Over the years the students have shown their feelings toward the building in many ways. At a time when it was fashionable to write graffiti on walls and to vandalize schools, Glenbard West’s building generally escaped that trend. The school has experienced very little defacing of the building or grounds. Further, the students have shown a respect for the many art works posted in the building.
Graduating Classes have left class gifts that have enhanced the building and campus. The GLENBARD WEST sign on the front hill, (show on right), wrought iron gates to the Circle drive, Senior Circle, stained glass Windows above the library entrance, in the front stairwell and the fourth-floor lobby, trees in front of Biester gym, clocks and pictures, floor mural in the auditorium lobby, and benches and lighting by the Victory Bell have all come from classes who wanted to leave a lasting gift to their school.
The Victory Bell, shown below in a 2017 photo and in a 1971 yearbook picture, was a gift from the1960 and 1966 graduating classes. Original invoices show that….MORE HERE.
The picture on the right features Principal Sheahan in 1971—his last year as principal.
An extensive restoration for the Victory Bell began in 2017.
Graduating Classes have left class gifts that have enhanced the building and campus. The GLENBARD WEST sign on the front hill, (show on right), wrought iron gates to the Circle drive, Senior Circle, stained glass Windows above the library entrance, in the front stairwell and the fourth-floor lobby, trees in front of Biester gym, clocks and pictures, floor mural in the auditorium lobby, and benches and lighting by the Victory Bell have all come from classes who wanted to leave a lasting gift to their school.
The Victory Bell, shown below in a 2017 photo and in a 1971 yearbook picture, was a gift from the1960 and 1966 graduating classes. Original invoices show that….MORE HERE.
The picture on the right features Principal Sheahan in 1971—his last year as principal.
An extensive restoration for the Victory Bell began in 2017.
The Castle needs repairs
With its striking architecture and its setting on the hill overlooking Lake Ellyn, Glenbard West is one of the most attractive high school campuses in the nation. If any building can be loved by its inhabitants, it would be "The Castle on the Hill." It, therefore, merits special mention in the history of the school.
To those who occupy the building for any length of time, however, it often exhibits a malevolent personality. After climbing the steep Honeysuckle Hill to get to the building, there were times when teachers, staff, and students were often greeted with leaking roofs, falling ceilings, extremes in temperature, and bees. The Glenbard West teachers were rarely surprised or flustered by any unusual event; they learned endurance, fortitude and patience.. |
During the late 1960’s the District spent over $2,000,000 in plumbing, electrical work, and heating, much of which remained unnoticed. It was not until the renovation of the auditorium that any discernible aesthetic improvement was seen, and that simply called attention to the appearance of the rest of the building. The charm of West at this time was exterior, the interior was decidedly unattractive
The track fails to perform, Dist. 87 wins lawsuit
In the Summer of 1973, it was discovered that the laminated beams in Biester Gym were separating, causing the outside walls to bow out. The beams had to be filled with epoxy and steel reinforcement rods added, a task that took nine months and $200,000 to complete. Physical Education Classes were cancelled, and athletic contests were held at the other Glenbards. A Life-Safety bond issue in 1973 made it possible to replace the cinder and water track with a new and untried surface by 3-M, and to improve the football field after raising the entire field area by four feet.
The work was not completed in time, however, and the football team had to play its games at Glenbard South. The Homecoming bonfire, which had been revived in 1972, was held in the unpaved school parking lot. The "new" track was used for one season when long strips of the surfacing began peeling away, and the track was "closed" for three years pending the results of litigation against 3-M.
The work was not completed in time, however, and the football team had to play its games at Glenbard South. The Homecoming bonfire, which had been revived in 1972, was held in the unpaved school parking lot. The "new" track was used for one season when long strips of the surfacing began peeling away, and the track was "closed" for three years pending the results of litigation against 3-M.
The east side of Honeysuckle Hill and the Science Wing
The school also faced the possibility of having three close neighbors on the hill immediately east of the library when the owner of the land announced plans to develop his property. The Board of Education purchased the land to prevent such a move and soon after, the botanical garden was born. The garden became reality in 1987, though the more developed plans remained in blueprint form only.
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That area eventually became used for the 2016 science wing, pictured above. Some citizens tried to thwart the building of the wing due to the trees that would be destroyed with the construction. This effort, however, came at the 11th hour. In the end, construction began--and was completed--on time. Classes met in the new science wing in August 2016.
