Fee To Contractors
_____
CROSS APPEAL GIVEN
REVERSAL IN DECISION
______
Gratuities Subject To Indefi-
nite Corruption, Court
Declares
______
"Frankfort, Ky., May 22—A board of education cannot legally authorize a bonus or a gratuity for the completion of a contract ahead of time, the court of appeals held today in affirming the original appeal and reversing the cross appeal from the McCracken circuit court, in the case of George Katterjohn & Son, contractors, of Paducah, against the board of education of that city.
The opinion was handed down by Commissioner C. C. Turner.
The suit was the outcome of the construction of the Augusta Tilghman High school of Paducah. Katterjohn, who was awarded the contract, finished the work 41 days ahead of time, for which the Paducah board of education allowed him a bonus of $4,100, the McCracken circuit court affirming the award, when the contractor brought suit. The court of appeals reversed the judgment of the lower court as to this amount, holding that the board was bound strictly by statute to the terms of the contract in its expenditure of public money and that it had no authority to allow the bonus.
Gratuities Dangerous
In the opinion handed down by Commissioner Turner, the court held that if it were in the power of the board in handling the public money to contract for a bonus or a gratuity of $100 a day, as in the Katterjohn case, that it had also the authority to grant a bonus of $1,000 a day. This manifestly “would enable a corrupt or improvident board, by collusion with a thrifty contractor, to quickly consume and dissipate the educational funds.”
A claim of $2,900 additional allowed to the contractors for the completion of the building ahead of time, was denied the contractors by a lower court, which also denied a claim of $597 for the rebuilding of a fallen wall and a claim against the company of $6,200 for failure to complete a gymnasium on time. A claim of $2,500 was made for damages, the lower court allowing $1,000. These decisions of the lower court were upheld. The court held that the gymnasium contract is supplementary to the original contract and denied the board’s claim for $6,200.
The contractor sued for $33,744 and the lower court allowed $26,753. In addition to this the court allowed $6,419 on the erection of the gymnasium.
______
Bonus Not Enforceable
The contract for the construction of the new High school building provided for a bonus of $100 a day for each day that the building was completed before a certain day, which was the time for the opening of the school. The contract also include(d) a provision providing for a forfeit by the contractors for a like sum for each day that the building was not completed in time for the opening of the school. The provision of the contract relating to the bonus was declared by the court of appeals as unenforceable.
The disposition of a claim of approximately $6,200 in a dispute over the disagreement regarding the face brick used in the construction of the building is not included in the press report from Frankfort, and the attorneys will await the receipt of the written opinion.
Long Trial Held
The members of the school board disputed that the building was completed in accordance with the terms of the contract and a lengthy trial was held before Judge Bush. The hearing of the testimony and arguments in the case required several days.
The claim of George W. Katterjohn & Son was $33,744 but Judge Bush allowed only $26, 753. Another disputed point was whether the contract for the erection of the gymnasium to the school building was a separate contract or a supplement to the contract for the original building."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Tuesday, May 22, 1923, Page 1
(The Evening Sun carried virtually the same story, with the exception of the final paragraph which follows)
"The decision handed down in the court of appeals in the case of George W. Katterjohn and Son against the Paducah Board of Education marks a legal victory for attorneys, Reed and Burns, who appealed the case for the school board."
_____
The News-Democrat, Wednesday, May 28, 1924, Page 11
(Excerpt from COURTS)
Court of Appeals
"George W. Katterjohn and Son against Board of Education, City of Paducah, McCracken county; appellant’s petition got re-hearing overruled."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Wednesday, May 28, 1924, Page 1
SCHOOL BOARD TO
RECOVER $4,100
______
Court of Appeals Denies
Katterjohn Re-hearing
______
"The Paducah Board of Education is entitled to recover $4,100 paid George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors, as a bonus for completion of the Augusta Tilghman High school before the specified date, and the additional sum of $2,200 by the contractors is denied in a ruling of the court of appeals yesterday, which over-ruled the petition for re-hearing in the suit of Katterjohn against the board of education.
The court of appeals held that allowing of the bonus was not legal and that the board did not have the right to grant the bonus. The sum of $4,100 was allowed in McCracken county circuit court, when the case was tried before Judge C. H. Bush. The contractors sued to recovered $7,000 on the bonus contract.
In overruling the petition for re-hearing, the court of appeals sustained the original opinion. The contractors are denied, in addition to the bonus, $597 for re-construction of a fallen brick wall and $2,524 on the contract for supplying face brick used in construction. An appeal was taken by Katterjohn. A cross appeal on the bonus judgment for $4,200 was taken by the board of education.
The contractors were represented in the appeal by Charles I. Dawson, Louisville, former attorney general, and Mike Oliver, and the board of education by Frank N. Burns and W. M. Reed. Final settlement of the case has been pending for some time."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Friday, June 14, 1924, Page 10
(The News-Democrat of Saturday, June 14, 1924, carried virtually the same story)
KATTERJOHN SAYS
NOT REQUIRED TO
PAY BACK $4,100
_______
Files Reply to Amended
Answer and Response
To Rule Today.
