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Lincoln High School (Tacoma)
Encyclopedia
Lincoln High School is a 94 year old high school located in the south central sector of Tacoma, at the corner of 37th St. and South G adjacent to Lincoln Park (named for the sixteenth President of the United States
Abraham Lincoln
). The school was founded in 1913 and built according to an architectural design by Frederick Heath
. It has since been named as a historical building. Lincoln underwent a major renovation in 2007.
On Labor Day, September 1, 1913, the cornerstone was laid; and the following September classes were being held. In the spring of 1915, 98 students were graduated. Enrollment gradually increased, until in 1938 there were about 3,100 students, 709 graduating. When the auditorium could no longer accommodate the graduation exercises, they were held in the Helig Theater (now the Temple) from 1929 to 1932, then moved to the Armory, and then to the University of Puget Sound Field house, and finally to the Tacoma Dome
.
On the grounds, the most distinguishing feature is Alonzo Victor Lewis
' stature of Lincoln, unveiled February 12, 1918. The purchase price of $4,000 was made possible by contributions form all the Tacoma Public Schools and patriotic organizations.
The inscriptions over the entrances - Reverence, Justice, Goodwill, Simplicity, Grace, and Courage - were suggested by the architects and were inspired by similar words which Bishop Keater in a baccalaureate address at the university, designated as "gateways of the ideal democracy the public school aims to build."
Lincoln High School was substantially renovated in 2007. Designed by K-12 architectural firm DLR Group
, the renovation added a new academic building to support Lincoln's transition to a Small Learning Community
based curriculum. The exterior renovations including returning the school's original front door entrance; restoration of the iconic clock tower; and restoration of the Justice Arch as the connection between the original school and the new addition.
Frederick Heath, the architect behind Lincoln and Stadium High School
and many other Tacoma gems, sent his partner George Gove around the U.S. to study other schools before designing Lincoln. They wanted it to be state of the art
. Style was also considered vital. The architectural inspiration was that of the Eton School in England.
Gene Grulich, a Tacoma architect who studied the history and architecture of the building for the school district, said the Lincoln renovation benefits from something Stadium High School's did not – interior features that were not removed or damaged over the decades. The windows, moldings, decorative plaster and grand stairways are being restored in place or will be restored off-site and put back. Restorations include: The main building (called Old Main by the architects and builders) is being beefed up and rebuilt with some spaces reconfigured. The library addition behind Old Main was replaced with a new science wing. That structure has another duty – to stiffen the old structure for earthquake safety. A new classroom and library building is rising between the long hall of the old school and the industrial arts building. The gym and pool are being freshened up. And the entire building is getting new heating, plumbing, electrical and computer wiring.
and the city's largest commercial/retail sector are found less than two miles (3 km) to the west.
In the 1920s, the stadium was used for Tacoma City League baseball.
Elvis Presley
performed at the Lincoln Bowl in 1957.
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
). The school was founded in 1913 and built according to an architectural design by Frederick Heath
Frederick Heath (architect)
Frederick Heath was an American architect responsible for numerous projects in Tacoma, Washington. He worked out of his own office and as a senior partner at architectural firms. He was involved with Spaulding, Russell & Heath , and Heath & Gove...
. It has since been named as a historical building. Lincoln underwent a major renovation in 2007.
History
After a favorable bond vote by the people on September 2, 1911, the school board of the Tacoma Public Schools chose the present site for a new high school. It adjoined city park board property, which was turned over to the school board without charge. The cost of the ground, nearly ten acres, was less than $424,000; the building, $438,000. These, with the equipment, made a total investment of about half a million dollars.On Labor Day, September 1, 1913, the cornerstone was laid; and the following September classes were being held. In the spring of 1915, 98 students were graduated. Enrollment gradually increased, until in 1938 there were about 3,100 students, 709 graduating. When the auditorium could no longer accommodate the graduation exercises, they were held in the Helig Theater (now the Temple) from 1929 to 1932, then moved to the Armory, and then to the University of Puget Sound Field house, and finally to the Tacoma Dome
Tacoma Dome
The Tacoma Dome is an indoor arena located in Tacoma, Washington, USA, approximately 30 miles south of Seattle.-History:...
.
Architecture
The building is of the English Collegiate Gothic style of architecture with the three wings, comprising the main building, in the shape of the letter Y. The auditorium is conveniently located for both public gatherings and quick access from classrooms The tower clock, a silent replacement of the school bell of old, is the dominant feature of the building.On the grounds, the most distinguishing feature is Alonzo Victor Lewis
Alonzo Victor Lewis
Alonzo Victor Lewis was an American artist. He is primarily known for public sculptures in the State of Washington; he also painted in the Impressionist style....
' stature of Lincoln, unveiled February 12, 1918. The purchase price of $4,000 was made possible by contributions form all the Tacoma Public Schools and patriotic organizations.
The inscriptions over the entrances - Reverence, Justice, Goodwill, Simplicity, Grace, and Courage - were suggested by the architects and were inspired by similar words which Bishop Keater in a baccalaureate address at the university, designated as "gateways of the ideal democracy the public school aims to build."
Lincoln High School was substantially renovated in 2007. Designed by K-12 architectural firm DLR Group
DLR Group
DLR Group is an architectural design firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design to clients throughout the United States...
, the renovation added a new academic building to support Lincoln's transition to a Small Learning Community
Small Learning Community
A Small Learning Community , also referred to as a School-Within-A-School, is a form of school structure that is increasingly common in secondary schools to subdivide large school populations into smaller, autonomous groups of students and teachers....
based curriculum. The exterior renovations including returning the school's original front door entrance; restoration of the iconic clock tower; and restoration of the Justice Arch as the connection between the original school and the new addition.