Beth Humphreys adds terra cotta bas relief to hallway
Pictured above in black and white, Beth Humpreys' terra cotta installation in the 1987 Pinnacle.
At left, Beth creates her bas relief—taken from the 1976 Pinnacle. Said Beth in a 2018 email, “I loved going to Glenbard West. Mr. Dugoplowski and Mr. DeVeau were AMAZING teachers. I put my heart and soul into that mural. I paid tribute to Mark Stang who had passed, as Hamlet, I am in there as the artist and a good friend of mine, Chris Gies was the juggler. It was HEAVY!” While some people think of it as ceramic, it is actually terra cotta clay. The project took her 250 hours to complete. |
Clark Tate adds theatre mural to 4th floor
The following is from Clarke Tate’s obituary, Wilson Funeral Home:
Clarke W. Tate passed on July 12, 2014 around 4:45 PM. His private plane went down moments after takeoff from the Limington Airport. He was born in Chicago on April 7, 1962 to Don Tate and Marilyn Tate. He graduated from Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn, IL, Class of 1980. Went to Art School and worked many years in the art field before becoming a pilot. He graduated from Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach, FL. He last worked for Maine Aviation flying charter in private jets. His passion was planes and he was a member of the EAA and AOPA.
Clarke W. Tate passed on July 12, 2014 around 4:45 PM. His private plane went down moments after takeoff from the Limington Airport. He was born in Chicago on April 7, 1962 to Don Tate and Marilyn Tate. He graduated from Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn, IL, Class of 1980. Went to Art School and worked many years in the art field before becoming a pilot. He graduated from Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach, FL. He last worked for Maine Aviation flying charter in private jets. His passion was planes and he was a member of the EAA and AOPA.
Beautification and vandalism
Bricks from the original building were sold as school memorabilia for $3 each and the resulting profit, along with donations from many school clubs, made possible the planting of 40 trees. The Firley Room, 428, was converted into the Alumni Room, and soon after the Alumni Association was formed for the purpose of "preserving the history and heritage of Glenbard High School." The Association compiled a list of 1,000 alumni names and addresses and collected much of the memorabilia now in the room. The association existed for only three years, but in that time, they did much to kindle interest in the class reunions which have become a popular annual event.
Progress toward enriching the appearance of the building was slowed somewhat in the Fall of 1975 when two boys, both one-time Glenbard West students, broke into the building and caused over $25,000 damage to the library, science rooms, cafeteria, and kitchen. A benevolent court system did not cause either boy to make any restitution or to spend any time in jail, but Glenbard West’s insurance rates went up.
Progress toward enriching the appearance of the building was slowed somewhat in the Fall of 1975 when two boys, both one-time Glenbard West students, broke into the building and caused over $25,000 damage to the library, science rooms, cafeteria, and kitchen. A benevolent court system did not cause either boy to make any restitution or to spend any time in jail, but Glenbard West’s insurance rates went up.
"No Swimming," says voters.
An opportunity to add to the physical plant and to extend the program was lost when the voters of Glen Ellyn defeated a 1975 Park District bond issue of $1.1 million to build a swimming pool adjoining Biester Gym. In an unusual move, the major taxing bodies of Glen Ellyn had cooperated to provide a badly needed community and school facility. The Village Board was to donate $400,000 they had received from the Federal government for recreational use, the District was to provide the land for the building, provide parking, and pay 55% of the operating costs, and the Park District would propose the bond issue and operate the pool. Additional cost to the average home owner in Glen Ellyn would have been about $6.25 a year. The pool would have been used less than half of the time by the schools and the remainder of the time by the public. A vigorous campaign which featured over 100 coffee presentations in all parts of Glen Ellen was not successful in selling the proposal.
It was defeated in every precinct.
It was defeated in every precinct.
Graduation moves to Duchon Field
The Bicentennial Year was a brighter one for the "Castle." The state approved a proposal to enlarge the library, the first major renovation since 1971; a completely new heating system; and bleachers for the football field. However, a badly needed proposal to increase the building fund was defeated. Also, during the 1976 school year, there was a brief debate on whether graduating seniors should wear red, white, and blue graduation gowns to celebrate America’s Bicentennial. In the end, this idea was abandoned and graduation went on with the traditional graduation gown colors: Glenbard green and white. Students asked if the graduation could be held outside on the football field, but the request was denied, and the graduation was held in Biester Gymnasium.
