Memorabilia needed for HHS anniversary

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Memorabilia linked to the history of Hartselle High School is being sought by Hartselle Historical Society and the Hartselle Enquirer to aid in the production of a Depot Days “Down Memory Lane” program and a commemorative edition of the newspaper celebrating the school’s 100th anniversary.
The Historical Society will devote its entire Monday evening Depot Days kick-off program to the school’s 100-year history. Each decade dating back to 1909 will be spotlighted by a comprehensive display of historical artifacts. These will include period photos and uniforms, classroom textbooks and teaching supplies, annuals, newspaper clippings, school activity programs and advertisements. Each decade will have its own section with displays filling three classrooms of the Hartselle Fine Arts Center (Old Burleson Elementary School). Other exhibits will feature academics, sports and band.
A formal program lasting about an hour and a half will follow. It will consist of a slide presentation and comments about the school’s history by David Burleson, recognition of famous Hartselle High graduates by Frank Parker and a salute to the school’s past and present administrators and teachers.
The Hartselle Enquirer plans to publish a commemorative souvenir edition based on the school’s rich history and promising future. It will focus on the traditions and achievements of the school, using historically significant photos and printed materials, including information gleaned from the newspaper’s archives. The edition will precede the Down Memory Lane Program,
Sought from MCHS and HHS graduates or their family members are any old photos, clippings, or other memorabilia linked to the school’s early history. These will be carefully handled and protected as they are either copied or placed on display for “Down Memory Lane,” If you have something you’d like to share, contact Bettye English, president of Hartselle Historical Society at 773-9390 or Clif Knight at the Hartselle Enquirer, 773-6566.
The Centennial committee held its second planning session on June 9 with several members giving positive reports.
Anthony Patterson said he found Morgan County Archives to be a good source of historic information on the school and made arrangements with the director to provide the committee with scanned copies of old school-related photos.
Faye Walker reported that the Morgan County School System is in the process of publishing a historical booklet based on the history of county schools and expects to receive some of the material used about Morgan County High School in return for the loan of such materials from her personal collection.
Ruth Cain gave a report on locating the names and whereabouts of former school principals and shared some of the memorabilia she and her husband J.P. have in their personal collection.
HHS Principal Jeff Hyche said the school is making plans for a centennial celebration in conjunction with the annual homecoming football game in October.