12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Schools
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of WeGo History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12, so each day we are sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series is also in conjunction with our preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
For much of our early lives, schools are where we spend our days, shape our identities, and learn who we are in the world. They are more than buildings, they’re communities within communities.
Whether it’s the smell of the cafeteria, the sound of lockers slamming shut, or the memory of a favorite teacher, schools stay with us. Often fondly. Sometimes not.
These artifacts from West Chicago’s schools give us a window into the educational experiences of generations past and show how learning has always played a critical role in the American story, especially as we mark 250 years of education in the United States.
Photograph of the Northside of the School with Irma Roundy's class standing at the entrance
Football helmet, leather; "W.C.H.S." painted across front, "ROUNDY" across back, "24" on sides, skull and cross bones on top, "ROUNDY" in green across top. Helmet belonged to Charles W. Roundy, Class of 1924, West Chicago High School
Class photo, Showing individual portraits of students in Mr. Sezwick's Class at Washington Junior High School. Grade 7, 1957-1958. The photos are all identified beneath in pen. Row 1: Don Sprague, Judy Turner, Ken Schlueter, Bev Timm, Bill Thime, Sharon Rothstein, Jim Vidlak Row 2: Steve Vescellus, Annie Zorate, Jerry Westrom, Mr. Sezwick, Christine Vontreese, Reed Simmons Row 3: Ilona Pinzke, Freddy Schnitker, Richard Smith, Patsy Simpson, Wayne Rassmussen Row 4: Beverly Saule, Dick Sharp, Jim Stevens, Dave Schact, Judy Vantreese, Neil Ronzheumer, Bob Estrada
White glass cup for class reunion “Class of '61/WE GO/Ten-Year Reunion"
West Chicago High School basketball magnet
Photograph, Turner Elementary School Grade 2 1969-1970. Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Carlson are the teachers. Shows 28 individual portraits arranged in 5 rows; one for each teacher and 26 of Students. Top center has photo of the teacher and in two 2 center is a dark photo of the school. The photos are identified by names handwritten in blue pen. From top, Left to right: Row 1 Judy Macintosh [sb Judy McIntosh], Mrs. C., Mr. C. [shows portrait of older female teacher], Doug Seiver [sb Severe]. Row 2: Dan Smothers, Julie Janus [sb Janaes], John Galloway, Sherrie, Mark Benson, Karin Moore [sb Karen]. row 3: Diane Sallis, Tommy Hahn, Becky Butts, Jim Lorman. Row 4: Larry Poier [sb Poirier], Craig Walker, Marie Garcia, Allen Murphy [sb Alan Murphy], Tonie Detenty, Kathy Allen, Scott Wayne Kaste. Row 5: John Andrews, Jim Potterela [sb Potirala], Patty Kim, Dan Zieckie [sb Zieche], Randy Davis, Heidi Morma, Todd Heindrick.
Class photo collage, color, reads "Indian Knoll School, B. Ward, Principal, STAFF 1776 Bicentennial 1976". 31 individual photos laid out in 5 rows; Blair Ward is center on the middle row. Left side of the photo has perforations for a comb binding. Row 1: unknown, Sue Leslie, Mrs. White, unknown, Mrs. Liebezeit, unknown, Mrs. Creedle Row 2: Mrs. Lefley, unknown, unknown, unknown Row 3: unknown, unknown, unknown, Blair Ward, unknown, unknown, Mrs. Gent Row 4: unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown (possibly Mrs Lehman), unknown Row 5: unknown, unknown, "Mr. Pete", unknown, unknown, Mr. Dedera, Barb Newlin, Miss Gilbertson
Program, "Gary Elementary School Dedication of 1987 Building Addition" October 31, 1987. Half Sheet textured off white paper with black print. Lists Board of Education, Central Office Administration and the Elementary school staff. Total cost was of addition was budgeted at $430,000
Wooden plaque with black metal plates edged in gold attached. The plaque commemorated "These Individuals Have Devoted Their Lives To The Students Of Lincoln School May 11, 1990."
Want to explore more West Chicago artifacts on your own? Check out our online artifact database where we upload recently digitized items every month!