The first graduation to be held on Duchon Football Field occurred in 19XX. With its gorgeous view of Lake Ellyn, every effort has been made to hold graduation outdoors.
The bleachers and press box were completed and a year later the Board of Education, with significant financial help from the Boosters Club, added a concession Stand, toilets, and team room. The old multicolored radiators which had operated on four different systems were removed and, at a cost of $900,000, students, staff, and faculty could enjoy some uniformity in heat. Lockers were repainted, the suit with 3-M settled, and a new track was installed in 1977.
The replacement of the leaded windows, which were part of the original building, and which had been made in England, caused a minor flap in the community. People were afraid the school would lose its unique appearance as the windows were a part of its charm and character. They were attractive but also drafty and inefficient. All fears were stilled when Thermopane windows which simulated leaded panes were installed. Many of the original windows were sold to interested patrons (probably the same ones who purchased bricks) and the money was put into more trees.
The first graduation to be held on Duchon Football Field occurred in 19XX. With its gorgeous view of Lake Ellyn, every effort has been made to hold graduation outdoors.
The bleachers and press box were completed and a year later the Board of Education, with significant financial help from the Boosters Club, added a concession Stand, toilets, and team room. The old multicolored radiators which had operated on four different systems were removed and, at a cost of $900,000, students, staff, and faculty could enjoy some uniformity in heat. Lockers were repainted, the suit with 3-M settled, and a new track was installed in 1977.
The replacement of the leaded windows, which were part of the original building, and which had been made in England, caused a minor flap in the community. People were afraid the school would lose its unique appearance as the windows were a part of its charm and character. They were attractive but also drafty and inefficient. All fears were stilled when Thermopane windows which simulated leaded panes were installed. Many of the original windows were sold to interested patrons (probably the same ones who purchased bricks) and the money was put into more trees.
The Elliott Library
In 1978, Glenbard West had a new library, complete with a classroom, larger A-V area, isolated stacks, seating for 200 students, and a stained-glass window over the entrance. In June 1987, the library was named the "Robert D. Elliott Library" in honor of the retiring principal.
At right, Dr. Elliott poses with his portrait. The painting now hangs in the Elliott Library. |
District 87 offices move out of Glenbard West
For many years the District offices, housing the superintendent, business manager, and record keeping had been located in the west end of the first floor. (See picture of first floor, left, as it appeared in 2017) This area also served as the meeting room for the Board of Education. It has been evident for some time that this space was totally inadequate for a growing and increasingly sophisticated school district and the move to the present offices on Roosevelt Road was made in the Summer of 1977.
Their removal gave West an opportunity to gain some much-needed space. Work on renovation of the area began in 1977 and continued over the next year. The completed project included rooms for a rapidly expanding program in Special Education, driver education classroom and a simulator laboratory.
Another Life-Safety proposal for 4.4 million dollars to bring all of the Glenbard High Schools into compliance with the newest state safety requirements was approved in January 1984. Fire partitions were erected at each stairwell, smoke and fire alarms were added, fire-resistant carpeting installed, and an elevator was added over a three-year period. A plan to move Radio WGHS to the Park District building in the old Main Street School was found to be too expensive, however, and they had to remain in the tower at Glenbard West after extensive improvements were made.
After so many years and so much effort and money, the building had become quite attractive. Its malevolence was to manifest itself one more time, however, perhaps as a farewell gesture to the retiring principal.
Another Life-Safety proposal for 4.4 million dollars to bring all of the Glenbard High Schools into compliance with the newest state safety requirements was approved in January 1984. Fire partitions were erected at each stairwell, smoke and fire alarms were added, fire-resistant carpeting installed, and an elevator was added over a three-year period. A plan to move Radio WGHS to the Park District building in the old Main Street School was found to be too expensive, however, and they had to remain in the tower at Glenbard West after extensive improvements were made.
After so many years and so much effort and money, the building had become quite attractive. Its malevolence was to manifest itself one more time, however, perhaps as a farewell gesture to the retiring principal.
Teacher, Ms. Finley, saves lives as ceiling caves in
On September 5, 1988, the ceiling in room 326 suddenly let loose and several tons of plaster and debris dropped. There was a class in the room but the quick action of teacher Ms. Claudia Finley had cleared them out seconds before the collapse. The rails holding the ceiling to the wooden beams had simply let loose; and, while no other ceilings came down, the other 27 rooms in the original wing had the same sort of construction. Amid rumors and considerable media coverage, school was closed for several days while the ceilings were re-anchored.
