The Whiting High School Clock

Al Koch
March 2023

PROLOUGE

This is about a school, a class, their teachers, and a clock. The school is Whiting Senior High School in Whiting, Indiana. The class is the Whiting High School Class of 1958, the teachers comprised the school’s faculty, and the clock is above the Oliver Street front entrance of Whiting High School.

These four entities came together to symbolize the treasure of Hometown America:  a common purpose, spirit, and bond. This story covers a span of more than one hundred years. It touches the past, calls attention to the present, and celebrates the future.

This narrative is how a random group of eighth-grade youngsters from all parts of their hometown community came together in September 1954, as high school freshmen nearly seventy years ago and allowed the chemistry and magic of friendship to bond into lifelong camaraderie. This is a story about living, growing, sharing, and learning.  It also celebrates today, yesterday, and once-upon-a-time. It’s about the people, places, and events—and it’s about time.

THE SCHOOL

The school was built, if one can believe cornerstones, in 1909.  Located on the east side of tree-lined Oliver Street adjacent to, and south of, Whiting’s Public Library. It was named Whiting High School and it is the only high school in this mile-and-a-half square, refinery-dominated, little city by the lake. Originally chartered in 1898, the first students attended classes in several small buildings in other locations during the School City’s infancy. But the school in this story concerns the majestic, red-brick, three-story structure at 1751 Oliver Street which first opened its doors to pupils in the autumn of 1910. Since that first September morning, this school has been the education home of Whiting residents for more than a century.

 In June 1911, a class of eight girls and seven boys became the first class to graduate from the newly built school. Two years later, in 1913, the school’s yearbook—THE REFLECTOR, made its debut.  But, before we get too far ahead in this story, allow a few historical sidebars and moments described by the following:

The structure of this building is quite impressive. The architectural style is known as “Dutch Colonial” which embraces some features of the Italian Renaissance but is more ornate and distinguished by overhanging eaves and peculiar Flemish brickwork. Physically, the building has 184 feet of frontage, and is 123 feet deep. It carries its two stories above the ground floor with dignity and majesty. At the top of the front entrance, high above Oliver Street, a four-foot diameter bronze clock face, with Roman numerals, was set in the masonry. However, for reasons unknown, the clock’s hands and mechanism were never installed.  

From the time of that first commencement in 1911, it would be 47 years before the class that would restore the outdoor clock, graduated.  Beyond this date—June 1958, an additional thirty years would pass until the clock restoration was complete.

What quality of school spirit engenders such loyalty? What manner of teaching is so effective, so long enduring, that thirty years after their graduation, classmates united in a common goal to express their collective appreciation for the education they received? Perhaps the answers to these questions are found by looking at the designed purpose and role of Whiting High School.

When it opened in 1910, Whiting High School became the focal point in the lives of the residents and the hub of activities for the community. For here is where students met new classmates and formed lifelong friendships. High school was “socialization headquarters” where hometown teenagers learned, made plans, enhanced knowledge, excelled in athletics, achieved academic prominence, acquired marketable skills, and developed individual talents in fine arts and scholarship.

During their tenure at Whiting High, adolescents matured. They arrived in ninth grade as “old” children, and four years later, graduated as “young adults.”  From freshmen through senior year, they refined effective study habits, became better academically prepared, more technically skilled, socially aware, and personally confident,

As the parade of seasons continued, each commencement enriched the legacy of excellence achieved by Whiting High School graduates.  Academic scholarship, award winning orchestra and band programs, and championship athletic competition added to the reputation of quality education.

Families moved to Whiting for employment and educational opportunities for their children.  Generation after generation watched their sons and daughters secure a strong footing and foundation upon which they could build, improve, enrich, and achieve. Whiting High School became the place where goals could be reached, potential developed, and feeling of belonging nurtured.

The faculty and staff at Whiting High School were outstanding. The teachers willingly gave of their time, talent, and expertise.  Highly trained, professionally skilled in pedagogical science, the faculty of Whiting High School became the showcase of education in the Calumet Region.  They taught excellence, and by their example, set high standards of achievement. Most importantly, they taught their students that learning is a lifelong process, and through hard work, dedication, perseverance, and personal effort, they controlled their destiny.  Whiting High School teachers were at the core of the educational environment that encouraged and nurtured successful learning.

