English High School History
Past English High Anniversary Celebrations Reveal the Role English has Played in the History of Boston and the Nation.
Historic publications provide rich details of historic English High School Anniversary Celebrations held in 1871, 1896 and 1921
English High School Association researchers recently discovered two historic books that provide rich details of major celebrations to mark the Semi-Centennial Celebration (1871), the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary (1896) and the Centenary (1921) events. In addition to descriptions of the celebrations which include concerts, sporting events, grand parades and galas, these books also offer in-depth historical accounts of how and why The English High School was founded in 1821 and ultimately became one of the most revered and cherished high schools in the nation.
For the history buffs among us, and others who want to know more about English High, below are links to how you can read these books online (for free!) or download a PDF copy.
The Semi-Centennial of the English High School – May 2, 1871
116 pgs. Digitized by Google Books.
Published by The English High School Association as a “Report of the Proceedings of the Semi-Centennial Celebration” that was held in May of 1871.
This volume contains details of a full day of events to celebrate English High School. This day began with a grand procession through the streets of Boston lead by the 400-member strong English High School Batallion, Gilmore’s Band, The Governor of Massachusettes, Mayor of Boston, School Committee Members, Past and Present EHS teachers and more than 2000 English High graduates including 28 representing the first entering class of 1821.
The procession wove through the streets of Boston, past the State House, to Music Hall where there was a special ceremony featuring Oration, the reading of a special epic Poem, music and singing of original hymns. It is reported that first year Latin School students volunteered to serve as ushers.
Read online at Google Books
Download and read a PDF of “The Semi-Centennial of English High School”
One Hundred Years of The English High School of Boston:
The Centenary of The English High School
87 pgs. Digitized by Google Books.
Published in 1924 by The Centenary Committee of the English High School Association as record of the three-day celebration of The English High School, this volume also contains descriptions of celebrations held in 1871 and 1896. In addition, the volume contains a notable and detailed history of the school.
The Centenary Celebration was a three-day event held June 14-16, 1921. Activities included Memorial Exercises on Boston Common, Class Banquets, a baseball game vs Latin at Soldiers Field, (English won 12-5! an athletic meet at Harvard Stadium in front of 15,000 spectators, a Concert at Symphony Hall, and a Grand Parade of an estimated 6,000 EHS students, alumni and dignitaries. This final event was a Mass Meeting held at Mechanics Hall culminating in the singing of the School Song.
Read Online at Google Books
Download and read a PDF of “The Centenary of The English High School”
