Cleveland Heights High School 1901-1966 page 4
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Although world affairs demanded much thought and attention, the students of Heights High in this era felt the need for student government, and so a Student Council was organized. The purposes of this organization were to bridge the gap between the faculty and the students, to conduct student assemblies, to obtain the opinions of students on matters of importance, and to discuss and remedy conditions in the school where necessary.

Many of the athletic teams now in existence at Heights have their origin deep in the history of the school. The 1908 "Annual" boasts the first photographs of the football team.

1918 marked the first year that Heights had a real basketball team. "We have not been able to defeat any of the strong city teams," read a B & G article, "but at least we have held our own with teams of smaller schools. . . The principal reason for most of our defeats has been lack of team work. . . In our last game the teamwork was a great deal better, but it will have to improve much more if we wish to compete on even terms with the city high schools."

First football team

One of the first football games.

By 1920, sports were really taking firm hold of student extra curricular activity. On February 18, the B & G printed this article: "At last Heights is to be recognized to athletics. . . Members of our school will join in Athletic Meets with members of such schools as Lakewood, Shaw, and University. . . As this is the first time that a Swimming Team has been formed, we are sure that it will be a success. . ."

On March 19 of the same year, this was printed: "Line up for the first game, fans! Heights is going to have a real baseball team for the first time. . . let us attend ever y game, and give the team the most hearty support that is in us. . ."

Extra-curricular activities, clubs and organizations have had a finger on Heights' heartbeats from our school's earliest days.

Glee Club - 1908

Mr. Charles A. Tilden retired in July of 1915, after having served as superintendent since 1904, and Mr. James W. McLane took over the post in September. At this time a new modern high school was being constructed adjacent to the present high school. This building was to house Cleveland Heights High School Students until 1926.

By June, 1920, several new clubs had come into existence. The Friendship Club, a group of students who planned social functions; The Outing Club: The prominent Dramatic Club whose performances added consistent color to student life; the Debating Club, whose heated arguments involved topics such as "Resolved; that drivers of motor-car vehicles be required to take examinations and receive licenses to prove their ability to drive," or Resolved; that the government should appropriate $4,000,000 for the construction of aircraft and the training of men to operate them." The Wireless Club was established in January 1922, with the understanding that if enough boys were interested the Board of Education would furnish a receiving set; the Garden Club whose object was "to promote the interest in gardening and nature and to have an occasional picnic in the woods;" the Junior Scientific Club who proposed to "put up their own radio station" and have the use of the school lab; and on December 3, 1920 the B & G announced the formation of a school orchestra of an appreciable size.

Banjo Club

The following comment appeared in the paper: "Of course we must not expect to hear an elaborate symphony concert for several weeks, but we have a good hope of being entertained at some future assembly by this new school organization, and we wait for that time with impatience."

In the fall of 1920 Mr. C. D. Burtt became the second principal of Heights High. Mr. Burtt remained as principal until 1924 when he was replaced by Mr. E. E. Morley.

Because of the fatal influenza epidemic of 1919 courses in Red Cross were added to the list of extra - curricular opportunities for girls. It was hoped that these courses would give the student an insight into the "character" of nurses' work and to test their ability for the profession.

The first orchestra

In the fall of 1921 the B & G was serving the student body to its fullest capacity. As a matter of fact, their attempts to print articles of both a newsworthy and a creative quality forced them to burst at the margins. The students decided that a publication designed expressly for creative literary and artistic endeavor, as well as a compact record for graduating seniors was necessary. In November, 1921 the decision was reached to produce an annual yearbook. Group pictures of classes, athletic teams, clubs, cartoons and art, photographic views of the building and candid shots of the students were all to be included to this special volume. "Boost the Annual!" was the cry. "Make it a permanent part of our school in future years." The campaign succeeded, the staff was selected and work on early Caldrons was begin.

Mr. J. W. McLane's eight year tenure as superintendent ended in July, 1923, and Mr. Frank L. Wiley took office in September to begin what was to be an outstanding career as superintendent.

Heights High 1915 - 1926

Miss Helen Wallace selected ten outstanding girls in 1924 to work with her in order to bind the girls of Heights High into a closer circle. This was the beginning of the Girls' Cabinet. Two of its important services were: (1) to promote friendship and happiness among the girls and (2) to sponsor general social affairs involving girls. This organization was one of the first of its nature in the country.

The prologue was complete: Heights High School had carved its name into the minds of America's educators as a great and growing endeavor. The adventure, however, had just begun.