A major factor contributing to student success was the school’s moderate population.  With approximately 400 students in grades 9 through 12, each classroom afforded the individual learner an adequate opportunity to express ideas, discuss lesson concepts and develop problem-solving strategies. The smaller classes also encouraged mentoring, individualized assistance, socialization, and classmate camaraderie. 

By the end of the first grading period, this new class of freshmen were well on their way to solidifying their position in school activities and events. It gave students a strong sense of belonging and identification with their school.  They were the newest Whiting Oilers. School became an integral part of the socialization process, and many a teenager “grew up” during their four years within the classrooms and hallways of Whiting High.

The preceding paragraphs describe a building that became a school, and a school that became the place where wishes, hopes, and dreams could be achieved. Bricks and mortar do not make a school any more than a house makes a home. It takes people of vision, leadership, cooperation, energy, commitment, compassion, caring, and dedicated purpose. That is the portrait of Whiting High School as we experienced it in the mid-1950s. Even though we viewed it through the idealistic rose-colored glasses of adolescence, the vision and impressions over the past 60-plus years continue to reflect the quality and meaningfulness of Whiting High School.

THE CLASS

They came from all parts of the city:  Northside, Southside, Goose Island, Stieglitz Park, and a few from out-of-town. From public grade schools and parochial parishes, they arrived and registered at the city’s only high school. For some, this was merely a continuation, a transition from eighth to ninth grade. For others, it was a beginning, a fresh start, a new adventure from the rigid parochial education discipline of being in the same classroom all day, to the more relaxed structured public high school schedule of having course work and instruction in designated classrooms.

Nothing out of the ordinary marked those first days in September 1954, as a new freshman class crossed the threshold and entered Whiting High School. Although each class projects optimism, this group of teenagers seemed as ordinary as preceding freshman classes. At this early date, there was no indication of a friendship bonding chemistry that would manifest itself and become the hallmark of a truly remarkable class.  Who were these kids?   (See 1958 Classmate list following the Epilogue).

Like countless students before them, these newly registered Whiting High freshmen were the sons and daughters of Whiting’s residents. They were the children of refinery and factory workers, blue- and white-collar employees.  These were neighborhood kids from down the block, across the street, and the other side of town. Their parents were the businesspeople, salespersons, clerks, and professionals who made up the area’s workforce. These kids attended church, went to movies, played at Whiting Park, Standard Diamonds, patronized the Community Center, and, as teenagers thoroughly enjoyed their youthful socializing activities, antics, and adventures. In September of 1954, they added one more item to their emerging resume: High School Student.

Like most high school classes, the WHS Class of 1958 held reunions over the years: 1959, 1968, 1983,1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013.  These were opportunities to renew friendship, remember youthful times, reflect, and review the past, present, and plan future endeavors.  Reunion get-togethers were also opportunities to convey heartfelt remembrance and appreciation for classmates, teachers, and administrators, living and deceased, who shared the times of their life.

Class reunions also offered the opportunity to express tangible appreciation to our school and community.   In addition to the clock restoration, several other projects were gifted to the School City concurrent with anniversary of graduation get-togethers: The Walk of Fame engraved Bricks at the Ray P. Gallivan Football Complex and the presentation of Whiting High School’s Flag. (See page 26 – THE REFLECTOR 1930.)

--Walk of Fame: “Whiting High School’s class of 1958 is celebrated its 35th anniversary of graduation by selling bricks for the school’s Walk of Fame.  Each brick cost $25.00 and will be engraved   with the name and date of graduation of the alumnus, current student, community resident, or patron of Whiting Schools.  The bricks will be used to pave the main entrance to the grandstand of the new athletic complex.”   (circa 1993)