Architectural design
The school was built primarily in a Collegiate Gothic style, meant to show a school building that would inspire and last. Carved in Wilkeson sandstone above the doorways were inspirational words such as courage, reverence, grace and "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Labor Conquers All Things).Frederick Heath, the architect behind Lincoln and Stadium High School
Stadium High School
Stadium High School is a 100-year-old high school in Tacoma, Washington and a historic landmark. It is part of Tacoma Public Schools, or Tacoma School District No. 10 and is located in the Stadium District, near downtown Tacoma. The original building burned to a shell while it was still a partially...
and many other Tacoma gems, sent his partner George Gove around the U.S. to study other schools before designing Lincoln. They wanted it to be state of the art
State of the art
The state of the art is the highest level of development, as of a device, technique, or scientific field, achieved at a particular time. It also refers to the level of development reached at any particular time as a result of the latest methodologies employed.- Origin :The earliest use of the term...
. Style was also considered vital. The architectural inspiration was that of the Eton School in England.
Gene Grulich, a Tacoma architect who studied the history and architecture of the building for the school district, said the Lincoln renovation benefits from something Stadium High School's did not – interior features that were not removed or damaged over the decades. The windows, moldings, decorative plaster and grand stairways are being restored in place or will be restored off-site and put back. Restorations include: The main building (called Old Main by the architects and builders) is being beefed up and rebuilt with some spaces reconfigured. The library addition behind Old Main was replaced with a new science wing. That structure has another duty – to stiffen the old structure for earthquake safety. A new classroom and library building is rising between the long hall of the old school and the industrial arts building. The gym and pool are being freshened up. And the entire building is getting new heating, plumbing, electrical and computer wiring.
Area
Tacoma's two Federal Empowerment Zones lie within the school's attendance area. The Lincoln International Business District is one block from the school. The Tacoma MallTacoma Mall
The Tacoma Mall is the largest shopping center in Tacoma, Washington. It is owned by Simon Property Group. Anchor tenants include JC Penney, Sears, Macy's, and Nordstrom.-References:-External links:*...
and the city's largest commercial/retail sector are found less than two miles (3 km) to the west.
Events in school history and the Lincoln Bowl
On August 31, 1914, the school day was set to begin at 9 a.m., but so many students showed up early to get a peek at the new high school that Principal W.W Parker opened the doors at 7:30 a.m. to let them explore. The walls of the short hallway on the left of the central hub were not yet covered with pictures because there hadn't yet been a graduating class to display there. But someone thought it was a good idea to hang one as soon as there was a graduation. Once one picture was hung, it was fitting for each new class to join their fellow alums on the wall. Those frames were taken down for the renovation. By the time students arrive this September to get their first peek at a reborn Lincoln High School, the frames will be hung just where they were for decades.In the 1920s, the stadium was used for Tacoma City League baseball.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
performed at the Lincoln Bowl in 1957.
Faculty
- Sugar Ray SealesSugar Ray Seales"Sugar" Ray Seales, was the only American boxer to win a gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics.-Personal:...
, Olympic Boxer - Terry BergesonTerry BergesonTeresa "Terry" Bergeson is a former three-term Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction.-Biography:Dr. Bergeson graduated from Emmanuel College in 1964 with a B.A. in English. In 1969, she earned a master's degree in counseling and guidance from Western Michigan University...
, State Superintendent of Public Instruction 1996-2007
Alumni
- Pappy BoyingtonPappy BoyingtonGregory "Pappy" Boyington was a United States Marine Corps officer who was an American fighter ace during World War II. For his heroic actions, he was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Boyington flew initially with the American Volunteer Group in the Republic of China Air Force...
, U.S. fighter pilot and Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient - Robert W. CopelandRobert W. CopelandRear Admiral Robert Witcher Copeland served during World War II.Copeland was born in Tacoma, Washington. Enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1929, he was commissioned as a Naval Reserve officer in 1935. Copeland practiced law from 1935 until 1940, when he was ordered to active duty during the Navy's...
, Class of 1918. RADM USNR Navy CrossNavy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
recipient. Ship namesake - Wade CookWade CookWade Bruce Cook is an American author and self-proclaimed financial guru. Cook claims to have started his success when he was a taxi driver in the 1970s. His first book, Real Estate Money Machine, was originally self-published in 1981...
, author and financial guru - Vince HansonVince HansonVincent Garnett "Vince" Hanson was an NCAA All-American basketball player at Washington State University in 1944–45. Hanson was a three-sport star at WSU, playing for the basketball, baseball and track and field teams between 1942–43 and 1947–48. His best season came during his sophomore...
, All-American college basketball player - John Kitna, NFL quarterback 1997-present
- Stafford MaysStafford MaysStafford Earl Mays is a retired American football defensive lineman.-Life and career:Mays was born in Lawrence, Kansas. He went to Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington. Mays played junior college football at Mount Hood Community College. He later played college football at the University of...
, NFL defensive lineman 1980-1988 - Lawyer MilloyLawyer MilloyLawyer Marzell Milloy is an American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Washington....
, NFL strong safety 1996-present - Brad OwenBrad OwenBradley Owen is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves as the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Washington. Owen is the longest currently serving Lieutenant Governor...
, Lt. Governor of Washington State 1997-present - Thor C. TollefsonThor C. TollefsonThor Carl Tollefson was a U.S. Representative from Washington.-Background:Born in Perley, Minnesota, Tollefson moved to Tacoma, Washington during 1912. He attended public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1924...
, U.S. Representative 1947-1965