Class gifts enhance school's beauty
Over the years the students have shown their feelings toward the building in many ways. At a time when it was fashionable to write graffiti on walls and to vandalize schools, Glenbard West’s building generally escaped that trend. The school has experienced very little defacing of the building or grounds. Further, the students have shown a respect for the many art works posted in the building.
Graduating Classes have left class gifts that have enhanced the building and campus. The GLENBARD WEST sign on the front hill, (show at left), wrought iron gates to the Circle drive, Senior Circle, stained glass Windows above the library entrance, in the front stairwell and the fourth-floor lobby, trees in front of Biester gym, clocks and pictures, floor mural in the auditorium lobby, and benches and lighting by the Victory Bell have all come from classes who wanted to leave a lasting gift to their school. |
The Victory Bell undergoes major renovation
The Victory Bell, shown at left in a 2017 photo and in a 1971 yearbook picture, was a gift from the1960 and 1966 graduating classes.
The black and white picture at left features Principal Sheahan in 1971—his last year as principal.
An extensive restoration for the Victory Bell began in 2017.
The black and white picture at left features Principal Sheahan in 1971—his last year as principal.
An extensive restoration for the Victory Bell began in 2017.
Room 400 becomes writing center, features Walgren's murals
Room 400 was used as a classroom until the fall of 2016 when it was converted into a writing center. As the 2016-17 English Department attempted to turn room 400 into a writing center, one English teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Fritts, asked her student, Louie Wahlgren, if he had an Uncle Chris. He said that he did not, but that he did have an Aunt Chris. After confirming that she was the very same Chris Wahlgren that painted the mural, we were able to contact her via email.
What follows (on the next page) is an email written by Chris Wahlgren. It is reprinted here, with her permission.
May 31, 2017
For the gifted program in 1983-84 with Miss Carroll, we were each asked to do a big project. I had Miss Dill's British Literature class in Room 400 that year, but the mural in the room at that time was unfinished -- I think it might have been the Canterbury Tales or something else set out in the woods. I decided to do a new mural as my project.
My mom and I painted it over my spring break junior year using acrylic paint. It was an ambitious project for me, especially since I hadn't used acrylic paint much before. I was originally going to make a long row of figures looking over the classroom like in some Renaissance murals I'd researched, but my mom suggested cutting down the number of figures so it wouldn't take as long to paint.
My mom, Kay Wahlgren, is an artist who teaches watercolor at the DuPage Art League, so she helped me plan things out and showed me how to mix the paints. We decided to mimic the Gothic look of the school's exterior in the mural. My mom painted the arches and bricks, and I sketched out and painted the figures. It took about five days to paint the whole thing, and we were pretty sore from standing on ladders and painting over our heads. The hardest part was figuring out how to paint the knight's armor to look like shiny metal.
What follows (on the next page) is an email written by Chris Wahlgren. It is reprinted here, with her permission.
May 31, 2017
For the gifted program in 1983-84 with Miss Carroll, we were each asked to do a big project. I had Miss Dill's British Literature class in Room 400 that year, but the mural in the room at that time was unfinished -- I think it might have been the Canterbury Tales or something else set out in the woods. I decided to do a new mural as my project.
My mom and I painted it over my spring break junior year using acrylic paint. It was an ambitious project for me, especially since I hadn't used acrylic paint much before. I was originally going to make a long row of figures looking over the classroom like in some Renaissance murals I'd researched, but my mom suggested cutting down the number of figures so it wouldn't take as long to paint.
My mom, Kay Wahlgren, is an artist who teaches watercolor at the DuPage Art League, so she helped me plan things out and showed me how to mix the paints. We decided to mimic the Gothic look of the school's exterior in the mural. My mom painted the arches and bricks, and I sketched out and painted the figures. It took about five days to paint the whole thing, and we were pretty sore from standing on ladders and painting over our heads. The hardest part was figuring out how to paint the knight's armor to look like shiny metal.
I graduated in 1985 and majored in English Lit at Carleton College, graduating in 1989. I got my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science in 2010 and now work as a reference librarian. Glenbard West prepared me well for college, and I still like walking down by Lake Ellyn and seeing the school on the hill.
Sincerely, Christine Wahlgren Edison |