--Whiting High School Flag: “On Class Day, the graduates of 1929 presented to Whiting High School the school flag.  It was designed by Mr. Herschel H. Griffith, Social Science Teacher. Everything on this flag is symbolic of some phase of high school life: The lamp of learning resting on the Book of Knowledge signifies the scholastic achievement in the classroom. The Latin words “Lux” meaning light, and “Veritas,” truth, import the attainment of learning in the arts and sciences. The laurel wreath and the French word “Victoire,” denoting victory, such as oratory, music, athletics, and other activities of school life. The golden ribbon with the silver letters “amici usque ad aras,” intimating “friendships until death,” reminds us of the friendships and the happy companionships among high school students.  All these things on the picturesque background of Whiting High School’s emerald, green.”   (Circa 1993)

As part of their 30-year reunion, the Class of 1958 restored the outdoor clock above the front entrance of their alma mater.  Although a four-foot diameter bronze clockface was included when the building was constructed in 1909, the mechanism was never installed. In addition, a dusk-to-dawn light was installed to illuminate the clock during nighttime. (Circa 1988)

On March 12, 1988, the restored clock was placed in operation. A formal dedication was held in the school’s auditorium on August 20, 1988. At the dedication, school officials were presented with a 30” x 30” commemorative plaque that would be displayed in the main hall of the high school.  The plaque lists classmate names, honored faculty, and School City of Whiting officials. 

The Inscription read: “THE RESTORATION OF THE OUTDOOR CLOCK IS DEDICATED TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN PART OF THE WHITING CITY SCHOOLS SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1898. THIS CLOCK HONORS THE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1958 AND SERVES AS A MEMORIAL TO OUR DECEASED CLASSMATES. AUGUST 20, 1988.”

Five years later, the Class of 1958 again expressed their collective appreciation to their alma mater with the addition of Westminster Chimes and carillon to the outdoor clock as part of their 35-year anniversary of graduation.  Classmates wanted to give “voice” to the clock.  The chimes and carillon were installed by The Verdin Company, Cincinnati Ohio.  The Verdin Campana Town Crier system was an advanced digital authentic electronic reproduction of actual bells.  These 5 bells tones were stored electronically and played the traditional Westminster Chime and hour Strike. Four compound diffraction speakers were roof-mounted on a dedicated aluminum frame for tonal deliverance.  The Campana Master Program Module Controller was in the School’s Principal Office to facilitate operational control. 

This gift was formally presented to Whiting City Schools on December 14, 1993, at the Board of Education meeting. In addition to the chimes and carillon, two custom-made cassette tapes were prepared by the Verdin Company with the following:  The National Anthem, God Bless America, The Whiting High School Song, and Pomp and Circumstance: Tapes #623 and #661. It is hoped these selections will be played on appropriate days for school and civic celebrations.

To that end, the Class of 1958 requested approval from the Whiting City Council to operate the chimes and carillon in accordance with local Noise Ordinance 1247 regulations.  The School City of Whiting received operational approval for the chimes and carillon from the Office of Mayor Bercik on April 6, 1993.

Officially, the memorial Westminster chimes and Carillon were placed in operation on Friday, July 9, 1993, chiming on the hour. During school days, carillon music was added at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Equipped with computerized memory, the chimes and carillon were programmable to operate on custom-designed schedules. 

The restoration of the clock and installation of chimes and carillon symbolize the character of our hometown and the appreciation and affection one has after so many years. What quality of education engenders such loyalty? What made those times as high school students leave such long-lasting expression that years after graduation, the Class of 1958 Came together to show their collective appreciation?  Reflecting on those times there were contributing factors focused on education:  An outstanding faculty, the small-student population, and the support given the school by parents, and community residents. Education was the focal point within the family and community. School was an extension of community life—along with church and family—served to reinforce, trust, honor, respect, tradition, self-worth, and personal responsibility.  

It would be easier to explain if one could cite a formula that allowed a class to capture the values and long-lasting friendship that has sustained it over 60 plus years. But no such formula seems likely. Rather, it was a gift presented to an ordinary group of teenaged kids when they entered high school in the mid-1950s that resulted in a chemistry whose spirit, pride, and gratitude is evident in the restoration of the clock and operation of the chimes and carillon.