______
"Alleging that he should not be required to refund the amount of $4,100 to the Board of Education on the grounds that the amount was paid him under compromise, alleging that the recent order of the court of appeals reversing the judgment of the McCracken county circuit court, which allowed him the $4,100 as a bonus for completion of the Tilghman High school building forty-one days prior to the contract date, has no binding legal effect for that reason, George W. Katterjohn and Son, contractors today filed a reply to the amended and supplemental answer, set off, and counter-claim, and response to the rule, in their suit against the Board of Education.
Counsel for the Board of Education filed an amended and supplemental answer, set off, and counter-claim and had a rule issued against Katterjohn to show reason why he should not pay back to the Board of Education the amount of $4,100 and interest which the court of appeals a few days ago held that he had been improperly adjudged.
Says Issue Not Made
The opinion of the court of appeals held that he was not legally entitled to recover the bonus judgment.
In response to the rule he recites that a mandate has been awarded by the order of the court of appeals and is now on file in this case reversing the action on the plaintiff’s claim for $4,100, but alleges that there was not any issue made in the McCracken circuit court of the legality of that item in the plaintiff’s claim. The Board of Education maintains they should be paid back the $4,100 on the grounds that under the law where money is paid under a judgment and thereafter such judgment is reversed, then the party to whom it is paid may by rule be compelled to refund same to the party which paid it.
The plaintiff alleges that the fund was paid under a compromise whereby the board was to pay $100 a day as a bonus for completion of the building forty-one days prior to the contract date on September 15, 1921, and that he is therefore not required to pay it back.
The plaintiff asks that the claims and demands of the defendant, the board of education, set up in the ammended (sic) and supplemental answer, set off, and counter claim be disallowed and that the rule awarded against him be abated.
Petition In Equity
George W. Katterjohn, Sr., also filed a petition in equity in the suit of L. D. Sanders, et al asking that the judgment rendered November 14, 1921 in this case, authorizing the school board to divert from the school building repair, money to be used for the Tilghman building, be set aside.
He alleges that the board “conspired together to divert the fund from the legitimate purpose of enlarging and remodeling of the Franklin school building in order that the board might, and could use same in expending a sum in excess of $150,000 on the Tilghman building” and further alleges “judicial sanction” was obtained “for the purpose of securing control of the said fund for $20,000 so appropriated for the enlargement and remodeling of the Franklin building, and to enable the board to divert said fund for the use and benefit of the Tilghman building.”
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Monday, June 16, 1924, Page 8
(Excerpt from longer story)
PRICE SUSTAINS THE
BOARD’S PLEA IN
KATTERJOHN CASE
______
Held Appellate Court’s
Decision On Bonus
Is Binding.
______
"The court of appeals had a right to pass upon the legality of the granting of a $4,100 bonus to George W. Katterjohn and Son, Paducah contractors, for the completion of the Tilghman school building prior to the date set, and the McCracken county circuit court is bound to abide by that decision, Judge Joe L. Price held in circuit court today.
The first paragraph of the board’s demurrer held that in the court of appeal’s passing on the question of the legality of the bonus it became the law and the lower court had no power to render a contrary decision. Judge Price upheld this contention.
A second paragraph of the demurrer, being a plea of accord and satisfaction, or compromise, was taken under consideration by Judge Price, and the case will be finally settled Thursday morning."
_____
The Paducah Evening Sun, Thursday, June 19, 1924, Page 1
(Excerpt from longer story)
PRICE RENDERS
JUDGEMENT FOR
SCHOOL BOARD
______
Katterjohn Ordered to
Pay Back $4,100 Bonus;
Will Take Appeal.
_____
"A judgment for $4,100 with interest from January 25, 1922 was rendered by Judge Joe L. Price against George W. Katterjohn and Sons, contractors, in McCracken county circuit court today. An appeal to the court of appeals will be prosecuted, counsel for Katterjohn indicated.
The judgment requiring Katterjohn to pay back to the Paducah board of education the amount of $4,100 and accrued interest will be filed this afternoon in circuit court. The sum in controversy was the amount of a bonus paid Katterjohn for completion of the Tilghman High school prior to the contract date and which the court of appeals recently held was illegally allowed.
The judgment was rendered on the whole case. No proof was introduced. With no evidence introduced, each attorney stood on his opinion of the law. W. Mike Oliver is counsel for Katterjohn and Reed and Burns are counsel for the board of education."
Property of Paducah Independent School District
Searches in the Paducah newspapers following the above last action did not turn up additional stories concerning any further suits filed by either G. W. Katterjohn or the Paducah Board of Education in the Augusta Tilghman case. Therefore, we will consider this particular chapter of Paducah and Augusta Tilghman High School history at an end.
The 1955 seniors of Augusta Tilghman High School would be the last to graduate from ATHS. The Class of 1956 would graduate from the new Paducah Tilghman High School.