Description: This postcard shows a view of Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio ca. 1911. When this school building first opened its doors (1910), it had some of the most modern facilities of its time, including flush toilets, central heating, a 1,100-seat auditorium, two gymnasiums, and two swimming pools. Other notable features were 12 rare Rookwood Pottery drinking fountains from the early 1900s and stained-glass windows of the same period located in the main entryway. The largest of these was a memorial mural entitled "The Landing of William Woodward at Cincinnati in Fall of 1791.” In 1827 leather tanner William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife, Abigail Cutter, provided land and a trust to pay for a free grammar school that would educate poor boys. The growth of Cincinnati’s public school system around 1829 caused the Woodwards to re-evaluate their goals for the school. They purchased additional land and built a private secondary institution, Woodward High School, the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened in October 1831 in a two-story brick building on Franklin Street in the city’s Bond Hill neighborhood. In 1836 a new collegiate department began sharing the facility. The school continued to grow, and with a few years, construction of a new facility was underway. Around 1850, however, the growth of public schools affected Woodward’s ability to survive financially as a private institution. To save money the trustees suspended the high school’s operation, but in 1851 the financial situation forced them to close the college as well. Rather than closing the high school altogether (especially with a new building on the horizon), the board of trustees reinstated the high school but merged it with the Cincinnati public school system. The new facility, designed by John R. Hamilton in the English Gothic style, opened in 1855 at the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street. In 1860 the remains of William and Abigail Woodward were interred in a stone vault on the school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance; a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. The 1855 school was razed and replaced in 1910 by the building seen in the photograph: a new five-story brick, stone, and terra cotta structure designed by local architect Gustav Brach in the Second Renaissance Revival style. President William Howard Taft, who graduated from Woodward High School in 1874, laid the cornerstone of this building, located at 1310 Sycamore Street. When Woodward High School moved to a new facility in 1953, this building became Abigail Cutter Junior High School (also known as Cutter). In addition to William Taft, notable people associated with Woodward High School include Dr. Joseph Ray, principal, 1851-1855, author of several popular mathematics texts; and Professor William McGuffey, author of the well-known readers and spellers. The site is also linked to the Underground Railroad. From 1856 to 1863 Levi Coffin and his wife, Catharine, lived in a house built by Woodward on this site in 1832. Both Levi and Catharine were legendary abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. Levi is often referred to as the "President of the Underground Railroad.” View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06020
Subjects: Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Postcards; Education; Architecture
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: A view of Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, ca. 1911. When this school building first opened its doors (1910), it had some of the most modern facilities of its time, including flush toilets, central heating, a 1,100-seat auditorium, two gymnasiums, and two swimming pools. Other notable features were 12 rare Rookwood Pottery drinking fountains from the early 1900s and stained-glass windows of the same period located in the main entryway. The largest of these was a memorial mural entitled "The Landing of William Woodward at Cincinnati in Fall of 1791.” In 1827 leather tanner William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife, Abigail Cutter, provided land and a trust to pay for a free grammar school that would educate poor boys. The growth of Cincinnati’s public school system around 1829 caused the Woodwards to re-evaluate their goals for the school. They purchased additional land and built a private secondary institution, Woodward High School, the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened in October 1831 in a two-story brick building on Franklin Street in the city’s Bond Hill neighborhood. In 1836 a new collegiate department began sharing the facility. The school continued to grow, and with a few years, construction of a new facility was underway. Around 1850, however, the growth of public schools affected Woodward’s ability to survive financially as a private institution. To save money the trustees suspended the high school’s operation, but in 1851 the financial situation forced them to close the college as well. Rather than closing the high school altogether (especially with a new building on the horizon), the board of trustees reinstated the high school but merged it with the Cincinnati public school system. The new facility, designed by John R. Hamilton in the English Gothic style, opened in 1855 at the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street. In 1860 the remains of William and Abigail Woodward were interred in a stone vault on the school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance; a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. The 1855 school was razed and replaced in 1910 by the building seen in the photograph: a new five-story brick, stone, and terra cotta structure designed by local architect Gustav Brach in the Second