THE CLOCK

On August 12, 1987, following numerous inquiries and research, the R & H Guarantee Products Company of Cicero, Illinois was selected and contracted to restore Whiting High Schools’ outdoor clock.  Mr. Fred Schwartz -  R&H associates conducted an on-site assessment and submitted information for the mechanical, electrical, and installation required for the clock project.   In order not to disrupt the beginning of school, preliminary work began a few days later. 

The new school year was scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 8, following Labor Day.  On the preceding Wednesday, September 2nd, Whiting Fire Department personnel, Tom Mordus, Paul Kuss, and fellow firefighters utilized the aerial fire truck, I to inspect the outdoor face of the clock’s numerals and the integrity of the clock’s center bushing. This work was coordinated by Louis Gyure and Steve Taylor, Whiting Schools’  maintenance personnel. 

Inside was another adventure. Access to the back side of the outdoor clock was via Whiting High School’s attic.   The roomy, wood floored attic was accessible through Mr. Stoffer’s second floor Biology classroom.  There was a storage room behind the front of the classroom.  Inside the storeroom, a twelve-step iron spiral stairway led up to the attic.  As a student, I had never visited this area or went into the attic.   However, reading the heavily chalked and crayon student autographs and graffiti scrawled on the walls and door to the attic, it was obvious this was a popular place for clandestine student visits.   

On the attic floor were stored boxes of vintage payroll receipts.  A who’s who of the faculty was represented and one could review the earnings of faculty from years past.  I set a few hand tools on the floor and moved the storage boxes to one side to make a clear pathway and open workspace at the back of the clock.   After some preliminary measurements, calculations, and layout lines, I proceeded to remove the plastered wall to reveal the masonry and brickwork behind the clock face. 

Over several weeks additional attic visits were needed to ensure the accuracy of the housing fixtures, and electrical connections needed for the clock’s operation.  The cooperation of Whiting School’s Administration and maintenance department personnel was most appreciated.

During the initial visit by the clock installers, details of various housing fixtures and electrical circuitry necessary for the installation were explained.  I agreed to fabricate the housing fixtures to reduce installation cost.   I removed the fewest number of bricks required for installation.  (The removed bricks were appropriately engraved and presented to classmates who assisted with the clock installation.) The necessary masonry was applied to receive the custom-made housing. Afterwards, the trim was installed and fastened in place.  A few days later, the clock installers completed the wiring.  On an adjacent wall, a “Pilot” clock was installed.  The pilot clock is used to set the time when the outside clock face cannot be seen. Once this inside work was done, the outside installation of the clock’s hands could be completed.

A personal remembrance:  On Friday, September 4, 1987--a sundrenched sizzling late September afternoon. I worked alone in Whiting High School’s attic.  Carefully I removed the plaster and masonry covering the center hole of the clock’s dial. Immediately, a solid, saber-like gold rod of sunlight came through the center hole of the clock face. This dowel rod-like circle of sunlight, the size of a dime illuminated the opposite attic wall. I paused and looked at the dust particles dancing along the shaft of shimmering summer sunlight.  In a poignant pensive moment, I realized this was the first sunlight to fill the attic of Whiting High School since 1910.

A letter to Dr Novak, Superintendent of Schools, dated August 23, 1993, reads in part: 

“On Friday, July 9, 1993, Whiting High Schools’ Memorial Chimes and Carillon were installed and placed in operation.  The chimes and carillon are a gift to the School City of Whiting from the Class of 1958 as part of our 35-year reunion celebration.  Five years ago, our class restored the outdoor clock at Whiting High. With the addition of chimes and carillon, the memorial clock has been given “voice.” Together they honor all who have been part of the Whiting City Schools since 1898.”

On August 20, 1988, we concluded the clock dedication with the following:

A LONG TIME AGO, IN THE FALL OF 1910,

WHITING HIGH SCHOOL OPENED ITS DOORS,

AND CLASSES SOON BEGAN.

ABOVE ITS DOORS, HIGH ABOVE THE GROUND,

A CLOCK WAS PLACED WITH NO HANDS TO GO AROUND.

FOR SEVENTY-EIGHT YEARS THIS CLOCK WAS STILL,

IT NEITHER TOCKED NOR TICKED,

AND NO ONE DURING ALL THAT TIME, EVEN BOTHERED TO GET IT FIXED.

