Fenger High School Records

Dates: 1925-1987
Size: 5 linear feet in 10 boxes (including 28 photographs), plus 1 oversize folder
Repository: Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605
Collection Number: spe.fhs
Immediate Source of Acquisition: Transferred from the Pullman Branch Library in 1982, funded by the Dr. Scholl Foundation. Additional yearbooks 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.
Conditions Governing Use: Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
Preferred Citation: When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Fenger High School Records [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library.
Finding Aid Author: Original author unknown. Processed, 1982. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Johanna Russ, 2021.

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.

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.

Subjects

  • Christian Fenger High School (Chicago, Ill.)
  • High schools — Illinois — Chicago
  • Roseland (Chicago, Ill.)

Related Material

Collection Inventory

Box 1 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1925 January
Box 1 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1925 June
Box 1 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1926 February
Box 1 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1926 June
Box 1 Folder 5 Fenger Courier 1927
Box 1 Folder 6 Fenger Courier 1928 February
Box 1 Folder 7 Fenger Courier 1928 June
Box 1 Folder 8 Fenger Courier 1929 June
Box 1 Folder 9 Fenger Courier 1930 February
Box 1 Folder 10 Fenger Courier 1934 June
Box 1 Folder 11 Fenger Courier 1935 January
Box 2 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1935 June
Box 2 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1936 January
Box 2 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1936 June
Box 2 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1937 January
Box 2 Folder 5 Fenger Courier 1938 June
Box 2 Folder 6 Fenger Courier 1939 January
Box 2 Folder 7 Fenger Courier 1939 June
Box 7 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1941 January
Box 7 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1941 June
Box 7 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1942 January
Box 7 Folder 5 Fenger Courier 1942 June
Box 7 Folder 6 Fenger Courier 1943 January
Box 8 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1943 June
Box 8 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1944 January
Box 8 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1944 June
Box 8 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1945 January
Box 8 Folder 5 Fenger Courier 1945 June
Box 8 Folder 6 Fenger Courier 1946 January
Box 8 Folder 7 Fenger Courier 1946 June
Box 9 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1947 January
Box 2 Folder 10 Fenger Courier 1949
Box 3 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1950
Box 3 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1951
Box 9 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1952
Box 3 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1954
Box 3 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1956
Box 3 Folder 5 Fenger Courier 1957
Box 4 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1957
Box 4 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1959
Box 4 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1960
Box 4 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1961
Box 5 Folder 1 Fenger Courier 1962
Box 5 Folder 2 Fenger Courier 1963
Box 5 Folder 3 Fenger Courier 1964
Box 5 Folder 4 Fenger Courier 1965
Box 10 Photograph 1.1 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.2 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.3 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.4 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.5 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.6 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.7 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.8 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.9 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.10 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.11 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.12 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.13 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.14 Fenger High School dance, unidentified couple 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.15 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.16 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.17 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.18 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.19 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.20 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.21 Fenger High School dance, multiple couples 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.22 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.23 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.24 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.25 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.26 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.27 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Box 10 Photograph 1.28 Fenger High School dance, dance floor scene 1946
Oversize folder 1   Fenger News 1951 November 9
Box 9 Folder 3 Football schedule 1944
Box 5 Folder 5 History of Fenger 1903-1936
Box 5 Folder 5 PTA Yearbooks 1943-1944, 1959-1960
Box 9 Folder 4 Reunion Program, 35 Year 1977 October 29
Box 9 Folder 5 Reunion Program, 40 Year 1987 April 25
Box 6 Folder 1 Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book I 1952-1956
Box 6 Folder 2 Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book II 1967-1969
Box 7 Folder 1 Scrapbook by Beryl Fenstemacher, Book III 1969-1972
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