Hillside and Douglas in 1957
This was the big year. It was the year we started high school. East High was bursting at the seams. We had 2,790 students in three grades, although that was down from the previous year due to the opening of Southeast that same year. Our sophomore class had approximately 1,000 of us. Boeing Wichita had 29,400 employees. Wichita, like most of the rest of the nation, was still enjoying its post–World War II boom with construction starting or being authorized at St. Francis Hospital, for the new County Courthouse, at Wichita University for a new Campus Activities Center and at many, varied locations in and around Wichita.
Sputnik soared into the skies causing great concern internationally. Nationally, there was great concern about the riots at Little Rock High School caused by an effort to integrate the school. President Eisenhower tried to calm the nation on both issues, but it took the National Guard to bring the Little Rock situation under control, and NASA, first authorized in 1958, was our nation’s answer to the Sputnik launch.
Many of us who entered Wichita High School East in 1957 found our future life paths influenced by the technology of the space race and/or by the sociology of the equal rights movement.
In the meantime, we were starting to drive, listening to the latest pop music on our car radios (Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many more), attending the sock hops of our day and trying to figure out the boy/girl thing.
At East High, the halls were filled with enthusiastic voices and an infinite number of exciting opportunities seemed to exist. Boys could choose among many varsity sports. Any of us could choose to study Spanish, German, French or Latin. The opportunities in Math and Science were so numerous that making decisions was difficult. Drama and ‘real’ music appealed to many in our class. There were numerous clubs to join where one could talk with others who shared the same interests. The number of choices contributed to the anticipation, and unease, we felt as we began our journey into the East High educational system.
And, do not forget, we had the large and wonderful cafeteria, which was a source of fine cinnamon rolls (and other fare) as well as a great place to catch up on the latest school gossip and occasionally engage in a brief food fight.
Dan Tontz Things I remember from my first year at East: Trying to find a ride to school and back home. Usually I got a ride to school with my dad who worked downtown. But a ride home after school was a problem. Sometimes I walked. Sometimes I got a ride with an older student who had a license and a car. But it was a daily hit or miss thing.
Yes, it was a big school with multiple buildings and entrances that made it confusing at first. Some of my best and longtime friends I first met in my sophomore year. I wish more of them were still alive.
When I entered East, I already knew a number of guys a year older than I was who played in the dance band with me. Already knowing them made it easier for me to adjust to a new school.
I did try to hold onto my friends from Robinson Intermediate School, but about half of them went to Southeast due to redistricting. So it was a great opportunity to meet new people. Up to this point I had lived a protected life. So my education was broadened as I met people from other ethnic groups and income levels. That certainly helped me later on in life.
I did find a report card in my scrapbook. Chemistry was my least favorite course. I studied hard, but it was all new to me. I consider myself lucky to have made a “gentlemen’s C.” Thank you, Mr. Bobula.
Editor’s Note: What do you remember about entering East High in 1957? Either add a comment below or send your recollections to one or all of us: mbellert@niu.edu, ddzinn@aol.com, ftelder@wisc.edu.
This is the fourth story in a series on important years in our lives: 1942, 1948, 1954, and 1957. Click on the underlined date to read classmates’ stories about those watershed years.