UNTIL THAT SPECIAL GROUPS OF FOLKS, FROM THE CLASS OF ’58.

DECIDED TO RESTORE THE CLOCK, FOR THEIR REUNION IN ’88.

  THE CLOCK WOULD BE A GIFT TO THE SCHOOL,

A TOKEN OR OUR BEST,

AND SERVE AS A TIMELY MEMORIAL,

TO CLASSMATES NOW AT REST.

AN ELEGANT PLAQUE LISTING ALL THE NAMES,

OF CLASSMATES WHO CONTRIBUTED,

WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE SCHOOL’S MAIN HALL,

WITH A VIEW THAT UNINHIBITED.

THERE, ALL CAN SEE, AND READ THE ROLL,

OF CLASSMATES, TEACHERS, AND FRIENDS,

WHO GAVE THEIR BEST, AND PASSED THE TEST,

IT IS THESE EFFORTS WE COMMEND.

 LETTERS WERE WRITTEN, CALLS WERE PLACED,

REQUESTS WENT OUT BY MAIL,

AS CONTRIBUTIONS WERE RECEIVED,

WE KNEW WE WOULD NOT FAIL.

OUR CLAIM IS NOT TO BE NUMBER ONE,

THE GREATEST DO NOT BOAST OR PRETEND,

BUT THE WHITING HIGH CLASS OF 1958,

IS SOLIDLY IN THE TOP TEN.

THIS CLOCK NOW RUNS FOR YOU AND I,

FOR ALL WHO’VE BEEN PART OF THIS SCHOOL,

IT’S ALSO A TRIBUTE TO HONORED TEACHERS,

WHO TAUGHT US THE GOLDEN RULE.

AND IF BY CHANCE, SOMEONE SHOULD ASK:

“WHY DIDN’T THEY LET THAT CLOCK SLEEP?”

TELL THEM IT’S PART OF A LIFELONG COMMITMENT,

OF PROMISES TO KEEP.

BECAUSE NO ONE IS PROMISED TOMORROW,                  

TODAY MAY BE ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS,

IT’S BEST TO PURSUE A SMALL DREAM OR TWO,

AS EXAMPLE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW.

SO, AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE,

I THINK OUR CLASS DID JUST FINE.

THE REASON WE FIXED THAT MAJESTIC OLD CLOCK,

IS BECAUSE—IT’S ABOUT TIME!

EPILOUGE

It would be satisfying to note the WHS clock, Westminster chimes, and carillon continue to operate and celebrate the history, legacy, dedication, and commitment of all who have been part of Whiting City Schools since its founding in 1898.  But today they remain silent and still.  Times change, and allegiance to traditions and historical milestones of school and community once revered, are set aside in favor of more contemporary priorities.  Even so, with or without the chimes, whenever I hear I’ll Be Seeing You, the WHS Class of 1958 song, it engenders memories and moments of adolescence, Whiting High School, and the personal keepsakes of once-upon-a-time.

NOTE:   Reference to the Class of 1958 and Honored Educators of Whiting High School throughout this article warrants listing of their name for recognition and appreciation.

WHITING HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 1958

Arlene Abner                          Judith Dvorshak          Thomas Justak               Elaine Muday                                                  

Michael Adzima                     Donald Elledge            Judith Kamradt             Diana Mrzlock                                          

Barbara Anderson                    Denver Ferry               Lawrence Kenda            Linda Novotny

Margaret Arnold                   Elaine Foster               Sharon Kinnane             Mary Payton

Otho Barton                            Patrick Gallivan           Michael Klym                  Alberta Phelps

Gale Beeler                             Thomas Gambini         Irene Kobe                      Henry Plawecki

Francis Bernard                       Constance Geffert        Albert Koch                    Dennis Plesha

Dennis Blazewick                   Leroy Girman             Ernest Kochis                 John Pohl

Richard Bonczyk                   Elizabeth Green          John Krivacic                  Roberta Progar

Mildred Brown                       Carolyn Gruba               Katherine Kroslack          Frank Pustek