Renaissance Revival style. President William Howard Taft, who graduated from Woodward High School in 1874, laid the cornerstone of this building, located at 1310 Sycamore Street. When Woodward High School moved to a new facility in 1953, this building became Abigail Cutter Junior High School (also known as Cutter). In addition to William Taft, notable people associated with Woodward High School include Dr. Joseph Ray, principal, 1851-1855, author of several popular mathematics texts; and Professor William McGuffey, author of the well-known readers and spellers. The site is also linked to the Underground Railroad. From 1856 to 1863 Levi Coffin and his wife, Catharine, lived in a house built by Woodward on this site in 1832. Both Levi and Catharine were legendary abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. Levi is often referred to as the "President of the Underground Railroad.” View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06021
Subjects: Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Cincinnati Public Schools; Coffin, Levi, 1798-1877; Coffin, Abigail Nichols Worth, 1808-1860; Cultural Ohio--Education
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "Opened October 4, 1831. Woodward College (High School) First Building." William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife Abigail first started as the Woodward Free Grammar School as an effort of educated the city's poor. The growth of the public school system around 1829 caused him to reevaluate his goals for the school. Additional land was purchased, and a new school built. The Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened October 1831 in a two story brick building on Franklin Street and was the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school's thorough education caused trustee's to apply to collegiate powers, which were granted. Woodward's College Department opened January 1936, in the same building as the high school, and alumni of the school earned degrees at graduation. The school continue to grow, and by 1841, a third story was added, and plans were undertaken to construct bigger facilities, which were completed in 1855. "Old Woodward", designed by John R. Hamilton in the English - Gothic style, was located on the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street, and was one of the first buildings in America to use terracotta as exterior decoration. Around 1850, public school were continuing to grow, and it was becoming apparent that the need for the Woodward as a private institution was waning. The high school was suspended, so that the college portion of the school could survive on the remaining funds. Money ran out, however, and the College Department closed in 1851. Not wanting to close the school entirely, especially with a new building underway, the board decided reinstate the high school and joined the Cincinnati public school system later that same year, changing their name to the Cincinnati Woodward High School. In 1860, the remains of William Woodward and his wife were placed in a stone vault on school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance, to honor his dedication to the school and in 1878, a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. A new building was constructed on Sycamore Street in between 1908 to 1910. In 1950, this building became the Abigail Cutter Junior High School, and Woodward High School moved to a new building on Reading Road. From 1976 to 2010, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) used the building on Sycamore Street, which plans to move to new facilities adjacent to Cincinnati Music Hall in the fall of 2010. The future of the Sycamore Street building currently remains undecided. Notable people associated with the school include: Joseph Ray, the school's first principal, teacher of mathmatics and author a series of algebra textbooks; William McGuffy, teacher and author of many well known spellers and readers; and former U.S. President William Taft, who is an alumni (1874). It is also interesting to note that William Woodward's home was built on the site of the Sycamore Street school, in 1832 (before the school was built). The house was lived in by Henry Rucher, and early principal and teacher, and was commonly known as the Rucher House. From 1856 - 1863, Levi Coffin, "President" of the Underground Railway, and his wife Catherine, lived in this home. The home later served as the Good Samaritan Hospital for a short time, and St. Luke's Hospital, before eventually being demolished in order to build the new school, in 1907. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F13_001
Subjects: Schools--Ohio; Woodward College (Cincinnati, Ohio); Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Bond Hill (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife Abigail first started as the Woodward Free Grammar School as an effort of educated the city's poor. The growth of the public school system around 1829 caused him to reevaluate his goals for the school. Additional land was purchased, and a new school built. The Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened October 1831 in a two story brick building on Franklin Street in the Bond Hill community of Cincinnati, and was the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school's thorough education caused trustee's to apply to collegiate powers, which were granted. Woodward's College Department opened January 1936, in the same building as the high school, and alumni of the school earned degrees at graduation. The school continue to grow, and by 1841, a third story was added, and plans were undertaken to construct bigger facilities, which were completed in 1855. "Old Woodward", designed by John R. Hamilton in the English - Gothic style, was located on the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street, and