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Fenger High School Records

Descriptive Summary

Repository
Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center
Title
Fenger High School Records
Source
Fenstemacher, Beryl Proctor (Teacher)
Identifier
spe.nhrc.fhs
Size
5 Linear Feet in 10 boxes (including 28 photographs), plus 1 oversize folder
Dates
1925-1987
Abstract
The Fenger High School Records are comprised of three major formats: numerous copies of the school yearbook, the Fenger Courier, which in its early years was published twice yearly; photographs taken at a 1946 school dance; and three scrapbooks put together by Mrs. Fenstemacher throughout her career as English teacher at Fenger High School.
Language
English .

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Transferred from the Pullman Branch Library in 1982, funded by the Dr. Scholl Foundation. Additional yearbooks and items were donated by various donors over time.

Custodial History

This collection was gathered together by members of the student body and faculty throughout the 1930s-1960s. The largest addition to the collection was the donation of scrapbooks and various editions of the school yearbook, Fenger Courier, by Mrs. Beryl Fenstemacher, English teacher at Fenger High School, 1956-1970.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Fenger High School Records [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library.

Biographical / Historical

Fenger High School, formerly called Curtis High School, first opened in 1903 as a branch of Curtis Elementary School and was located on the corner of 115th and S. State streets. Both elementary and high schools shared a principal, and total enrollment numbered only 80 students.

In 1905, the high school was placed on the accredited list of Chicago schools. Three years later, the first class, consisting of only thirteen students, was graduated. In 1910, in honor of the noted surgeon, the school was renamed the Christian Fenger High School.

As student enrollment and faculty members increased, it was evident that the old structure was no longer adequate to meet the needs of the growing body. Construction began on a larger, modern facility, and in 1926, the new building at the present site of W. 112th and S. Wallace streets was completed.

Throughout its history, Fenger High School has had a long tradition of school and community involvement by the student body. Student participation in the many activities of the school's clubs and organizations is reflected in the material that comprises the collection.

Scope and Contents

The collection is comprised of three major formats: numerous copies of the school yearbook, the Fenger Courier, which in its early years was published twice yearly; photographs taken at a 1946 school dance; and three scrapbooks put together by Mrs. Fenstemacher throughout her career as English teacher at Fenger High School.

The 28 photographs of a dance for Fenger High School students at the Shoreland Hotel, E. 55th Street and S. Lakeshore Drive, on January 10, 1946, are entirely unidentified, and consist of three types of shots: individual couples, posed; multiple couples, posed; and candid photographs taken on the dance floor.

The scrapbooks contain photographs of students and faculty at various school and social events. Also included are announcements, invitations and programs relating to the activities of the school. The scrapbooks clearly reflect the active role Mrs. Fenstemacher played in the activities of her students on a professional as well as social level.

Also present are one issue of the student newspaper, The Fenger News, an anniversary brochure written by staff and faculty members on the tenth anniversary of occupancy of the present school building, reunion programs and a football schedule.

Arrangement

The items are arranged alphabetically.

Related Materials

  • Calumet Region Community Collection, especially Photograph 1.239 showing the groundbreaking ceremony for Fenger High School, 1924.
  • Some volumes of the Fenger Courier are held at the Vivian G. Harsh Collection.
  • Fernwood Methodist Church, Fenstemacher Scrapbooks

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Indexed Terms

Inventory

Box 1
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1925 January
Box 1
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1925 June
Box 1
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1926 February
Box 1
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1926 June
Box 1
Folder 5
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1927
Box 1
Folder 6
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1928 February
Box 1
Folder 7
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1928 June
Box 1
Folder 8
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1929 June
Box 1
Folder 9
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1930 February
Box 1
Folder 10
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1934 June
Box 1
Folder 11
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1935 January
Box 2
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1935 June
Box 2
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1936 January
Box 2
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1936 June
Box 2
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1937 January
Box 2
Folder 5
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1938 June
Box 2
Folder 6
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1939 January
Box 2
Folder 7
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1939 June
Box 7
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1941 January
Box 7
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1941 June
Box 7
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1942 January
Box 7
Folder 5
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1942 June
Box 7
Folder 6
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1943 January
Box 8
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1943 June
Box 8
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1944 January
Box 8
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1944 June
Box 8
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1945 January
Box 8
Folder 5
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1945 June
Box 8
Folder 6
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1946 January
Box 8
Folder 7
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1946 June
Box 9
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1947 January
Box 2
Folder 10
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1949
Box 3
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1950
Box 3
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1951
Box 9
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1952
Box 3
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1954
Box 3
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1956
Box 3
Folder 5
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1957
Box 4
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1957
Box 4
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1959
Box 4
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1960
Box 4
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1961
Box 5
Folder 1
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1962
Box 5
Folder 2
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1963
Box 5
Folder 3
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1964
Box 5
Folder 4
Title
Fenger Courier
Dates
1965
Box 10
Photograph 1.1
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.2
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.3
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.4
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.5
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.6
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.7
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.8
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.9
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.1
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.11
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.12
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.13
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.14
Title
Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.15
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.16
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.17
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.18
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.19
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.2
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.21
Title
Fenger High School dance, multiple couples
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.22
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.23
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.24
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.25
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.26
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.27
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Box 10
Photograph 1.28
Title
Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene
Dates
1946
Oversize Folder 1
Title
Fenger News
Dates
1951 November 9
Box 9
Folder 3
Title
Football schedule
Dates
1944
Box 5
Folder 5
Title
History of Fenger
Dates
1903-1936
Box 5
Folder 5
Title
PTA Yearbooks
Dates
1943-1944, 1959-1960
Box 9
Folder 4
Title
Reunion Program, 35 Year
Dates
1977 October 29
Box 9
Folder 5
Title
Reunion Program, 40 Year
Dates
1987 April 25
Box 6
Folder 1
Title
Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book I
Dates
1952-1956
Box 6
Folder 2
Title
Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book II
Dates
1967-1969
Box 7
Folder 1
Title
Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book III
Dates
1969-1972