Benedict Bubala                    Virginia Gyure            Thomas Kujawa              Gayle Pustek

Donald  Bubala                     Charlotte Hall               Stephen Linko                Jerry Reeves

Clyde Buckmaster                 John Hart                     Melton Litavec                Arnold Reener

Gerald Burke                        Richard Harding          Patricia Louis                 Donald Richardson

Mary Calfa                            Frank Harrison            Joseph Lovasko              Milton Riggs

Norma Jean Carroll              Mary Hayes                  Marion Lunde                Janice Roe

Donald Carter                      Leonard Helpingstine      Annette Lynch               Nancy Rosdil

Gilberta Ciesar                      Nancy Hill                     Donald Maicher              June Rowe

Helen Collier                           William Hurt               Clifford Morden              Karen Sabo

Deonia Copeland                    Daniel Jacobs              William Marlowe              Norma Satterlee

Annette DeCarlo                  Diana Jamrose             Marjean Maxwell            Leonard Scher

Susanne Doman                   Janet Johnson              Marian Mayernik           Jack Scott

Barbara Dunker                   Mary Ann Jurbala          Joyce Mowell                  Jack Sims

Bernadette Skalka                 Mae Carol Sorrells       Judith Walsko                 Rudolph Wunder

Diana Skundrich                 Phyllis Strabavy           Marilyn Wandell             David Yadron

Anna Smith                             Patricia Sullivan           Wayne Westerfield        Evelyn Yasvec

Caroline Smith                      Carolyn Thornton       Sharen Williams              Anita young

Elaine Smoltz                        Joan Tolley                   Ronald Wilson                Dorothy Zencka                  

Margaret Smriga                  Robert Turich              Florence Wingert

NOTE:  Classmate roster culled from 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1958 Whiting High School REFLECTOR

This list included names of students who enrolled in, and attended, Whiting High School in September 1954, and students who joined the Class of 1958 in succeeding years.  A number of classmates transferred from Whiting High School before Graduation in June 1958.  Several classmates left Whiting High School prior to graduation to join the Armed Forces—fulfilling their military draft commitment.

ALSO:  Formal first names are listed—shortened first names, middle names and initials have been omitted.

AND…counting all classmates who were part of the Class from 1954 to 1958: One Hundred and Sixteen (116).  Diplomas presented to graduation classmates on Wednesday, June 4, 1958 – Eighty-Five (85).  (In BOLD print)

WHITING HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY

     1954 – 1958

Jesse B. Allen              James Buckley                 William P. Buerkholtz         George Burman                 Delma Byers

George Calder            Shirley Crutchfield          Edward Decker                     Joseph DePeugh                
Irene Dougherty

Ruth Espenlaub         Thomas Faulkner             Stephen Fowdy                      Raymond P.  Gallivan      
Norman Hall

Donald Hogue            Wesley Humphrey           Alice Jenkins                          Alexander Kompier          
Henry Kosalko

Peter Kovachic           Charles Leckrome           Marie Lentvorsky                  Adam P. Lesinsky            
Joseph McAdam

George McClure         Elizabeth Matson            Michael Mihalo                      Edward Pawlus                 
Ann Marie Petersen

Joseph Piatek              Bernard Qubeck              C. E Riehl                               Emmit L. Riordan             Von Stoffer

Jack Taylor                 La Donna Thue                Arnold Turner                       James Ulrich                     
Bernard J. Vesley

Marion Wagner          E. L. Watkins                   Mary Jeanne Wiesen

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Dr Gerald L. Novak, Superintendent                                     Mayor of Whiting Robert Bercik (1993)

Mildred Kubon – School Board President                     Mayor of Whiting Joseph Grenchik (1988)

James Buckley – Board of Education Member               
Fire Chief Mark Kobli & Fire Department Personnel       (1993)

Gerald Strabavy – Board of Education Member               Fire Chief Thomas Justak & Fire Department personnel (1988)

Jack Jaros, Jr. – Board of Education Member    
Charles Kosalko, Jr. Board of Education Member

As mentioned, this is about a school, a class, a clock, and teachers that added treasure to our high school years. And it’s about today, yesterday, and once-upon-a-time.