was one of the first buildings in America to use terracotta as exterior decoration. Around 1850, public schools were continuing to grow, and it was becoming apparent that the need for the Woodward as a private institution was waning. The high school was suspended, so that the college portion of the school could survive on the remaining funds. Money ran out, however, and the College Department closed in 1851. Not wanting to close the school entirely, especially with a new building underway, the board decided reinstate the high school and joined the Cincinnati public school system later that same year, changing their name to the Cincinnati Woodward High School. In 1860, the remains of William Woodward and his wife were placed in a stone vault on school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance, to honor his dedication to the school and in 1878, a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. A new building was constructed on Sycamore Street in between 1908 to 1910. The Second Renaissance Revival-style structure was designed by local architect Gustav Drach. In 1950, this building became the Abigail Cutter Junior High School, and Woodward High School moved to a new building on Reading Road. From 1976 to 2010, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) used the building on Sycamore Street, which plans to move to new facilities adjacent to Cincinnati Music Hall in the fall of 2010. The future of the Sycamore Street building currently remains undecided. Notable people associated with the school include: Joseph Ray, the school's first principal, teacher of mathmatics and author a series of algebra textbooks; William McGuffy, teacher and author of many well known spellers and readers; and former U.S. President William Taft, who is an alumni (1874). It is also interesting to note that William Woodward's home was built on the site of the Sycamore Street school, in 1832 (before the school was built). The house was lived in by Henry Rucher, and early principal and teacher, and was commonly known as the Rucher House. From 1856 - 1863, Levi Coffin, "President" of the Underground Railway, and his wife Catherine, lived in this home. The home later served as the Good Samaritan Hospital for a short time, and St. Luke's Hospital, before eventually being demolished in order to build the new school, in 1907. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F13_002
Subjects: Schools--Ohio; Woodward College (Cincinnati, Ohio); Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Bond Hill (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife Abigail first started as the Woodward Free Grammar School as an effort of educated the city's poor. The growth of the public school system around 1829 caused him to reevaluate his goals for the school. Additional land was purchased, and a new school built. The Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened October 1831 in a two story brick building on Franklin Street in the Bond Hill community of Cincinnati, and was the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school's thorough education caused trustee's to apply to collegiate powers, which were granted. Woodward's College Department opened January 1936, in the same building as the high school, and alumni of the school earned degrees at graduation. The school continue to grow, and by 1841, a third story was added, and plans were undertaken to construct bigger facilities, which were completed in 1855. "Old Woodward", designed by John R. Hamilton in the English - Gothic style, was located on the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street, and was one of the first buildings in America to use terracotta as exterior decoration. Around 1850, public schools were continuing to grow, and it was becoming apparent that the need for the Woodward as a private institution was waning. The high school was suspended, so that the college portion of the school could survive on the remaining funds. Money ran out, however, and the College Department closed in 1851. Not wanting to close the school entirely, especially with a new building underway, the board decided reinstate the high school and joined the Cincinnati public school system later that same year, changing their name to the Cincinnati Woodward High School. In 1860, the remains of William Woodward and his wife were placed in a stone vault on school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance, to honor his dedication to the school and in 1878, a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. A new building was constructed on Sycamore Street in between 1908 to 1910. The Second Renaissance Revival-style structure was designed by local architect Gustav Drach. In 1950, this building became the Abigail Cutter Junior High School, and Woodward High School moved to a new building on Reading Road. From 1976 to 2010, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) used the building on Sycamore Street, which plans to move to new facilities adjacent to Cincinnati Music Hall in the fall of 2010. The future of the Sycamore Street building currently remains undecided. Notable people associated with the school include: Joseph Ray, the school's first principal, teacher of mathmatics and author a series of algebra textbooks; William McGuffy, teacher and author of many well known spellers and readers; and former U.S. President William Taft, who is an alumni (1874). It is also interesting to note that William Woodward's home was built on the site of the Sycamore Street school, in 1832 (before the school was built). The house was lived in by Henry Rucher, and early principal and teacher, and was commonly known as the Rucher House. From 1856 - 1863, Levi Coffin, "President" of the Underground Railway, and his wife Catherine, lived in this home. The home later served as the Good Samaritan Hospital for a short time, and St. Luke's Hospital, before eventually being demolished in order to build the new school, in 1907. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F13_003
