History of Garfield High School Akron,Ohio

On April 18, 1922, Coventry Land Company offered the Akron School Baord of Education a 10-acre tract of land in Southern Akron for $45,000. On January 23, 1923, letters were sent to the board favoring the location of the new "South" High School in Firestone Park. On January 31, 1923, it was resolved after considerable controversy that the old South High district be retained and a new school be built in Firestone Park. Eventually, old South High would become Miller South School for the Visual and Preforming Arts.

The school was opened in fall of 1926 with the final additions of the North wing and the President's Gym. The next year, the president's son, James R. Garfield, spoke to 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Also, in October, Irene Borosh wrote the words for the Alma Mater. In 1931, 7th and 8th grades were eliminated.

By December of 1938, the enrollment of students was 1900. This resulted in a ten-period day. In October of 1938, enrollment peaked at 2356 students. This resulted in a half-day schedule. Garfield's Memorial Organ was dedicated on November 12, 1946. Single session says returned in 1948.

In January of 1952, the last January class graduated. Since 1928, classes had been graduating in January. Our current caferteria and music rooms were dedicated on November 2, 1958, the old cafeteria being converted into Home Economics and Foods lab, an office practice room, a mechanical drawing room, and a classroom. In 1959, our name became the Golden Ram from the Prexies.

In December of 1963 there was the dedication of 11 classrooms, officeds for counselors, principal, and a new library.1967 brought along the additions for the Vocational building, gym, and parking lot on Firestone Blvd. In August of 1972, the Three House System was introduced- a principal for each grade: 10th, 11th, and 12th. The Cafeteria was expanded by 20% and several changes throughout the building such as a stairway through the former choir room and the metal shop changed.

Martin O. Chapman was apponted Principal of Garfield in 1973. Also in that year, the First Rubber Bowl Turf Game -Garfield vs. St. Vincent-St.Mary, in September. In 1974, the boy's locker room was remodeled and Garfield High was the first Senior high school Commencement at E. J. Thomas Preforming Arts Building.