Subjects: Schools--Ohio; Woodward College (Cincinnati, Ohio); Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Bond Hill (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: William Woodward (1768-1833) and his wife Abigail first started as the Woodward Free Grammar School as an effort of educated the city's poor. The growth of the public school system around 1829 caused him to reevaluate his goals for the school. Additional land was purchased, and a new school built. The Woodward High School of Cincinnati opened October 1831 in a two story brick building on Franklin Street in the Bond Hill community of Cincinnati, and was the first high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school's thorough education caused trustee's to apply to collegiate powers, which were granted. Woodward's College Department opened January 1936, in the same building as the high school, and alumni of the school earned degrees at graduation. The school continue to grow, and by 1841, a third story was added, and plans were undertaken to construct bigger facilities, which were completed in 1855. "Old Woodward", designed by John R. Hamilton in the English - Gothic style, was located on the corner of Woodward Street and Sycamore Street, and was one of the first buildings in America to use terracotta as exterior decoration. Around 1850, public schools were continuing to grow, and it was becoming apparent that the need for the Woodward as a private institution was waning. The high school was suspended, so that the college portion of the school could survive on the remaining funds. Money ran out, however, and the College Department closed in 1851. Not wanting to close the school entirely, especially with a new building underway, the board decided reinstate the high school and joined the Cincinnati public school system later that same year, changing their name to the Cincinnati Woodward High School. In 1860, the remains of William Woodward and his wife were placed in a stone vault on school grounds near the Broadway Street entrance, to honor his dedication to the school and in 1878, a monument and statue were placed over the tomb. A new building was constructed on Sycamore Street in between 1908 to 1910. The Second Renaissance Revival-style structure was designed by local architect Gustav Drach. In 1950, this building became the Abigail Cutter Junior High School, and Woodward High School moved to a new building on Reading Road. From 1976 to 2010, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) used the building on Sycamore Street, which plans to move to new facilities adjacent to Cincinnati Music Hall in the fall of 2010. The future of the Sycamore Street building currently remains undecided. Notable people associated with the school include: Joseph Ray, the school's first principal, teacher of mathmatics and author a series of algebra textbooks; William McGuffy, teacher and author of many well known spellers and readers; and former U.S. President William Taft, who is an alumni (1874). It is also interesting to note that William Woodward's home was built on the site of the Sycamore Street school, in 1832 (before the school was built). The house was lived in by Henry Rucher, and early principal and teacher, and was commonly known as the Rucher House. From 1856 - 1863, Levi Coffin, "President" of the Underground Railway, and his wife Catherine, lived in this home. The home later served as the Good Samaritan Hospital for a short time, and St. Luke's Hospital, before eventually being demolished in order to build the new school, in 1907. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F13_004
Subjects: Schools--Ohio; Woodward College (Cincinnati, Ohio); Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio); Bond Hill (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Withrow High School, Cincinnati, Ohio" Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_010_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "View of the facade to Withrow High School, Cincinnati." Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_012_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "View of the facade to Withrow High School, Cincinnati." Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_013_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Withrow High School, Cincinnati, Ohio" Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_017_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Withrow High School, Cincinnati, Ohio" Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_018_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reverse reads: "Withrow High School, Cincinnati, Ohio" Withrow High School (formerly East Side High School) is a public high school at 2520 Madison Avenue on the east side of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is part of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The school opened in 1919 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with other historic buildings in Ohio. Frederick W. Garber's firm was involved in the school's design known for its arching entry bridge, 114 foot clock tower, plantings and trees, 27 acre campus, and large sports complex. Garber also designed Walnut Hills High School, Rothenberg School and Westwood Elementary (formerly Westwood School). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B03F14_019_1
Subjects: Garber, Frederick; Cincinnati (Ohio). Withrow High School; Withrow High School; Cincinnati (Ohio). Public Schools; Cincinnati Public Schools; Public schools--Ohio--Cincinnati
Places: Cincinnati (Ohio); Hamilton County (Ohio)